§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what environmental appraisal of the Local Government Bill he has carried out; and when he will publish the report of its findings. [118032]
§ Ms ArmstrongThe provisions in the Local Government Bill deal primarily with the internal workings of local authorities and their councillors, and are unlikely to have significant impacts on the environment. For this reason, no substantive environmental appraisal was carried out.
Local authorities will be able to take steps under Part I of the Bill to promote and improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of their areas. However, the environmental impact of these provisions will depend on how authorities choose to exercise their powers. In these circumstances it is not possible to conduct a meaningful environmental appraisal.
Notes on the effects of the Bill on public sector finances and public sector manpower, a summary of the Regulatory Appraisal and a statement of the Bill's compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights are included in the Explanatory Notes to the Bill.