Member

I hope that everyone here will recognise that democracy only works when people who are elected have the tools, training and support to govern effectively. This Bill expands duties for councillors. It reshapes scrutiny. It places heavier burdens on local oversight and it strengthens audit requirements significantly, yet nowhere in this Bill does it guarantee that councillors or auditors will be given the skills training they need to carry out these responsibilities. That is why we have tabled new clause 20, which would ensure training for councillors, which is the foundation of good governance. Ministers claim that they want stronger, more capable local government, so supporting new clause 20 is a test of whether they really mean it.