Written question asked by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Monday, 3 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 March 2025. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Friday, 7 March 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Parish and Town Councils

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, CP 1218, published on 16 December 2024, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposal to increase the number of town and parish councils on administration costs.

Answer: What happens under new local government arrangements will depend on the proposals we receive from these areas. Plans to establish new parish councils in response to local government reorganisation should show how this will contribute to the goal of creating simpler structures that deliver high quality and efficient public services. Local authorities should ensure that new arrangements guarantee strong value for money for local taxpayers and precept payers alike. Central government is not involved in the establishment of new parish councils, as this is devolved to principal local authorities through the community governance review process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 34861
Session: 2024-26
Related items: English Devolution White Paper: Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth
Monday, 16 December 2024
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Costs Parish and town councils
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk