division_name: Local Government Bill
motion: <p class="" pid=".45.3/1" pwmotiontext="yes">I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.</p>
  
  <p class="" pid=".45.3/2" pwmotiontext="yes">Local government performs a vital function in the life of our country. Local authorities between them account for about 25 per cent. of all public expenditure in England and Wales. Local authorities deliver a wide range of services that are vital to the well-being of local communities and individuals and are uniquely well placed to reflect and represent the concerns and aspirations of the people living and working in their areas.</p>
  
  <p class="" pid=".59.4/1" pwmotiontext="yes">I beg to move, To leave out from XThat" to the end of the Question, and to add instead thereof:</p>
  
  <p class="indent" pid=".59.4/2" pwmotiontext="yes">Xthis House declines to give a Second Reading to the Local Government Bill because it is a centralising measure that will have the effect of undermining local democracy by imposing new duties and responsibilities on local authorities; it places in the hands of the Secretary of State too much power to determine the management of individual local authorities; it deprives local authorities of control over housing and capital receipts; and it gives unnecessary powers to the Secretary of State on financial administration, particularly the powers to specify the level of local authorities' reserves and to monitor budgets."</p>
  
  <p pid=".126.2/1" pwmotiontext="yes"><i>Question put,</i> That the amendment be made:&#8212;</p>
  
  <p pid=".126.2/2" pwmotiontext="yes"><i>The House divided:</i> Ayes 141, Noes 370.</p>