Member

Part 2 of that Act sought to empower communities to make local decisions for local people. That was our approach. We did not simply talk about localism; we legislated for it. That is why we support paragraph (d), which rightly promotes greater community acceptability. Part 1 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act was guided by a clear set of missions, ambitions to build and level up, which were explicitly stated in the chapter’s title. We acted on those missions. I ask the Minister: when was the last time we heard any mention of her Government’s missions? Do they have any? In our view, this epitomises the lack of cohesion in the Government’s approach. A purpose clause can help the Government focus on their plans by clearly articulating the Bill’s rationale and its ambitions, something that is essential if the legislation is to succeed. A purpose clause will help the Minister remain mission driven.