§ David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the separate precepting arrangements for combined fire authorities in England outlined in the latest local government White Paper will come into effect. [39727]
§ Dr. WhiteheadAs announced in the White Paper, the Government are proposing to take the legislative steps necessary to make combined fire authorities in England major precepting bodies. This change will require an amendment to primary legislation, because the revised financial arrangements would otherwise conflict with the provisions of section 5 of the Fire Services Act 1947. The timetable for making the change will depend upon the Department securing a legislative slot in a forthcoming Session of Parliament for a Bill to implement proposals in respect of local government finance in the White Paper.