Member

I turn to neighbourhood governance and Motion D and Lords Amendments 37 and 91. I recognise the strength of feeling among noble Lords about the role of parish councils in neighbourhood governance. The Government have considered Lords Amendments 37 and 91 carefully. We cannot accept an amendment that would undermine the principle of autonomy and localism. The creation of new parish councils is for local authorities to decide based on their communities’ needs, and central government should not interfere with that.