Severe Weather (Transport and Public Services)

As has been my experience over the past four and a half years, the hon. Gentleman makes a good point. Over the past few days and weeks, we have seen examples of local authorities and others using central Government as an excuse for their inability to run services in their communities. We need to be vigilant about local authorities that point the finger—most of them, I am afraid, happen to be Conservative authorities, as he will be aware—and that are prayed in aid by ill-briefed spokespeople for Her Majesty's Opposition, whether for the Department for Communities and Local Government or the Department for Transport.