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Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

I now understand better what the noble Lord is saying. If he is saying that there are now many more examples of participation and encouragement thereof that one can point to than even 20 or 50 years ago, he is absolutely right. However, they are only examples. They cannot apply across the country as a whole. There is no legislation that requires all local authorities to do that. It is surely desirable, however, that the example of some local authorities should be followed. I come back to my basic point that participation in the vital matter of local elections is lamentably low.