Government: Role of the State

Lord Taylor of Blackburn Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

We have plenty of opportunity to discuss European matters on other occasions, and it is certainly beyond my brief to comment on my noble friend’s contribution.

[Lord Taylor of Blackburn]

My Lords, instead of creating all these new organisations and societies, would it not be better to support existing organisations, such as the citizens advice bureaux, which are suffering a great deal because of the cuts?

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

We are indeed supporting the citizens advice bureaux and we are hoping to strengthen them under proposals that the Public Bodies Bill will bring forward. The truth of the matter is that there is enormous scope to provide for community action and decision-making at local level. This Government believe in that and are prepared to introduce policies that take it forward.