Private Member’s Bill Committee Stage  

This week my Private Member's Bill passed its Committee Stage, an important milestone in the Bill's legislative journey towards becoming law. In June 2010, I presented my Private Member's Bill to reform the public sector procurement process and make it easier for local charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises to help deliver our public services - inspired by many of the fantastic organisations that work across our community. Since then, the Bill has received cross-party support during the Second Reading debate and has now successfully passed through its Committee Stage. This phase of the legislative process allows Bills to be debated and scrutinised line by line. It is an opportunity for a small group of MPs, from all parties, to consider the Bill in detail and to enhance or modify the proposals. The Government, represented by the Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd MP,...