Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what review the Local Government Commission for England will be conducting of the functions of parish or town councils in respect of developing enhanced responsiveness to local needs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe policy guidance to the Local Government Commission makes it clear that in considering whether options for changes to local government structure allow for the effective local discharge of functions or enhanced responsiveness to local needs, the commission should take into account the scope for delegations to parish councils.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what review the Local Government Commission for England will be conducting of parish, town and community boundaries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy right hon. and learned Friend may direct the Local Government Commission to review parish boundaries under section 13 of the Local Government Act 1992. He has not yet decided what parish reviews he will direct the commission to carry out.