Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

I shall speak also to Amendments 160BB, 160BC and 160BD and to the Questions whether Clause 58 and Schedule 3 shall stand part of the Bill. The first three amendments address the criteria for selecting the number of councillors. The schedule provides for the need to secure that the ratio of electors to the number of members is as nearly as possible the same in every electoral area of the different councils the subject of the schedule. My amendment would change the word ““possible”” to ““practicable””, subject to the next paragraph. That is because that paragraph rightly recognises the need to reflect the identities and interests of local communities, of fixing boundaries which are easily identifiable and of not breaking local ties when fixing boundaries. Those are very important points. In representing one’s electors one thinks about representing a community, not a community with an artificial boundary down the middle of it because that makes the numbers neat. I am not suggesting that absolutely a community must be kept as a distinct entity—apart from anything else there would be arguments as to where the boundary of a community is—but the term ““possible”” reduces too much the criteria set out in paragraph (b) and I would like to see greater recognition. I dare say I am going to be told that this is provided for at the moment in whatever legislation this is replacing, but it is still important. Amendment 160BD takes us to Schedule 3, which relates to the interim period and provides for a transitional arrangement. This is the subject of my objection to Clause 58 and Schedule 3. Amendment 160BD will enable me, I hope, to ask the Minister what is in the pipeline. The Electoral Commission makes the broader point that the new arrangements commencing before the new committee is established is confusing, counterproductive and inefficient. There will be no statutory relationship between the two bodies. It clearly feels that it can continue. I look forward to the Minister explanation of the Government’s thinking. I beg to move.