Local Government Bill — 7 Jan 2003 at 21:45

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

Local government performs a vital function in the life of our country. Local authorities between them account for about 25 per cent. of all public expenditure in England and Wales. Local authorities deliver a wide range of services that are vital to the well-being of local communities and individuals and are uniquely well placed to reflect and represent the concerns and aspirations of the people living and working in their areas.

I beg to move, To leave out from XThat" to the end of the Question, and to add instead thereof:

Xthis House declines to give a Second Reading to the Local Government Bill because it is a centralising measure that will have the effect of undermining local democracy by imposing new duties and responsibilities on local authorities; it places in the hands of the Secretary of State too much power to determine the management of individual local authorities; it deprives local authorities of control over housing and capital receipts; and it gives unnecessary powers to the Secretary of State on financial administration, particularly the powers to specify the level of local authorities' reserves and to monitor budgets."

Question put, That the amendment be made:-

The House divided: Ayes 141, Noes 370.

Debate in Parliament | Historical Hansard | Source |