Local Government Association Liberal Democrats Media Release

Abolishing Merton rule flies in the face of environment rhetoric - Brake, 20 August 2007

Commenting on reports that the Government is to abolish the Merton Rule, which allows local authorities to set higher building standards than those set nationally, Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesperson, Tom Brake MP said:

“Local government has been leading the way in making new developments greener and more energy efficient.

“Abolishing the Merton rule flies in the face of the Government’s rhetoric on the environment.

“Ministers must fight their obsession with managing everything from Whitehall and give local councils the right to implement tough environmental regulations.”