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Local Transport Bill [HL]

I thank my noble friend Lord Rosser for his explanation of the amendment, which deals with those bodies that could choose to be directed to carry out a review of transport governance arrangements in an area that is already an ITA area or to which an existing ITA area might be extended. As has been explained in another context, it is sensible to retain sufficient flexibility in the Bill to allow for different arrangements to apply in different areas according to local circumstances. As part of this, it would be sensible to retain flexibility about which bodies were responsible for carrying out governance reviews, rather than dictating this in the Bill. That said, we would expect that an existing integrated transport authority would have a key interest in any review of transport governance in their area, especially where it was considering the ITA’s own constitutional arrangements and powers. Clause 83 enables the Secretary of State to issue guidance to authorities carrying out reviews, and we would expect to make clear in this guidance the need for such authorities to consult widely in their area as part of their review, especially where a review was not being carried out jointly by all authorities in that area. Also, Clause 79(4) makes it clear that the Secretary of State would have to consult, as appropriate, the ITA and district and county councils in an ITA area before making any order to implement any proposals emanating from a review. Taken together, those provisions should ensure that the interests of all authorities in an area are taken into account before any changes are made to existing arrangements. I hope that in the light of the explanation that I have just given, my noble friend will be prepared to withdraw his amendment.