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Exeter and Norwich: Lords call for evidence

16 February 2010 (updated on 22 April 2010)

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The House of Lords Merits Committee is calling for written evidence on the practical issues of the proposed implementation of unitary authorities in Exeter and Norwich

The Committee is seeking information on the draft Structural Change Orders so it can assess and report to the House on the likelihood of the orders achieving the intended policy outcomes.

The authorities proposals would give the cities responsibility for all functions of local government from road building to schools.

The Committee invites concise written evidence by 6pm on Monday 22 February 2010 on any or all of the following points:

  • how it is anticipated that these Unitary Authorities will work in practice
  • how likely they are to achieve the Government's objectives
  • whether sufficient time is allowed to implement the changes
  • whether the estimates of costs and benefits are accurate
  • whether the 'outcome of consultation' accurately represents the variety views
  • whether the changes might give rise to unintended consequences

Details of the draft structural changes will be available shortly from the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI).

The role of the Merits Committee is to examine statutory instruments (such as these Orders) laid before the House of Lords, and to draw important instruments to the special attention of the House.