Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 24 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 November 1997. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Thursday, 27 November 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he will publish his proposals to place on councils a new duty to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area; and what plans he has to consult on the scope of the duty.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish his proposals to place on councils a new duty to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area; and what plans he has to consult on the scope of the duty. [18121] Mr. Raynsford: We will shortly be publishing a consultation paper on democracy and community leadership, which will include details of our proposals to place a duty on councils to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area. It will be one of a series of consultation papers on local government matters including best value, the ethical framework and finance, that will feed into a comprehensive White Paper on local government next Spring. We will consult widely on our proposals, including with the Local Government Association, local authorities, business, the voluntary sector and other interested organisations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 18121; 301 c624-5W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Environment Functions Economic policy Local government Policy Reform Social policy