HC Deb 21 June 1977 vol 933 c433W
62. Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards neighbourhood councils.

63. Mr. Eyre

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards neighbourhood councils.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The Government regard neighbourhood councils as deserving support and encouragement. My Department makes an annual grant to the Association for Neighbourhood Councils, amounting to £9,000 this year. The Department has also sponsored research on neighbourhood councils, and the production of a handbook of practical advice about them which will be published in the autumn. The Government have an open mind on the question of statutory status for neighbourhood councils, but there is not yet enough evidence of a general support for this to justify legislation.