Dear Mr Carruthers

Information Provided under the Freedom of Information Act

.

Thank you for your email request of 4^th September for information about s175 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. Your request has been considered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

You ask for copies of “any guidance provided to the Commission for Local Administration in England (CLAE) and/or Local Commissioners by the Secretary of State and their Department that the CLAE and/or Local Commissioners can ignore legislation for which the Secretary of State and their Department are responsible, and/or reasons from the CLAE and/or Local Commissioners as to why they have ignored changes in their role”.

We have not issued any guidance to the CLAE. I would add that the Secretary of State has no power to issue guidance to the CLAE.

On the second part of your request, the provisions of section 30(4), (4A) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1974 relating to the publication of reports do not apply to statements of reasons made pursuant to section 30(1A) or (1B) and there is consequently no obligation imposed on any person under that section to make such statements available.

Finally, on the third part of your request, the Secretary of State does not hold the information requested. You may wish to contact the Commission for Local Administration for this information.

Communities and Local Government as an organisation aims to be as helpful as possible in the way it deals with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or the outcome, you may request an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about the Department's review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case is contained in the enclosed leaflet. This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the authority's review

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications

Yours sincerely

Vanita Patel