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Local Authorities (Overview and Scrutiny) Bill (Money)

This Bill makes provision to require local authorities with lead responsibility for local area agreements to provide designated scrutiny officers with sufficient resources to discharge their functions. That is what the hon. Member for Putney (Justine Greening) was referring to in her contribution. This requirement may result in additional costs for authorities, which we estimate will be no more than £4.5 million a year. In line with the new burdens doctrine, any net additional cost to local authorities as a result of this requirement will be fully and properly funded by the Government. The provision requiring these local authorities to resource sufficiently their scrutiny officers is necessary if the aims of the Bill are to be achieved. I commend the resolution to the House. Question put and agreed to.