§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment 205W (1) if he will now consider fresh applications from former urban district areas that were not granted town or parish council status at the time of the 1974 reorganisation of local government; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will seek powers to extend the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972 so that communities in urban areas may apply for town or parish council status.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettThe Local Government Act 1972 enables parishes to be formed in urban areas outside Greater London. A parish council may resolve to take on the status of town council. The Department will shortly issue a circular containing guidelines for parish reviews. It will be for district councils to carry out the reviews and make recommendations to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England concerning parish arrangements in their areas. These might include the creation of new parishes. The Commission makes proposals to my right hon. Friend for implementation by order.