Written question asked by Baroness Gardner of Parkes (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Andrews (Labour) on Thursday, 10 January 2008.

High Hedges

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What assessment they have made of the guidelines issued to councils, High Hedges Complaints: Prevention and Cure; and, in particular, whether they have assessed the accuracy of the preface which states that, ““when using this Guide, two points need to be borne in mind. First, Councils and others are not required to follow the advice given. Secondly, it should not be relied on as a definitive statement of the law””.

Answer: No formal assessment of the guide, High Hedges Complaints: Prevention and Cure, has been made. We will be carrying out a review of this guidance when Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 is reviewed in 2010. The guide sets out the Government's policy advice on administering complaints about high hedges under Part 8 of the Act. It is not statutory guidance. It outlines the law and suggests ways in which councils can run the system in line with good administration practice but it is for local authorities themselves to determine how they administer complaints. Ultimately, it is for the courts to interpret the law and its application.

Secondary information