Written statement on Neighbourhood Planning Bill: English Votes for English Laws

Gavin Barwell (Department for Communities and Local Government):I am pleased to announce the publication of analysis of English Votes for English Laws in relation to Government and non-Government amendments made to the Neighbourhood Planning Bill during its passage through the House of Lords.

The English Votes for English Laws process applies to public bills in the House of Commons. To support the process, the Government has agreed that it will provide information to assist the Speaker in considering whether to certify the Bill or any of its provisions for the purposes of English Votes for English Laws. Bill provisions that relate exclusively to England or to England and Wales, and which have a subject matter within the legislative competence of one or more of the devolved legislatures, can be certified.

The memorandum provides an assessment of Government and non-Government amendments made to the Neighbourhood Planning Bill, for the purposes of English Votes for English Laws, ahead of Commons Consideration of Lords Amendments. The Department’s assessment is the amendments do not change the territorial application of the Bill. I have deposited a copy in the Libraries of the House.