Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 May 2002. It was answered by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 May 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, when he expects to lay regulations enabling local authorities to switch to alternative year elections where they have reduced the number of councillors representing wards from three to two. - Including ref to White Paper, Strong Local Leadership - Quality Public Services (Cm 5327). (Holding answer 29 April 2002).

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects to lay regulations enabling local authorities to switch to alternative year elections where they have reduced the number of councillors representing wards from three to two. [53266] Dr. Whitehead: [holding answer 29 April 2002]: In the White Paper, "Strong Local Leadership--Quality Public Services" the Government said that they would invite the Electoral Commission to propose options to simplify the current cycle of local elections. Meanwhile, we will, before the summer recess make regulations under Part IV of the Local Government Act 2000 to introduce elections by halves in a number of authorities that following periodic electoral reviews have two-member wards, and have requested such a change.

Secondary information