Clause 119
Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]
9:45 am
Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)
My hon. Friend makes a good point. I am sure that that is the process. It may be that some of that is formalised and we will see smaller parish councils coming together to form larger parish councils. Such a process is under way in some areas. That can happen in consultation with the local authority and does not need the Secretary of State’s involvement. That is an issue that has been devolved, and that we welcome.
We are talking about parish councils, which, two reorganisations ago, were urban districts or boroughs and were building housing and carrying out all sorts of functions. There is a desire to be flexible and consider delivering services at the most appropriate local level. What I want from the Minister is some guidance about how she intends to involve parish councils in this process—whether it will be listed under local authorities under clause 119 or under partner authorities next time. I have a feeling that partner authorities does not quite cover it, because they tend to be other forms of bodies rather than elected organisations.