§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how many individual applications he has received from local authorities under sections two and five of the Local Government Act 2000; [76316]
491W(2) how many individual applications from local authorities under sections two and five of the Local Government Act 2000 have been determined by his Department to date; [76315]
(3) what mechanisms his Department has in place for dealing with applications from local authorities under sections two and five of the Local Government Act 2000. [76317]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe have received enquiries about possible use of section 5 Orders in respect of legislation that is the responsibility of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister from Camden, Shepway, Southampton and Watford. None of these enquiries have yet resulted in an Order being laid. In one case the request has been superseded by other de-regulatory measures.
Procedures for applying for orders made under Section 5 of the Local Government Act 2000 are set out the guidance on the operation of the well being powers published in March 2001. Authorities are also able to discuss the potential use of Section 5 orders in the course of negotiating Local Public Service Agreements. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister considers any applications which relate to legislation for which it has responsibility and provides advice to other departments as necessary.