LEGISLATIVE PLANS to revise the ways that the Malvern Hills are managed continue their passage through the House of Lords this week.
A special committee has been convened by the House of Lords to examine the legislation to improve the new law led by Lord Hope of Craighead assisted by Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville, Lord Evans of Guisborough, Lord Inglewood and Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede.
This week, the people who commented on the draft legislation will get the chance to address the committee of Lords and then they will assess the legislation in detail.
Dame Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, has been following the Bill closely and has met with both the Malvern Hills Trust management and constituents to hear their views.
The MP recently sought the guidance of the Charity Commission on the rights of newly elected trustees to have a full say on the legislation in board meetings. The Charity Commission has now contacted each Trustee.
The Trust welcomed this process which they have said should help to ensure that the proposed new legislation is fit for purpose, and that it will improve the Trust’s ability to care for the Hills long into the future.
John Michael, Chair, said: “Whilst the Bill will help the Trust care for the Hills and Commons, it is important to understand that its obligations will not change and the right of the public to enjoy the Hills will not be affected.
“The Select Committee stage ensures full transparency and accountability of the proposed Bill and is a crucial stage in the Parliamentary process.
“We welcome the Committee’s scrutiny because it helps ensure the Ball is fit for the long term.
“Our aim is simple: clearer rules so ve can care for the Hills better, while public access and our purpose remain the same.”
Dame Harriett said: “I have always said that the current legislation has worked pretty well for over a hundred years, and it requires some careful consideration to make changes to it.
“I have been keen to make sure that local people get their say and that the Committee listens carefully to petitioners.
“I’m keeping a close eye on the committee hearings over the next four to six weeks as I am sure many local people are.”
Visit malvernhills.org.uk/bill for more information.
