Member

On Amendment 28, tabled by the noble Baroness, Lady Pinnock, as I have set out, the Government are committed to work closely in partnership with local communities. This power would be used only in areas where a path to devolution cannot be agreed upon, and there are safeguards in the Bill to make sure that that is the case. In many areas, the Bill strengthens the role of local communities. The Bill will introduce a new requirement for all local authorities to make appropriate arrangements for the effective governance of any neighbourhood area, and this will move decision-making closer to residents.