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Unitary Development Plans (London)
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Keith Hill): The test is of "general conformity" and not conformity. This means that it is only where an inconsistency or omission in a UDP would cause significant harm to the implementation of the spatial development strategy (SDS) that the UDP should be considered not to be in general conformity.
The fact that a UDP is inconsistent with one or more policies in the SDS, either directly or through the omission of a policy or proposal, does not, by itself, mean that the UDP is not in general conformity. Rather the test is how significant the inconsistency is from the point of view of delivery of the SDS.
Where a borough considers that one or more of the UDP policies and proposals are not consistent with the SDS, it must give robust reasons for this.
An opinion by the mayor that a UDP is not in general conformity does not mean the document automatically falls. Rather, the mayor's opinion on the matter would go forward as a duly made objection to be considered by the Inspector at the inquiry. The inspector will determine whether he or she supports the opinion and recommend accordingly.
In addition to any concerns about a lack of general conformity, the mayor may wish to make other representations concerning changes to specific policies and proposals which he would wish to see.
Where a UDP review has passed the formal deposit stage there is no specific provision for the mayor to make formal objections on the grounds of general conformity, although the mayor, like any other party, may make representations to a borough any time before the adoption of the plan. However, the Secretary of State would wish the mayor and the boroughs to resolve issues of general conformity through discussion, having regard to the Secretary of State's policy. It will be for boroughs to satisfy themselves that a UDP is in general conformity with the SDS before proceeding to adoption.
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CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
BBC Chairman
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Tessa Jowell): I wish to announce formally the appointment of Michael Grade CBE as the new Chairman of the BBC. Her Majesty the Queen approved his appointment in Council on 31 March and it will take effect from 17 May for a period of four years.
Michael Grade was the best candidate for the post. He has a passion for broadcasting, especially public service broadcasting. He knows it inside out. He has the energy to lead the BBC from the front, defending its independence and integrity from all comers. I am confident that, in Michael Grade, the BBC will have a Chairman of whom it can be proud.
The appointments process by which Michael Grade was appointed followed the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Conduct rules in full. The post was advertised in the national press and on the internet, shortlisted candidates were interviewed by a panel, including an independent assessor, who was involved throughout the process. Additionally, due to the exceptional public interest in this post, Dame Rennie Fritchie, the Commissioner for Public Appointments, chaired an independent scrutiny panel which acted as guarantor for the fairness of the process and to ensure its integrity.
Dame Rennie issued a press notice confirming that the Scrutiny Panel, consisting of Lord Steel of Aikwood, right hon. Dr Jack Cunningham and Lord Paul
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Condon, had examined the process thoroughly and rigorously and was entirely satisfied in the design, implementation and outcome.
HOME DEPARTMENT
Futurebuilders Fund
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Fiona Mactaggart): I am announcing the establishment of an advisory group for the futurebuilders fund.
Futurebuilders is a £125 million investment fund to assist voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises in their public service work. It will enable organisations to modernise their operations so that they can increase the scale and scope of their public service delivery.
The fund will provide finance to acquire capital assets, through a range of funding solutions, including grants and various forms of loans. Advice and support will also be available to organisations to help them in accessing the fund.
The fund will be managed by Futurebuilders England, a consortium of organisations with experience of funding voluntary and community organisations.
The advisory group will advise ministers on the continuing objectives, priorities and governance and on the implementation and effectiveness of the fund. The group will have an independent chair, who will be appointed following an open recruitment process. Advertisements will appear in the press shortly.