Member

On Amendment 205, I appreciate the intention to bring local decision-making as close as possible to affected neighbourhoods and the recognition of the important role that locally elected councils play, and will continue to play, in neighbourhood governance. However, we believe that the amendment is unnecessary. Neighbourhood governance measures in the Bill will already strengthen local engagement and ensure that decisions are shaped by those who best understand local needs. This is a core principle of the policy, and we are committed to moving decision-making closer to residents. Introducing general duties would create legal and operational rigidity, reducing our ability to design arrangements that can adapt to diverse local contexts. We want to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, as we recognise the differences between communities across the country.