Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Monday, 21 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 January 2002. It was answered by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 January 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, what effort he has made to encourage local authorities to be more (a) family friendly and (b) sensitive to caring responsibilities in order to attract and retain women representatives; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Dr. Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what effort he has made to encourage local authorities to be more (a) family friendly and (b) sensitive to caring responsibilities in order to attract and retain women representatives; and if he will make a statement. [29970] Dr. Whitehead: It is for local authorities rather than central Government to establish their own terms and conditions for councillors. We would hope that in doing so they will take into account the need to be family friendly and to attract and retain female councillors, as well as members from all sections of society. The Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) Regulations 2001 allow local authorities to pay allowances to members for expenses of arranging for the care of their children or other dependants while carrying out their council duties.

Secondary information