Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

I have some sympathy with what the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, has proposed. Certainly, the whole thing needs updating, as most things do after a period of time, and this should be looked at. I agree that we should look at the role played by the officer rather than the salary. The salary thing is totally outdated. It debars some people in particular areas and is quite ridiculous. We should be looking at the role of that officer in the local authority, the proximity to advice and such things rather than the salary. I also have a lot of sympathy with the point made about nomination. Clearly, to give up your job and wait to be elected is not fair. It is a question of natural justice. On the third amendment, I know of councils that have got around the problem by employing someone who has lost their seat as a consultant—although not in Essex. I know that there are ways around the problem, but they would break the real purpose behind the law. I know of local authority members who lost their seats and then became consultants for the local authority in the same year. That might need tightening up to make certain that people do not get around that law. But I have some sympathy because the provision is out of date and needs looking at again.