§ Ms WardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the role and powers of parish councils. [120625]
§ Ms Beverley HughesParish councils are an essential part of the structure of local democracy. They will continue to play a key role in the governance of many of our towns and villages. As part of the preparation for our forthcoming Rural White Paper we are looking at ways of strengthening the contribution that parish councils can make.