§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many ballots there have been to set up(a) parish and (b) town councils in each of the last three years; and what the result was in each case. [188310]
§ Mr. RaynsfordIn accordance with the provisions set out in the Local Government and Rating Act 1997, the Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister may by Order create parish and town councils following petitions from electors in the area of the proposed parish which are presented to principal local authorities. Where parishes are created, they come into existence on the l April of the year following the Order being made. The following table shows for each year since 1 April 2000 the outcome of petitions received from principal local authorities in that year or before.
1525W
Principal authority Area (s) which petitioned for parish status Outcome North West Leicestershire District Council Ellistown and Battleflat One new parish created Stockport MBC Offerton Estate One new parish created Warwick Royal Leamington Spa One new parish created Total 10 parishes created 2002–03 North East Lincolnshire Great Coates One new parish created Wear Valley West Auckland One new parish created Total Two prishes created 2003–04 Bedford Brickhill One new parish created Bradford Clayton Four new parishes created Sandy Lane Wilsden Wrose Leeds Drighlington Three new parishes created Gildersome Kippax Sefton Formby One new parish created Shepway Folkestone Two new parishes created Sandgate Total 11 parishes created 2004–05 Fylde Saint Anne's on the Sea One new parish created Total so far 1 parish created
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what opportunities there will be for parish and town councils in his 10-year vision for local government. [188316]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe vision for local government sees an important role for citizen engagement and participation so that they have greater influence over the delivery of public services. There are a variety of possible models to give communities a stronger voice at local level, one of which is through parish and town councils. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to issue a discussion document looking at the issue of citizen engagement, including the role of parish and town councils, later this year.