Localism Bill (ways and means)

I look forward to hearing my hon. Friend's case deployed in the debate. I am pleased to report that there is a very broad measure of agreement, both inside and outside the House, on the Bill's principles and, indeed, on many of its specific provisions. Local authorities will need to ensure the delivery of more responsive services in a more transparent way, so that their citizens can see what is going on. To do so, local councils will need to innovate, to work across traditional boundaries and to ensure clear lines of accountability to their residents. That will be characterised, above all, by the way in which local democracy is renewed. Within this very large group of proposed changes, there are a number of new clauses and amendments that hon. Members from all parts of the House have tabled, including the one to which my hon. Friend just referred. We shall debate them, I will consider carefully the points that hon. Members raise and I hope to have the opportunity to respond to them before the close of this debate. We had a consensual time on the whole in Committee, and I hope that we can carry that forward in our discussion on this group of proposed changes.