Sustainable Communities Bill

I am sorry to have missed the early part of my hon. Friend’s remarks, and I am sorry that he does not support all aspects of the Bill. To my mind, it is a misunderstanding to see it as a top-down measure. The Bill provides the framework, but it is up to local areas to decide their spending commitments, given that central Government decides how each local area is expected to perform. That is why we elect central Government. Does my hon. Friend agree?