Member

More broadly, my clause stand part notice seeks to clarify a number of aspects of the clause. First, in terms of unintended consequences, we hear that local authorities are concerned that this will have a chilling effect on the provision of capacity in this area and stop the providers’ plans to expand. Anecdotally, we hear that this is already happening. What analysis has the department done of the financial investment in this area—by which I mean both capital investment and other relevant investment—by for-profit providers, local authorities and not-for-profit providers, in each of the last five years? Will the noble Baroness share that information in a letter? Has the department looked at the impact of introducing fining provisions on other regulated activities, and what has that shown?