§ Mr. CarringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further announcement about the implementation of the Local Government Commission's recommendations for the establishment of four unitary authorities in Cleveland following the High Court judgment on 28 June.
§ Mr. CurryThe High Court judgment has now been given on the legal challenges by Avon, Somerset and Cleveland county councils against the Local Government Commission and the Government in respect of the Commission's recommendations for new local government structures in Avon, Somerset and Cleveland. I hope all authorities will study it closely before embarking on any further litigation.
The delay caused by this case has led me to reconsider the timing of the establishment of unitary authorities in Cleveland. In an answer on 11 May, column 170, I said that our intention to transfer county functions to unitary districts in Cleveland on 1 April 1995 was subject to the outcome of the judicial review case. At that stage we did not know when the judgment was likely to be made. I am mindful of the need to ensure a smooth transition, with an adequate time for the planning of change. It is of paramount importance that there should be no risk to the delivery of essential services in the areas concerned. In view of the relatively short time that would be available between the making of an order and a start date for unitary authorities of 1 April 1995, I have decided that it would be in the best interests of the inhabitants of Cleveland to establish the four unitary authorities as from 1 April 1996, with elections to be held in May 1995, for councillors who will plan for change and then become councillors of the unitary authorities once they are established. I will very shortly send the local authorities in Cleveland a draft order, incorporating these revised dates, for comment.