---

Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]

I have listened carefully to what the hon. Lady has said, and I agree with her, not my party's Front Benchers, on some things. However, I found her latest statement quite astounding. She had been making the case for local democracy, but then she said quite blatantly, "But we will control the level of taxation." Is it not the case that what will really stimulate local democracy is a direct relationship between local services and the money raised to pay for them, which can be dealt with at the ballot box?