Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Friday, 22 February 2008.

Central-Local Concordat

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What instructions and advice are being given to Natural England concerning changes to their policies and working arrangements following the signing of the Central-Local Concordat on 12 December 2007, both in general and in specific response to the agreement in the concordat (a) ““that there should be a presumption that powers are best exercised at the lowest effective and practical level””; (b) that central Government undertakes to ““progressively remove obstacles which prevent councils from pursuing their role, including reducing the burden of appraisal and approval regimes, the ring-fencing of funds for specific purposes and the volume of guidance it issues””; and (c) that in relation to the negotiation of new-style local area agreements ““this objective will require major changes in behaviour and practice from central government departments, their agencies, government offices, councils and local partners””; and what is the process and timetable for such changes.

Answer: The Central-Local Concordat, agreed between the Government and the Local Government Association (LGA), on behalf of local authorities in England, was signed in December last year. It commits both parties to a framework of principles to secure a new relationship between central government and local government. The operation of this agreement will be monitored on a continuing basis, through renewed Central-Local Partnership arrangements. Statutory guidance to Natural England on its role in regional planning and associated matters, including LAAs, was issued in March 2007 following public consultation: paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8 refer. We have no plans to issue further guidance. Implementation of the guidance is a matter for the board of Natural England. The guidance is available on Defra's website and I will undertake to send the noble Lord a copy of the guidance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1915; 699 c88-9WA
Session: 2007-08
Subjects: Central government Cooperation Devolution Local government Standards Natural England Local area agreements
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk