§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has considered proposals other than from parish councils to involve communities in the affairs of local government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Key[holding answer 21 January 1991]: A number of district and borough councils have adopted systems to involve their local communities in the delivery of services. This has not involved putting proposals to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to include the financing of parish, community or town councils in the review of the community charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Key[holding answer 21 January 1991]: My right hon. Friend announced on 5 December that we shall be conducting a fundamental review of local government finance and structure. This will include the financing of statutory parish, community and town councils.
§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's policy on the introduction of parish councils in larger city areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Key[holding answer 21 January 1991]: The guidelines to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on the circumstances in which they should recommend the creation of parishes in urban areas are set out in paragraphs 14–23 of DOE circular 121/77 of 12 December 1977 (Local Government Act 1972: Parish Reviews).