Second reading of Growth and Infrastructure Bill, have your say
6 November 2012 (updated on 6 November 2012)
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, introduced the second reading of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill in the House of Commons on Monday 5 November.
The Bill passed with a division (Ayes 305; Noes 213). The Bill will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee. Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hilary Benn, responded on behalf of the Opposition.
Watch and read the second reading debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.
- Parliament TV: Second reading of Growth and Infrastructure Bill
- Commons Hansard: Second reading of Growth and Infrastructure Bill
Have your say
The Bill has now been sent to a Public Bill Committee for scrutiny and there is a call for written evidence.
Do you have relevant expertise and experience or a special interest in the Government's Growth and Infrastructure Bill? If so, you can submit your views in writing to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee which is going to consider this Bill.
Guidance for submitting written evidence
Deadline for submissions
The Committee is able to receive written evidence from Monday 5 November, when the Bill passes the Second Reading Stage; and will stop receiving written evidence at the end of the Committee stage on Thursday 6 December. The sooner you send in your submission, the more time the Committee will have to take it into consideration. The Public Bill Committee is expected to meet for the first time on Tuesday 13 November.
Summary of the Bill
It seeks to reduce delays in the planning system through various means, including referring certain projects to the Secretary of State to be determined within a 12 month timetable, rather than by local planning authorities. It has provisions relating to telecommunication equipment and energy infrastructure and gas transport.
To promote development, the Bill would allow for planning obligations (section 106 agreements) relating to affordable housing to be renegotiated to make a development economically viable again.
To promote economic growth, it makes provision for a planned revaluation of business rates in England to be postponed and to create a new employment status of employee owner.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation on the Growth and Infrastructure Bill and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library produce briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The Library published a briefing paper for second reading.
Second reading
Second reading is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.
What happens at second reading?
The Government minister, spokesperson or MP responsible for the Bill opens the second reading debate. The official Opposition spokesperson responds with their views on the Bill.
The debate continues with other Opposition parties and backbench MPs giving their opinions. At the end of the debate, the Commons decides whether the Bill should be given its second reading by voting, meaning it can proceed to the next stage.
What happens after second reading?
The Bill proceeds to committee stage and will be considered in a Public Bill Committee or Committee of the whole House (in the Commons Chamber). Each clause (part) and any amendments (proposals for change) to the Bill may be debated.