The item concerning MPs’ call to local authorities to make better use of planning agreements to secure jobs for local people (23 January, page 23) may run into problems

Article 39 of the Treaty of Rome provides for free movement of workers. This could mean that local authorities would be acting unlawfully if they require as a planning condition that a contractor employs people from one specific geographical area.

While I believe that initiatives to reduce local unemployment should be applauded, because the UK is a member of the EU, some ideas which may initially be viewed as appealing could need rethinking.

John Ryding, procurement and projects manager, West Lancashire council

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