The Local Government Information Unit has criticised legislation on constitutional reform for stifling debate and failing to redress the balance between central and local government. The local government think-tank has backed calls by MPs and peers on the Joint Committee on Draft Constitutional Reform Bill for major changes to the Government proposals, which will allow wider issues of constitutional reform to be raised during the parliamentary passage of legislation. A report, published by the joint committee on 31 July, criticises the draft legislation for failing to address the case for reforms set out in the governance of Britain Green Paper, and says: ‘It would be regrettable if the passing of this Bill prevented further progress in other areas of fundamental reform'. In its 100-page report, the committee says further work is needed before the legislation will be ready for introduction in the next session of parliament, and adds: ‘It is hard to identify the principles underpinning the draft Bill', and recommends that the Government should reflect further on whether ‘Constitutional renewal' is an appropriate title.' Hilary Kitchin, a policy analyst at the LGiU's Centre for Local Democracy, said: ‘The Government has failed to generate a real dialogue on practical issues that have meaning for the public. ‘The way in which the Bill has been drafted has stifled debate and prevented parliament from considering the balance of power between central and local government, as well as how power might be devolved. ‘It is time to be bolder, and to widen the terms of reference of the "Constitutional renewal" Bill. ‘Without clarity on a fair and balanced relationship bet-ween central, local and regional government, and a firm, commonly-agreed basis on how this can be maintained, over-centralisation will continue to undermine the ability of local government.'
