In response to Stuart Weir's post, and as Chair of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee of the House of Commons, can I invite those who are commenting or viewing to help actually influence this development by sending my Committee some evidence, it will be most welcome.

The full details are below from our official press release:

The Political and Constitutional Reform Committee has decided to conduct an inquiry to explore constitutional and practical issues around the possibility of codifying (or formally writing down) the principles and mechanisms of the relationship between central and local government.
 
The Committee intends to hold public evidence sessions with thinkers and practitioners from local government, with academics and think tanks, and with ministers.The deadline for submissions is Friday 3 December 2010.A full list of the questions and issues likely to be covered by the Committee are available in a discussion paper: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/political-and-constitutional-reform-committee/news/codifying-central-local-govt/discussion-paper-local-govt/

FURTHER INFORMATION:
 
Committee Membership is as follows:  Mr Graham Allen (Chair) (Nottingham North), Nick Boles (Grantham and Stamford), Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch), Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East), Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire), Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central), Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest), Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North), Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester South), Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) and Stephen Williams (Bristol West).
 
Specific Committee Information: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]Media Information: Becky Jones [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> 07917 488 549
 
Committee Website: www.parliament.uk/pcrc <http://www.parliament.uk/pcrc>