§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent legislation has allowed greater discretion to be exercised by local councils and authorities. [84718]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Local Government Act 2000 provided considerable additional discretion to local authorities through the introduction of a new power to promote or improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of their areas unless prohibited elsewhere in legislation. I also refer the hon. Member to the written statement given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr. Raynsford) on 26 November concerning a package of measures to devolve power to local authorities, including recent and proposed changes to legislation.