HL Deb 12 May 1994 vol 554 c94WA
Lord Lyell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have reached a decision on the timing of elections to the proposed unitary authorities in Cleveland.

The Earl of Arran

Subject to the outcome of the Cleveland County Council's judicial review case, the Cleveland implementation order will provide for the transfer of county functions to the districts on 1st April 1995 and for elections to be held in May 1995. Our decision reflects the particular circumstances in Cleveland and is not a precedent for any future cases where an existing council is to continue as a unitary authority. We propose as a general rule to consult the authorities concerned and elections will usually be held at the start of the shadow period leading up to reorganisation.