Member

Amendment 176, giving the Secretary of State powers to intervene when local authorities fail in their duties, simply ensures accountability. It prevents local authorities setting aside their obligations, which is very important. The noble Lord, Lord Hunt, who is not in his place, made a similar point when we discussed local area community energy plans. It is essential in the current climate that these powers are set in statutory law, so that there is certainty across local authorities and accountability for all local authorities to deliver them.