Written question asked by Mohammad Sarwar (Labour) on Monday, 11 December 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 December 2006. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 December 2006 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Election Candidates

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what work her Department is undertaking with local authorities to encourage people to stand for election.

Answer: The Local Government White Paper announced an independent review of the incentives and barriers to serving on councils in England. The review will look at a range of issues which affect whether or not people decide to stand for election, including the time commitments expected of frontline councillors and cabinet members. The review will be established in early 2007 and we expect it to report in the autumn. The local government sector will be fully involved in the review.

Secondary information