Written question asked by Stephen Byers (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 March 2003. It was answered by Chris Leslie (Labour) on Monday, 17 March 2003 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, in which years no elections have been held in (a) London councils, (b) shire counties, (c) shire districts, (d) metropolitan councils and (e) new unitary authorities in the last decade.

Answer: Mr. Stephen Byers: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in which years no elections have been held in (a) London councils, (b) shire counties, (c) shire districts, (d) metropolitan councils and (e) new unitary authorities in the last decade. [103362] Mr. Leslie: Whole council elections are held every four years in all county councils in England, borough councils in London and about two-thirds of non- metropolitan district councils, including some unitary authorities. In the last decade these elections were held in 1994, 1998 and 2002 for London boroughs; in 1993, 1997 and 2001 for shire counties; and in 1995, 1999 and on 1 May 2003 for district councils. The remaining third of non-metropolitan district councils, including some unitary authorities and all the metropolitan district councils have elections of one third of their councillors in each of the three years when county council elections are not held. By-elections can take place at any time in all categories of councils; no information is held centrally about the holding of by-elections.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 103362; 401 c608W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: County councils Elections Greater London District councils Local government Metropolitan counties Unitary councils Metropolitan districts
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk