HC Deb 26 October 2000 vol 355 cc173-4W
Valerie Davey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish guidance on new council constitutions under part II of the Local Government Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [135582]

Ms Armstrong

I have today commenced the duties on local authorities under Part II of the Local Government Act 2000 to consult on and draw up proposals for new constitutions.

I have today published guidance on new council constitutions for English local authorities and associated statutory directions, together with guidelines on the consultation process. I have placed copies of these documents in the Library of the House.

I have also today laid before the House copies of the following regulations:

  • Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000;
  • Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000;
  • Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions and Directions) (England) Regulations 2000; and
  • Local Authorities (Proposals for Alternative Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2000.

This is an exciting time of change for councils as they start to consult local communities on their new constitutions which will lead to greater efficiency, transparency and accountability.

In many areas councils have already begun consulting local people and experimenting with a form of new arrangements. The guidance will help councils build on what has already been achieved.

I expect the consultation to be meaningful and wide-ranging and to engage local people in discussions about the full range of options for change, including the chance to vote for a directly elected mayor if they want one. That is why today I am also publishing guidelines on consultation which offer practical help to councils.

The framework is now in place for councils to begin the formal process of consulting local people and drawing up proposals for their new constitution. It is now for councils to ask their communities how they want to be governed. Where people want a directly elected mayor, they will be able to have one.