HL Deb 22 July 1998 vol 592 cc931-2

4 Clause 17, page 14, line 28, leave out ("has") and insert ("means a local authority within").

5 Page 14, line 29, at end insert ("or the Common Council of the City of London").

Lord Williams of Mostyn

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 4 and 5 en bloc.

These amendments relate to the City of London and its arrangements. The Common Council of the City of London is not a local authority as defined in Section 270(1) of the 1972 Local Government Act. Clause 17 as currently drafted means that the duty to consider crime and disorder implications of all decisions applies to Common Council only in its capacity as a police authority, and not in its capacity as a local authority.

This is an unintended anomaly. The new obligation will apply to all local authorities in England and Wales. The exclusion of the Common Council was accidental. The purpose of the amendments is to ensure that the obligation therefore applies to the council in both its capacities.

Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 4 and 5.—(Lord Williams of Mostyn.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.