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Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill

I am happy to say that we will not press the new clause. I am delighted that, following our lengthy deliberations and votes in Committee, the Government tabled new clause 4, after my hon. Friend the Member for East Surrey (Mr. Ainsworth), the shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, tabled new clause 1, which has Liberal Democrat support. The Government have thought better of their previous view and tabled a sensible proposal that is similar to ours. I am especially delighted about the Government’s decision because new clause 1 had significant support, not least from the Local Government Association, which wrote:"““As an Association we are supporting and promoting local authority work to reduce CO2 emissions through increased energy efficiency and wider use of renewable energy and microgeneration, and encouraging further action on fuel poverty . . . . The LGA is therefore supportive of your proposed amendment which will link action with national objectives through the pivotal role of local authorities while giving councils the flexibility to adopt the best local solutions for their communities.””" Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, chairman of the LGA, and of Conservative-controlled Kent county council, wrote that letter. There have been other general expressions of support, especially for the important part of the Bill dealing with the work of local authorities in driving forward its objectives. For example, the London borough of Bromley passed a resolution on 23 January to welcome the Bill’s Second Reading, which happened on 11 November 2005. It noted the elements of the measure, supported it, resolved to inform the Government of the council’s views and urged the Government to continue to support the Bill and all Members of Parliament to consider its provisions carefully. That is typical of wide support throughout the country. If we are honest, the Bill is relatively timid. It contains no great sweeping powers, regulatory impositions or financial implications, but it shows a clear direction, and the new clause is important in reasserting political leadership locally. It is vital to enable local authorities to implement the Bill in a way that is suitable to their communities. That is the nub of the new clause, and Government new clause 4 reflects it. It would provide for local authorities to be mindful of the regulations but also for local implementation with due regard to local factors.