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Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

The noble Lord raises an important point. We were referring to the principal local authorities that are liaising fairly regularly with their connected authorities and promoting the information that they are providing. Certainly, we will look at some specific examples and, if possible, write to the noble Lord on that point. While I am speaking, it is important to acknowledge the point made by the noble Baroness, Lady Maddock, about guidance suffocating innovation. I take that point on board, because it is important. Any form of bureaucracy, or what is seen to be prescription, does stifle innovation. We certainly do not wish to do that. I know that there is a fine balance between prescription and trying to offer some clarification. We have used the phrase ““light-touch guidance””, and we are genuinely trying to achieve that. We want a real balance in offering clarification that would be helpful and that would be light touch and not stifle innovation in the process.