Localism Bill

But do they read the plain English guide to the Localism Bill? That says, on the community right to challenge, that many local authorities, "““recognise the potential of social enterprises””." I hope that my noble friend Lord Shutt of Greetland, who I think will respond to the debate, will be able to say a word about whether in the Government’s mind social enterprises are something different from community groups. Many social enterprises are in fact businesses. That is not a criticism, but they are very different from community groups. The application of these provisions to social enterprises is interesting. The guide refers to them providing, "““high-quality services at good value””," and delivering services ““with””—that is, with local authorities—““and through them””. I was interested in the ““with””, which, in the legislation, finds its manifestation in, "““assisting in providing a relevant service””." I do not know whether my noble friend is able at this stage—we may need to wait for the regulations, which I, like the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, hope to see before too long—to explain what that assistance might look like.