Member

The provisions in this Bill will not remove any of the protections provided for assets under the Localism Act. Instead, they will expand the number of assets that are in scope and ensure that communities have a realistic opportunity to safeguard them. The noble Baroness asked why the Bill replicates and amends the provisions in the Localism Act rather than amending them directly. The reason is technical. The provisions in the Localism Act extend to England and Wales, but the new provisions will apply to England only. Schedule 29 and its provisions are vital in ensuring that communities can shape their areas and support them to thrive.