Ros in the Lords - 21 June: another fail for the Government...

Regional Development Agencies: Funding

Question

Asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the funding allocated to regional development agencies for the provision of leaders' boards under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 will continue until legislation repealing the leaders' boards has been enacted.[HL228]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): The Secretary of State has announced that government funding for regional local authority leaders' boards-which took over most of the functions and staff of the old regional assemblies-has been ended. This does not need to await the repeal of Section 5 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and will produce an annual saving of £16 million.

The dismantling of these boards will remove a needlessly complex bureaucracy and see local authorities put firmly back in control of planning in their areas. This will ensure local people can hold their leaders to account.

Another poor answer from the Minister, in that the legislation requires that the leaders' boards meet, and that without funding, they probably can't. Unless Section 5 is repealed, an unfunded obligation exists. The answer? Repeal Section 5 as quickly as possible...