Local Government Act 1972 Part I Local Government Areas and Authorities in England New local government areas New local government areas in England. 1 1 For the administration of local government on and after 1st April 1974 England (exclusive of Greater London and the Isles of Scilly) shall be divided into local government areas to be known as counties and in those counties there shall be local government areas to be known as districts. 2 The counties shall be the metropolitan counties named in Part I and the non-metropolitan counties named in Part II of Schedule 1 to this Act and shall comprise the areas respectively described (by reference to administrative areas existing immediately before the passing of this Act) in column 2 of each Part of that Schedule. 3 The districts in the metropolitan counties shall be those respectively specified in column 2 of the said Part I and shall comprise the areas respectively described (by reference to administrative areas existing immediately before the passing of this Act) in that column, and the Secretary of State may by order provide a name for any such district. 4 The districts in the non-metropolitan counties shall be those respectively specified in one or more orders made by the Secretary of State under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to this Act and having the names given to them by one or more orders so made. 5 Part III of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect in relation to the boundaries of the new local government areas. 6 Subject to Part IV of Schedule 1 to this Act and to any provision corresponding to that Part made by an order under section 254 below, the rural parishes existing immediately before 1st April 1974 shall continue to exist on and after that date by the name of parishes. 7 The said Part IV shall have effect with respect to the existing rural parishes which by virtue of this Act are comprised in more than one county or more than one metropolitan district. 8 Part V of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect for the purpose of constituting parishes the boundaries of which are determined by reference to those of existing boroughs and urban districts and also, in cases where the areas of such boroughs and urban districts are divided by or under this section between two or more new districts, by reference to the boundaries of the new districts. 9 The boroughs which by virtue of section 141 of the 1933 Act or section 28 of the Local Government Act 1958 are included in rural districts immediately before the passing of this Act shall on the passing of this Act become parishes without ceasing to be boroughs, but shall cease to be boroughs on 1st April 1974. 10 On that date the following local government areas existing immediately before that date outside Greater London and the Isles of Scilly, that is to say, all administrative counties, boroughs (except those in rural districts), urban districts, rural districts and urban parishes, shall cease to exist and the council of every such area which has a council shall also cease to exist. 11 On that date the municipal corporation of every borough outside Greater London (and the corporation of a borough included in a rural district) shall cease to exist. 12 In this section “ England ” does not include the administrative county of Monmouthshire or the county borough of Newport. Principal councils Constitution of principal councils in England. 2 1 For every non-metropolitan county there shall be a council consisting of a chairman and councillors and the council shall have all such functions as are vested in them by this Act or otherwise. 2 For every district there shall be a council consisting of a chairman and councillors and the council shall have all such functions as are vested in them by this Act or otherwise. 2A Where a council mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) above are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive ..., the council shall consist of an elected mayor, a chairman and councillors. 2B In such a case, a reference in this Act to a member of a council is a reference to— a the elected mayor of the council, b the chairman of the council, or c a councillor of the council. 3 Each council mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) above shall be a body corporate by the name “The County Council” or “The District Council”, as the case may be, with the addition of the name of the particular county or district. Members of principal councils Chairman. 3 1 The chairman of a principal council shall be elected annually by the council from among the councillors. 1A A member of the executive of a principal council may not be elected as the chairman of the council. 2 The chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, continue in office until his successor becomes entitled to act as chairman. 3 During his term of office the chairman shall continue to be a member of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of councillors. 4 The chairman of a district council shall have precedence in the district, but not so as prejudicially to affect Her Majesty’s royal prerogative. 4A Subsection (4) above shall have effect in relation to a district council which are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive . . . as if it provided for the elected mayor of the council to have precedence in the district, but this subsection shall not apply if the executive arrangements provide for it not to apply. 5 A principal council may pay the chairman for the purpose of enabling him to meet the expenses of his office such allowance as the council think reasonable. Election of chairman. 4 1 The election of the chairman shall be the first business transacted at the annual meeting of a principal council. 2 If, apart from section 3(3) above or section 5(2) below, the person presiding at the meeting would have ceased to be a member of the council, he shall not be entitled to vote in the election except in accordance with subsection (3) below. 3 In the case of an equality of votes the person presiding at the meeting shall give a casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have. Vice-chairman. 5 1 A principal council shall appoint a member of the council to be vice-chairman of the council. 1A A member of the executive of a principal council may not be appointed as the vice-chairman of the council. 2 The vice-chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, hold office until immediately after the election of a chairman at the next annual meeting of the council and during that time shall continue to be a member of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of councillors. 3 Subject to any standing orders made by the council, anything authorised or required to be done by, to or before the chairman may be done by, to or before the vice-chairman. 4 A principal council may pay the vice-chairman for the purpose of enabling him to meet the expenses of his office such allowance as the council think reasonable. Term of office and retirement of councillors. 6 1 Councillors for a principal area shall be elected by the local government electors for that area in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983 . 2 For the purposes of the election of councillors— a every non-metropolitan county shall be divided into electoral divisions, each returning (subject to paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to this Act and subject to section 56(8) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and section 12(4) of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 ) one councillor; b every metropolitan district shall be divided into wards, each returning such number of councillors as may be provided as mentioned in subsection (3) below; c every non-metropolitan district shall be divided into wards, each returning such number of councillors as may be provided as mentioned in subsection (3) below ; and there shall be a separate election for each electoral division or ward. 3 The number of councillors referred to in subsection (2)(b) or (c) above may be provided— a under or by virtue of the provisions of section 7 below; b by an order under Part 2 of the Local Government Act 1992 (c. 19) or Part 3 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 ; c by an order under section 14 of the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 (c. 29); d by an order under Part 1 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. Elections of councillors. 7 1 The ordinary elections of county councillors shall take place in 1973 and every fourth year thereafter, their term of office shall be four years and they shall retire together in every such fourth year on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election of county councillors, and in and after 1977 the newly elected councillors shall come into office on the day on which their predecessors retire. 2 The ordinary elections of metropolitan district councillors shall take place in 1973, 1975 and every year thereafter other than 1977 and every fourth year thereafter . 3 Subject to paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 to this Act, the term of office of metropolitan district councillors shall be four years and one-third of the whole number of councillors in each ward of a metropolitan district, being those who have been councillors for the longest time without re-election, shall retire in every ordinary year of election of such councillors on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election of such councillors, and in and after 1975 the newly elected councillors shall come into office on the day on which their predecessors retire. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Where the Secretary of State receives a request under subsection (4)(b) above from a district council he may direct the Local Government Commission for England to conduct a review and make recommendations in the light of the request with respect to— a the number, boundaries and names of the wards into which the district should be divided and the number of councillors to be elected for each ward; b the order of retirement of councillors elected for wards not returning a number of councillors which is divisible by three; and the provisions of Part II of the Local Government Act 1992 shall apply accordingly . 8 The ordinary elections of non-metropolitan district councillors shall take place— a except where an order is in force providing for the election of district councillors by thirds, in 1973, 1976, 1979 and every fourth year thereafter; and b where such an order is in force, in the year when the order comes into force and every year thereafter other than a year of election of county councillors. 9 The following provisions of this subsection shall, subject to the provisions of any order made under or by virtue of this section, have effect with respect to non-metropolitan district councillors:— a their term of office shall be three years in the case of the councillors elected at the ordinary elections in 1973 and 1976 and four years in the case of those elected at ordinary elections held thereafter; b except where an order is in force providing for the election of councillors by thirds, the whole number of councillors shall retire together in every ordinary year of election of such councillors on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election of such councillors, and in and after 1976 the newly elected councillors shall come into office on the day on which their predecessors retire; and c where such an order is in force, one-third of the whole number of councillors in each ward returning a number of councillors which is divisible by three and, as nearly as may be, one-third of the whole number of the councillors in the other wards, being those who have been councillors of the district for the longest time without re-election, shall retire in every ordinary year of election of such councillors on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election of such councillors, and in every such year the newly elected councillors shall come into office on the day on which their predecessors retire. Constitution and membership of Greater London Council and London borough councils. 8 1 Sections 2 to 7 above shall not apply to . . . London borough councils but, subject to subsection (2) below, the provisions of Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect in relation to them instead. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parishes Parish meetings and councils. 9 1 For every parish there shall be a parish meeting for the purpose of discussing parish affairs and exercising any functions conferred on such meetings by any enactment and, subject to the provisions of this Act or any instrument made thereunder, for every parish or group of parishes having a parish council before 1st April 1974 there shall continue to be a parish council. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Subject to any order under section 10 or 11 below Part II of the Local Government Act 1992 or section 86 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 , there shall be a separate parish council for— a every parish which immediately before the passing of this Act was a borough included in a rural district; b every parish which immediately before the passing of this Act was co-extensive with a rural district; c every parish established by paragraph 1 of Part IV of Schedule 1 to this Act; d every parish to which part of another parish is added by paragraph 2 of the said Part IV and which immediately before the passing of this Act had no parish council; and e every parish constituted under Part V of Schedule 1 to this Act. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 An order shall not be made under section 86 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 establishing a separate parish council for a parish grouped under a common parish council unless by that order or an order under section 11(4) below the parish is separated from the group or the group is dissolved, and where the group is not dissolved, the order under section 86 of the 2007 Act shall make such provision as appears to the district council to be necessary for the alteration of the parish council of the group. Power to dissolve parish councils in small parishes. 10 1 Where the population of a parish having a separate parish council includes not more than 150 local government electors, the parish meeting may apply to the district council London borough council for the dissolution of the parish council, and thereupon the district council London borough council may by order dissolve the parish council. 2 Where an application under this section by a parish meeting is rejected, another such application may not be presented by that meeting within two years from the making of the previous application. Orders for grouping parishes, dissolving groups and separating parishes from groups. 11 1 The parish meeting of a parish may apply to the district council or London borough council for an order grouping the parish with some neighbouring parish or parishes in the same district or London borough under a common parish council or by adding the parish to an existing group of such parishes under such a council, and the district council or London borough council may thereupon make an order accordingly, but subject to subsection (2) below. 2 Parishes shall not be grouped without the consent of the parish meeting of each of the parishes. 3 A grouping order shall make the necessary provision— a for the name of the group; b the electoral arrangements that are to apply to the council; c for the application to the parishes included in the group of all or any of the provisions of sections 298 to 303 of the Charities Act 2011 (parochial charities) and of any of the provisions of this Act with respect to the custody of parish documents, so as to preserve the separate rights of each parish; d for the dissolution of the separate parish council of any parish included in the group, and the order may provide for the consent of the parish meeting of a parish being required to any particular act of the parish council, and for any necessary adaptations of this Act to the group of parishes or to the parish meetings of the parishes in the group. 3A In this section “ electoral arrangements ”, in relation to a council, means all of the following— a the year in which ordinary elections of councillors are to be held; b the number of councillors to be elected to the council by each parish; c the division (or not) of any of the parishes, into wards for the purpose of electing councillors; d the number and boundaries of any such wards; e the number of councillors to be elected for any such ward; f the name of any such ward. 4 The district council or London borough council may on the application of the council of a group of parishes or of the parish meeting of any parish included in a group of parishes make an order dissolving the group or separating one or more of those parishes from the group, and an order so made shall make such provision as appears to the district council or London borough council to be necessary for the election of a parish council for any of the parishes in the group, where it is dissolved, and for any of the parishes separated from the group, where it is not. 5 Parishes grouped under a common parish council before 1st April 1974 and situated in different districts on and after that date shall, notwithstanding that they are so situated, continue to be grouped under that council— a unless an order is made under . . . subsection (4) above or Part II of the Local Government Act 1992 or section 86 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 dissolving the group; or b except so far as such an order separates one or more of the parishes from the group; and any order under subsection (4) above or section 86 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 in relation to any parishes so situated shall be made by the district councils concerned acting jointly. Grouping: alternative styles 11A 1 An order under section 11(1) which forms a new group may make the provision set out in subsection (3). 2 But the order must make that provision in either of these cases— a if at least one of the parishes which is to be grouped does not have an alternative style, and at least one of them does have an alternative style; b if at least one of the parishes which is to be grouped has an alternative style, and at least one of them has a different alternative style. 3 The provision referred to in subsections (1) and (2) is— a provision that each of the parishes in the group shall have an alternative style, or b provision that each of the parishes in the group which has an alternative style shall cease to have an alternative style. 4 Provision made by virtue of subsection (3)(a)— a must provide for each of the parishes to have the same alternative style; b may provide for each of the parishes to have an alternative style which any of them already has; c has the effect that each parish in the new group shall cease to have any different alternative style which it had before the provision was made. 5 An order under section 11(1) which adds one or more parishes to an existing group must make the provision set out in subsection (6) if— a the parishes in the group do not have an alternative style, and b at least one of the parishes which is to be added has an alternative style. 6 The provision referred to in subsection (5) is provision that each added parish which has an alternative style shall cease to have an alternative style. 7 An order under section 11(1) which adds one or more parishes to an existing group must make the provision set out in subsection (8) if— a the parishes in the group have an alternative style, and b at least one of the parishes which is to be added— i has a different alternative style, or ii does not have any of the alternative styles. 8 The provision referred to in subsection (7) is provision that each added parish shall (if it does not already have the style) have the same alternative style as the parishes already in the group. 9 If an order makes provision under subsection (1) or (2) for parishes to have an alternative style, the group shall have the appropriate one of the following styles— a “group of communities”; b “group of neighbourhoods”; c “group of villages”. 10 As soon as practicable after making an order which includes any provision under this section, the council which makes the order must give notice of the change of style to all of the following— a the Secretary of State; b the Local Government Boundary Commission for England ; c the Office of National Statistics; d the Director General of the Ordnance Survey; e any district council or county council within whose area the parish lies. De-grouping: alternative styles 11B 1 This section applies if— a the parishes in a group of parishes have an alternative style, and b an order under section 11(4) dissolves the group or separates one or more parishes from the group. 2 The order under section 11(4) must provide for each de-grouped parish to continue to have the alternative style. 3 In subsection (2) “ de-grouped parish ” means— a in the case of dissolution of the group, each parish in the group; b in the case of separation of one or more parishes from the group, each parish that is separated. Provision supplementary to sections 9 to 11. 12 1 An order made by a district council or district councils or by a London borough council under section . . . 10 or 11 above may contain such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplementary provision as may appear to the district council or district councils or the London borough council to be necessary or proper for the purposes or in consequence of the order or for giving full effect thereto, and may include provision with respect to the transfer and management or custody of property (whether real or personal) and the transfer of rights and liabilities. 2 When any such order is made, section 16 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (agreements about incidental matters) shall apply as if— i the reference in subsection (1) to an order under section 7 or 10 of that Act were to an order under section 10 or 11 of this Act; and ii the reference in subsection (5)(b) to any order or regulations under Chapter 1 of Part 1 of that Act were to an order under section 10 or 11 of this Act. 3 Two copies of every order under section 10 or 11 above shall be sent to the Secretary of State. Parishes: alternative styles 12A 1 This section applies to a parish which is not grouped with any other parish. 2 The appropriate parish authority may resolve that the parish shall have one of the alternative styles. 3 If the parish has an alternative style, the appropriate parish authority may resolve that the parish shall cease to have that style. 4 A single resolution may provide for a parish— a to cease to have an alternative style, and b to have another of the alternative styles instead. 5 As soon as practicable after passing a resolution under this section, the appropriate parish authority must give notice of the change of style to all of the following— a the Secretary of State; b the Local Government Boundary Commission for England ; c the Office of National Statistics; d the Director General of the Ordnance Survey; e any district council, county council or London borough council within whose area the parish lies. 6 In this section “ appropriate parish authority ” means— a the parish council, or b if the parish does not have a parish council, the parish meeting. Groups of parishes: alternative styles 12B 1 This section applies to a group of parishes. 2 The common parish council of the group may resolve that each of the grouped parishes shall have the same alternative style. 3 If each of the grouped parishes has an alternative style, the common parish council of the group may resolve that each of the grouped parishes shall cease to have that style. 4 A single resolution may provide for each of the grouped parishes— a to cease to have an alternative style, and b to have the same one of the other alternative styles instead. 5 If the common parish council passes a resolution under this section for each of the grouped parishes to have an alternative style, the group of parishes shall have the appropriate one of the following styles— a “group of communities”; b “group of neighbourhoods”; c “group of villages”. 6 As soon as practicable after passing a resolution under this section, the common parish council of a group must give notice of the change of style to all of the following— a the Secretary of State; b the Local Government Boundary Commission for England ; c the Office of National Statistics; d the Director General of the Ordnance Survey; e any district council, county council or London borough council within whose area the group lies. Constitution of parish meeting, etc. 13 1 The parish meeting of a parish shall consist of the local government electors for the parish. 2 Any act of a parish meeting may be signified by an instrument signed by the person presiding and two other local government electors present at the meeting, or, if an instrument under seal is required, by an instrument signed by those persons and sealed with the seal of the parish council in the case of a parish having a separate parish council or the parish trustees in any other case, if that council or those trustees have a seal, or, if they do not, with the seals of those persons. 3 In a parish not having a separate parish council the chairman of the parish meeting and the proper officer of the district council shall be a body corporate by the name of “the Parish Trustees” with the addition of the name of the parish. 4 The parish trustees of a parish shall act in accordance with any directions given by the parish meeting. 5 Notwithstanding anything in any rule of law the parish trustees need not have a common seal, but where they have no seal any act of theirs which requires to be signified by an instrument under seal may be signified by an instrument signed and sealed by the persons who are the parish trustees. 5A If the parish has the style of community— a the parish meeting shall have the style of “community meeting”; b the parish trustees shall be known by the name of “The Community Trustees” with the addition of the name of the community. 5B If the parish has the style of neighbourhood— a the parish meeting shall have the style of “neighbourhood meeting”; b the parish trustees shall be known by the name of “The Neighbourhood Trustees” with the addition of the name of the neighbourhood. 5C If the parish has the style of village— a the parish meeting shall have the style of “village meeting”; b the parish trustees shall be known by the name of “The Village Trustees” with the addition of the name of the village. Constitution and powers of parish council. 14 1 A parish council shall consist of the chairman and parish councillors and shall have all such functions as are vested in the council by this Act or otherwise. 2 The parish council shall be a body corporate by the name “The Parish Council” with the addition of the name of the particular parish. 2A If the parish has the style of community, the council shall be known by the name “The Community Council” with the addition of the name of the community. 2B If the parish has the style of neighbourhood, the council shall be known by the name “The Neighbourhood Council” with the addition of the name of the neighbourhood. 2C If the parish has the style of village, the council shall be known by the name “The Village Council” with the addition of the name of the village. 2D If parishes are grouped under a common parish council— a subsection (2), (2A), (2B) or (2C) (as appropriate) applies to that council as the subsection would apply in the case of the council of an individual parish; but b the names of all of the parishes, communities, neighbourhoods or villages in the group are to be included in the name of the common council. 3 Notwithstanding anything in any rule of law, a parish council need not have a common seal, but where a parish council have no seal any act of theirs which is required to be signified by an instrument under seal may be signified by an instrument signed and sealed by two members of the council. Chairman and vice-chairman of parish council or meeting. 15 1 The chairman of a parish council shall be elected annually by the council from among the elected councillors. 2 The election of a chairman shall be the first business transacted at the annual meeting of the parish council and if, apart from subsection (8) below, the person presiding at the meeting would have ceased to be a member of the parish council, he shall not be entitled to vote in the election except in accordance with subsection (3) below. 3 In the case of an equality of votes in the election of a chairman the person presiding at the meeting shall give a casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have. 4 The chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, continue in office until his successor becomes entitled to act as chairman. 5 A parish council may pay the chairman for the purpose of enabling him to meet the expenses of his office such allowance as the council think reasonable. 6 The parish council may appoint a member one of the elected members of the council to be vice-chairman of the council. 7 The vice-chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, hold office until immediately after the election of a chairman at the next annual meeting of the council. 8 During their term of office the chairman and vice-chairman shall continue to be members of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of parish councillors. 9 Subject to any standing orders made by the parish council, anything authorised or required to be done by, to or before the chairman may be done by, to or before the vice-chairman. 10 In a parish not having a separate parish council, the parish meeting shall, subject to any provisions of a grouping order, at their annual assembly elect a chairman for the year who shall continue in office until his successor is elected. 11 If the parish has the style of community, the chairman and vice-chairman shall (respectively) have the style— a “chairman of the community council”; b “vice-chairman of the community council”. 12 If the parish has the style of neighbourhood, the chairman and vice-chairman shall (respectively) have the style— a “chairman of the neighbourhood council”; b “vice-chairman of the neighbourhood council”. 13 If the parish has the style of village, the chairman and vice-chairman shall (respectively) have the style— a “chairman of the village council”; b “vice-chairman of the village council”. 14 If parishes which have an alternative style are grouped under a common parish council, subsection (11), (12) or (13) (as appropriate) applies to the chairman and vice-chairman of that council as the subsection would apply in the case of the council of an individual parish. Parish councillors. 16 1 The number of elected parish councillors for each parish council shall not be less than five. 2 Parish councillors shall be elected by the local government electors for the parish in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983 and relevant electoral arrangements . 2A In their application to the election of parish councillors, this Act and Part 1 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2) are subject to the relevant electoral arrangements that apply to the election. 2B For the purposes of this section “ relevant electoral arrangements ” means— a any arrangements about the election of councillors that are made in, or applicable by virtue of, provision made by virtue of section 245(6)(b) of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (transitional, saving or transitory provision), and b any electoral arrangements applicable to the council by virtue of an order under section 7 or 10 or an order under section 86 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. 3 Subject to any provision included in an order by virtue of section 67 below and to the provisions of paragraphs 12 and 13 of Schedule 3 to this Act, the ordinary elections of parish councillors shall take place in 1976, 1979 and every fourth year thereafter, their term of office shall be three years in the case of those elected at the ordinary elections in 1976 and four years in the case of those elected at ordinary elections held thereafter, and the whole number of parish councillors shall retire together in every ordinary year of election of such councillors on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election of such councillors, and the newly elected councillors shall come into office on the day on which their predecessors retire. 4 Where a parish is not divided into parish wards there shall be one election of parish councillors for the whole parish. 5 Where a parish is divided into parish wards there shall be a separate election of parish councillors for each ward. 6 If the parish has the style of community, the councillors shall have the style of “councillors of the community council”. 7 If the parish has the style of neighbourhood, the councillors shall have the style of “councillors of the neighbourhood council”. 8 If the parish has the style of village, the councillors shall have the style of “councillors of the village council”. 9 If parishes which have an alternative style are grouped under a common parish council, subsection (6), (7) or (8) (as appropriate) applies to the councillors of that council as the subsection would apply in the case of the council of an individual parish. Appointed councillors 16A 1 A parish council may appoint persons to be councillors of the council. 2 The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about— a the appointment of persons under this section; b the holding of office after appointment under this section. 3 The regulations may, in particular, make provision about any of the following matters— a persons who may be appointed; b the number of persons who may be appointed; c the term of office of persons appointed; d the right of persons appointed to participate in decision-making by the council (including voting); e purposes for which a person appointed is to be treated as an elected councillor; f the filling of vacancies. 4 In exercising a function under or by virtue of this section a parish council must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State about the exercise of that function. 5 A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Miscellaneous Alternative styles: supplementary 17A 1 This section applies for the purposes of sections 9 to 16A. 2 “ Alternative style ” means one of the following styles— a “community”; b “neighbourhood”; c “village”. 3 References to a parish having an alternative style, or a particular alternative style, are references to the parish having that style by virtue of— a a relevant order, or b a resolution under section 12A or 12B. 4 The provisions of a relevant order which provide for a parish to have, or to cease to have, an alternative style are subject to any resolution under section 12A or 12B relating to that parish. 5 A resolution under section 12A or 12B relating to a parish is subject to any provisions of a relevant order which provide for a parish to have, or to cease to have, an alternative style. 6 A parish shall cease to have an alternative style if the parish begins to have the status of a town by virtue of section 245(6). 7 In this section “ relevant order ” means an order under— a section 11 of this Act, or b section 86 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. Establishment of new authorities in England. 18 Schedule 3 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the division of non-metropolitan counties into districts, the establishment of the new local authorities in England, the suspension of elections of members of existing local authorities there and related matters. Extent of Part I. 19 This Part of this Act shall extend to England only. Part II Local Government Areas and Authorities in Wales New local government areas New principal local government areas in Wales. 20 1 For the administration of local government on and after 1st April 1996, the local government areas in Wales shall be— a the new principal areas; and b the communities. 2 The new principal areas (determined by reference to areas which, immediately before the passing of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, are local government areas) are set out in Parts I and II of Schedule 4 to this Act. 3 Each of the new principal areas shall have the name given to it in Schedule 4. 4 The new principal areas set out in Part I of Schedule 4 shall be counties and those set out in Part II of that Schedule shall be county boroughs. 5 In this Act “ principal area ”, in relation to Wales, means a county or county borough. 6 The counties which were created by this Act, as originally enacted, as counties in Wales, and the districts within them, shall cease to exist on 1st April 1996 except that the preserved counties shall continue in existence (with, in some cases, modified boundaries) for certain purposes. 7 The councils of the counties and districts mentioned in subsection (6) above shall cease to exist on 1st April 1996. 8 The areas of the preserved counties are set out in Part III of Schedule 4 and are determined by reference to local government areas in existence immediately before the passing of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994. 9 The Secretary of State may by order change the name by which any of the preserved counties is for the time being known. 10 Any such order shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 11 The Welsh name of each of the new principal areas is shown in Schedule 4 immediately after its English name. Principal councils Constitution of principal councils in Wales. 21 1 For every principal area in Wales there shall be a council consisting of a chairman and councillors. 1A Where a council falling within subsection (1) are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive ..., the council shall consist of an elected mayor, a chairman and councillors. 1B In such a case, a reference in this Act to a member of a council is a reference to— a the elected mayor of the council, b the chairman of the council, or c a councillor of the council. 2 Each such council shall be a body corporate and shall have the functions given to them by this Act or otherwise. 3 Each council for a county in Wales shall have the name of the county with the addition— a in the case of their English name, of the words “County Council” or the word “Council” (as in “Cardiganshire County Council” or “Cardiganshire Council”); and b in the case of their Welsh name, of the word “Cyngor” (as in “Cyngor Sir Aberteifi”). 4 Each council for a county borough in Wales shall have the name of the county borough with the addition— a in the case of their English name, of the words “County Borough Council” or the word “Council” (as in “Caerphilly County Borough Council” or “Caerphilly Council”); and b in the case of their Welsh name, of the words “Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol” or the word “Cyngor” (as in “Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili” or “Cyngor Caerffili”). 5 In the case of Abertawe, Caerdydd and Powys subsection (3)(b) above shall have effect as if it required the addition of the words “Cyngor Sir”. Members of principal councils Chairman. 22 1 The chairman of a principal council shall be elected annually by the council from among the councillors. 1A A member of the executive of a principal council , or an assistant to the executive, may not be elected as the chairman of the council. 2 The chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, continue in office until his successor becomes entitled to act as chairman. 3 During his term of office the chairman shall continue to be a member of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of councillors. 4 The chairman of a principal council shall have precedence in the area of that council, but not so as to affect Her Majesty’s prerogative prejudicially. 4A Subsection (4) above shall have effect in relation to a principal council which are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive ... as if it provided for the elected mayor of the council to have precedence in the area of that council, but this subsection shall not apply if the executive arrangements provide for it not to apply. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Election of chairman. 23 1 The election of the chairman shall be the first business transacted at the annual meeting of a principal council. 2 If, apart from section 22(3) above or section 24(2) below, the person presiding at the meeting would have ceased to be a member of the council, he shall not be entitled to vote in the election except in accordance with subsection (3) below. 3 In the case of an equality of votes the person presiding at the meeting shall give a casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have. Vice-chairman. 24 1 A principal council shall appoint a member of the council to be a vice-chairman of the council. 1A A member of the executive of a principal council , or an assistant to the executive, may not be appointed as the vice-chairman of the council. 2 The vice-chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, hold office until immediately after the election of a chairman at the next annual meeting of the council and during that time shall continue to be a member of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of councillors. 3 Subject to any standing orders made by the council, anything authorised or required to be done by, to or before the chairman may be done by, to or before the vice-chairman. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Presiding member 24A 1 A principal council may determine to have a presiding member. 2 A presiding member is elected by the principal council from among the councillors. 3 The principal council may determine— a the functions of the presiding member, and b the term of office of the member (subject to the limits in subsection (6)). 4 The functions of the presiding member may, in particular, include any function of the chairman of the principal council in relation to its meetings and proceedings. 5 A member of the executive of a principal council , or an assistant to the executive, may not be elected as its presiding member. 6 A presiding member is to continue in office until the occurrence of— a the presiding member's resignation or disqualification, b a successor becoming entitled to act as presiding member, c the principal council determining not to have an office of presiding member, or d an ordinary council election under section 26. Deputy presiding member 24B 1 The section applies where a principal council have determined to have a presiding member. 2 The principal council must appoint a member of the council to act as deputy to the presiding member (“the deputy presiding member”). 3 A member of the executive of a principal council , or an assistant to the executive, may not be appointed as the deputy presiding member. 4 A deputy presiding member is to continue in office until the occurrence of— a the deputy presiding member's resignation or disqualification, b a successor becoming entitled to act as deputy presiding member, c the council determining not to have an office of presiding member, or d an ordinary council election under section 26. 5 A deputy presiding member may do anything authorised or required to be done by the presiding member. Term of office and retirement of councillors. 25 1 Councillors for a principal area shall be elected by the local government electors for that area in accordance with this Act , Part 1 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 , and Part 1 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 . 2 For the purpose of the election of councillors, every principal area in Wales shall be divided into electoral wards , each returning such number of councillors as may be provided by an order under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5 to this Act or under or by virtue of the provisions of Part IV of this Act or Part 3 of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013 , or by regulations under paragraph 9 or 10 of Schedule 1 to the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 . 3 There shall be a separate election for each electoral ward . Title of chairman or vice-chairman of county borough council. 25A 1 The chairman of a county borough council is entitled to the style of “mayor” or “maer”. 2 The vice-chairman of a county borough council is entitled to the style of “deputy mayor” or “dirprwy faer”. 3 This section does not apply where a county borough council are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive .... Title of civic chair 25B 1 This section applies where— a a principal council have determined to have a presiding member under section 24A, and b the chairman of the council is not entitled to the style of “mayor” or “maer”. 2 The chairman of the council is entitled to the style of “civic chair” or “cadeirydd dinesig”. 3 The vice-chairman of the council is entitled to the style of ”civic vice-chair” or “dirprwy gadeirydd dinesig”. Elections of councillors. 26 1 The ordinary elections of councillors of the new principal councils shall take place in 2022 and in every fifth year after 2022 . 2 The term of office of every such councillor shall be five years. 3 On the fourth day after any such ordinary election— a the persons who were councillors immediately before the election shall retire; and b the newly elected councillors shall assume office. Communities Community meetings and continuation of community councils. 27 1 A meeting of the local government electors for a community (“ a community meeting ”) may be convened for the purpose of discussing community affairs and exercising any functions conferred by any enactment on such meetings. 2 The community councils in existence on 1st April 1996 shall, subject to any provision made under this Act, continue in existence after that date. 3 Subsection (4) below applies where— a the name of a community was given only in its English form or only in its Welsh form; but b there is a generally accepted alternative form of that name, or alternative name, in Welsh or (as the case may be) in English. 4 The principal council within whose area the community lies shall, before 1st October 1997, take such steps as may be prescribed with a view to securing that there is both an English and a Welsh name for the community. Power of community meeting to apply for an order establishing a community council 27A 1 This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting of a community which does not have a separate council for an order under section 27B establishing a separate council for the community. 2 The first condition is that the community meeting has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to establish a separate council for the community. 3 For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than— a 10% of the local government electors for the community, or b 150 of the electors (if 10% of the electors exceeds 150 electors), are present and voting at the community meeting. 4 The second condition is that the poll is not held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken. 5 The third condition is that the poll is not held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of a proposal to establish a separate council for the community (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held). 6 The fourth condition is that a majority of those voting in the poll support the proposal to establish a separate council for the community. 7 Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section. Orders establishing separate community councils for communities 27B 1 This section applies where a community meeting of a community which does not have a separate council applies to the principal council within whose area it lies for an order establishing a separate council for the community. 2 The principal council must consider whether it is satisfied that— a the conditions in section 27A are met; and b any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met. 3 If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsections (4) to (6) below). 4 The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election of a community council in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983. 5 No order shall be made so as to establish a separate community council for a community grouped under a common community council unless— a the community is separated from the group, or b the group is dissolved, by the order, or by an order under section 27J or section 27L below. 6 Where, in a case to which subsection (5) above applies, the group is not dissolved, the order under this section shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the alteration of the group's community council. Power of community meeting to apply for an order dissolving its separate community council 27C 1 This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting of a community which has a separate council for an order under section 27D dissolving the council. 2 The first condition is that the community meeting has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to dissolve the council for the community. 3 For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than— a 30% of the local government electors for the community, or b 300 of the electors (if 30% of the electors exceeds 300 electors), are present and voting at the community meeting. 4 The second condition is that the poll is not held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken. 5 The third condition is that the poll is not held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of a proposal to dissolve the separate council for the community (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held). 6 The fourth condition is that at least two-thirds of those voting in the poll support the proposal to dissolve the separate council for the community. 7 Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section. Orders dissolving separate community councils for communities 27D 1 This section applies where a community meeting of a community which has a separate council applies to the principal council within whose area it lies for an order dissolving the council for the community. 2 The principal council must consider whether it is satisfied that— a the conditions in section 27C are met; and b any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met. 3 If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for. Power of community meeting to apply for an order grouping its community with other communities under a common community council 27E 1 This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting for an order under section 27F grouping the community with some neighbouring community or communities which lie in the same principal area as the community, under a common community council. 2 The first condition is that the community meeting has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to group the community with a neighbouring community or communities which lie in the same principal area as the community, under a common community council. 3 For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than— a 10% of the local government electors for the community, or b 150 of the electors (if 10% of the electors exceeds 150 electors), are present and voting at the community meeting. 4 The second condition is that the poll is not held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken. 5 The third condition is that the poll is not held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of an identical proposal to group the community with a neighbouring community or communities (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held). 6 The fourth condition is that a majority of those voting in the poll support the proposal to group the community with a neighbouring community or communities which lie in the same principal area as the community, under a common community council. 7 The fifth condition is that the application is made jointly with the community meeting, or meetings, for the community, or communities to be grouped under the common community council. 8 Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section. Orders grouping a community with other communities under a common community council 27F 1 This section applies where a community meeting of a community applies to the principal council within whose area it lies for an order grouping the community with some neighbouring community or communities which lie in the same principal area as the community, under a common community council. 2 The principal council must consider whether it is satisfied that— a the conditions in section 27E are met; and b any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met. 3 If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsections (4) to (7) below). 4 The order shall provide for the name of the group in both an English and a Welsh form. 5 The order shall— a make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election, in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983, of separate representatives on the community council for each community or for the wards of any community, and b provide for the dissolution of the separate community council of any community included in the group. 6 The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the application to the communities included in the group of all or any of the provisions of sections 298 to 303 of the Charities Act 2011 (parochial charities) and of any of the provisions of this Act with respect to the custody of community documents, so as to preserve the separate rights of each community. 7 The order may provide for any necessary adaptations of this Act in relation to the group of communities. Power of community meeting to apply for an order adding its community to a group of communities with a common council 27G 1 This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting for an order under section 27H adding the community to a group of communities all of which lie in the same principal area as the community and for which there is a common community council. 2 The first condition is that the community meeting has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to add the community to a group of communities all of which lie in the same principal area as the community and for which there is a common community council. 3 For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than— a 10% of the local government electors for the community, or b 150 of the electors (if 10% of the electors exceeds 150 electors), are present and voting at the community meeting. 4 The second condition is that a majority of those voting in the poll support the proposal to add the community to a group of communities all of which lie in the same principal area as the community and for which there is a common community council. 5 The third condition is that a community meeting of each of the communities in the group has made an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to consent to the community in question becoming a member of the group. 6 For the purposes of the third condition a decision is only effective if not less than— a 10% of the local government electors for the community, or b 150 of the electors (if 10% of the electors exceeds 150 electors), are present and voting at the community meeting. 7 The fourth condition is that a majority of those voting in a poll following an effective decision for the purposes of the third condition support the proposal to consent to the community in question becoming a member of the group. 8 The fifth condition is that none of the above polls are held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of an identical proposal to add the community in question to the group of communities (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held). 9 The sixth condition is that none of the above polls are held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold that poll was taken. 10 Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section. Orders adding a community to a group of communities with a common council 27H 1 This section applies where a community meeting of a community applies to the principal council within whose area it lies for an order adding the community to a group of communities all of which lie in the same principal area as the community and for which there is a common community council. 2 The principal council must consider whether is it satisfied that— a the conditions in section 27G are met; and b any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met. 3 If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsections (4) to (7) below). 4 order shall provide for the name of the group in both an English and a Welsh form. 5 The order shall— a make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election, in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983, of separate representatives on the community council for the community that is added to the group or for the wards of that community, and b provide for the dissolution of any separate community council for the community that is added to the group. 6 The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the application to the communities included in the group of all or any of the provisions of sections 298 to 303 of the Charities Act 2011 (parochial charities) and of any of the provisions of this Act with respect to the custody of community documents, so as to preserve the separate rights of each community. 7 The order may provide for any necessary adaptations of this Act in relation to the group of communities. Power of council for a group of communities to apply for an order dissolving the group 27I 1 This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a council for a group of communities to the principal council in whose area the communities lie for an order under section 27J below dissolving the group. 2 The first condition is that a community meeting of each of the communities in the group has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to dissolve the group. 3 For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than— a 30% of the local government electors for the community, or b 300 of the electors (if 30% of the electors exceeds 300 electors), are present and voting at the community meeting. 4 The second condition is that no poll is held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken. 5 The third condition is that no poll is held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of a proposal to dissolve the group (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held). 6 The fourth condition is that at least two thirds of those voting in each poll support the proposal to dissolve the group. 7 Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section. Orders dissolving a group of communities 27J 1 This section applies where the council for a group of communities applies to the principal council within whose area the communities lie for an order dissolving the group. 2 The principal council must consider whether is it satisfied that— a the conditions in section 27I are met; and b any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met. 3 If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsection (4)). 4 The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election of a community council for any of the communities in the group in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983. Power of community meeting to apply for an order separating community from a group of communities 27K 1 This section sets out the conditions that must be met before an application may be made by a community meeting of a community included in a group of communities for an order under section 27L separating the community from the group. 2 The first condition is that a community meeting of the community has taken an effective decision to hold a poll on a proposal to separate the community from its group. 3 For the purposes of the first condition a decision is only effective if not less than— a 30% of the local government electors for the community, or b 300 of the electors (if 30% of the electors exceeds 300 electors), are present and voting at the community meeting. 4 The second condition is that the poll is not held before the end of the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which the decision to hold the poll was taken. 5 The third condition is that the poll is not held within two years of an earlier poll which resulted in a rejection of a proposal to separate the community from its group (that period of two years beginning with the day on which the earlier poll was held). 6 The fourth condition is that at least two-thirds of those voting in the poll support the proposal to separate the community from its group. 7 Paragraph 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act (voting at community meetings) shall have effect subject to the provisions of this section. Orders separating a community from a group of communities 27L 1 This section applies where a community meeting of a community included in a group of communities applies to the principal council within whose area the community lies for an order separating the community from the group. 2 The principal council must consider whether is it satisfied that— a the conditions in section 27K are met; and b any relevant requirements of Schedule 12 have been met. 3 If the council is so satisfied, the council must make the order applied for (but this is subject to subsection (4)). 4 The order shall make such provision as appears to the principal council to be necessary for the election of a community council for the community in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983. Power of Welsh Ministers to alter voting thresholds in connection with organisation of community councils 27M 1 The Welsh Ministers may by order amend the following provisions of this Act— a section 27A(3) and (6); b section 27C(3) and (6); c section 27E(3) and (6); d section 27G(3), (4), (6) and (7); e section 27I(3) and (6); f section 27K(3) and (6). 2 That power includes power to amend provision previously made by an order under subsection (1). 3 No order may be made under subsection (1) unless the Welsh Ministers have carried out such consultation as they consider appropriate with the following— a principal councils in Wales or a body representative of such councils; and b community councils in Wales or a body representative of such councils. 4 The power of the Welsh Ministers to make an order under subsection (1) is exercisable by statutory instrument. 5 A statutory instrument which contains an order under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the National Assembly for Wales. Establishment or dissolution of community councils. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community councils for groups of communities. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community councils for groups of communities: dissolution. 29A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community councils: applications under section 28, 29 or 29A. 29B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restriction on community applications during and after reviews. 30 1 Subject to subsection (3) below, no community application shall be made in relation to any community— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ba during the period of two years beginning with the coming into force of an order relating to the community under Part 3 of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013 consequent on recommendations made under that Part by the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru c during the two years beginning with the coming into force of an order made under this Part of this Act on a community application in relation to the community. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Secretary of State may, on an application made by the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru at any time when conducting a review ... under Part 3 of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013 or on an application by a principal council at any time when conducting such a review, direct that no community application shall be made in relation to any community affected by the review until the Secretary of State further directs. 4 Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1) above but without prejudice to subsection (3) above, the Secretary of State may permit the making of a community application in relation to a community if requested to do so by the council of the area in which the community is situated or by the community council (if any) or a community meeting of the community. 5 In this section “ community application ” means any application referred to in section 27B, 27D, 27F, 27H, 27J or 27L above. Provision supplementary to sections 27A to 27L . 31 1 An order made by a principal council under section 27B, 27D, 27F, 27H, 27J or 27L above may contain such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplementary provision as may appear to the principal council to be necessary or proper for the purposes or in consequence of the order or for giving full effect thereto, and may include provision with respect to the transfer and management or custody of property (whether real or personal) and the transfer of rights and liabilities. 2 Where any such order is made, section 44 of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013 is to apply as if the order were made under Part 3 of that Act. 3 Two copies of every such order shall be sent to the Secretary of State. Constitution of community meeting. 32 1 A community meeting of a community shall consist of local government electors for the community. 2 A community meeting may authorise the person presiding and two other local government electors present at the meeting to do anything or any class of things authorised by the meeting. 3 Any act of a community meeting may be signified by an instrument signed by the person presiding and two other local government electors present at the meeting. Constitution and powers of community councils. 33 1 A community council shall be a body corporate consisting of the chairman and community councillors and shall have the functions given to them by this Act or otherwise. 2 Each community council shall have the name of the community, with the addition— a in English, of the words “Community Council” (as in “Dale Community Council” or “Llandrillo Community Council”); and b in Welsh, of the words “Cyngor Cymuned” (as in “Cyngor Cymuned Dale” or “Cyngor Cymuned Llandrillo”). 3 A community council need not have a common seal. 4 Where a community council do not have a seal, any act of theirs which is required to be signified by an instrument under seal may be signified by an instrument signed and sealed by two members of the council. Consultation with community councils. 33A 1 The Secretary of State may by order designate any matter— a for the purposes of subsection (2) below; or b for the purposes of subsection (3) below. 2 Where a new principal council are to consider any proposal which relates to a matter which is designated for the purposes of this subsection, the council shall— a afford the relevant community councils an opportunity to make representations to them about the proposal; b before making any decision in relation to the proposal, take into account any representations made to them by any relevant community council with respect to the proposal; and c when they take a decision with respect to the proposal, notify without delay any relevant community council by whom any such representations have been made. 3 If a community council have given written notice to the relevant principal council— a that they wish to be consulted about a specified proposal which is to be considered by the principal council, and which relates to a matter designated for the purposes of this subsection, or b that they wish to be consulted about any proposal which is to be considered by the principal council and which relates to such a matter, the principal council shall take the steps mentioned in subsection (2) above in relation to that community council. 4 An order under this section may— a prescribe circumstances (including, in particular, the need to act with urgency) in which subsections (2) and (3) above do not apply; b give the Secretary of State power, in such circumstances as may be prescribed by the order, to provide that in relation to any principal council specified by him, those subsections shall not apply or shall apply only to the extent specified by him. 5 A contravention of the duty imposed by subsection (2) or (3) above shall not affect the validity of any decision of a principal council or of anything done in pursuance of any such decision. 6 In this section— “ relevant community council ”, in relation to a principal council, means the council of any community which is, or group of communities which are, within the area of the principal council; and “ relevant principal council ”, in relation to any community council, means the principal council within whose area the community is, or group of communities are, situated. 7 The power to make an order under this section shall include power— a to make such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplemental provision as the Secretary of State thinks necessary or expedient; and b to make different provision for different areas, including different provision for different localities and for different authorities. Principal council's response to a community poll 33B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Principal council's explanation of its response to a community poll 33C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman and vice-chairman of community council. 34 1 The chairman of a community council shall be elected annually by the council from among the councillors. 2 The election of a chairman shall be the first business transacted at the annual meeting of the community council and if, apart from subsection (8) below, the person presiding at the meeting would have ceased to be a member of the community council, he shall not be entitled to vote in the election except in accordance with subsection (3) below. 3 In the case of an equality of votes in the election of a chairman the person presiding at the meeting shall give a casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have. 4 The chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, continue in office until his successor becomes entitled to act as chairman. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A community council may appoint a member of the council to be vice-chairman of the council. 7 The vice-chairman shall, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, hold office until immediately after the election of a chairman at the next annual meeting of the council. 8 During their term of office the chairman and vice-chairman shall continue to be members of the council notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to the retirement of community councillors. 9 Subject to any standing orders made by the community council, anything authorised or required to be done by, to or before the chairman may be done by, to or before the vice-chairman. Community councillors. 35 1 Community councillors shall be elected by the local government electors for the community in accordance with this Act and Part I of the Representation of the People Act 1983 . 2 There shall be ordinary elections of community councillors in 2022 and in every fifth year thereafter. 2A The term of office of the community councillors shall be five years. 2B On the fourth day after any such ordinary election— a the persons who were councillors immediately before the election shall retire; and b the newly elected councillors shall assume office. 3 Where a community is not divided into community wards there shall be one election of community councillors for the whole community. 4 Where a community is divided into community wards there shall be a separate election of community councillors for each ward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Miscellaneous Establishment of principal councils in Wales. 37 Schedule 5 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the establishment of principal councils in Wales and connected matters. Extent of Part II. 38 This Part of this Act shall extend to Wales only. Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39–45 Part IV Changes in Local Government Areas Proposals by Local Government Boundary Commission for England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Proposals by Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales. 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proposals for changes in local government areas in Wales. 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Review of local government areas in Wales. 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power of Secretary of State to direct holding of reviews. 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Substantive changes in electoral arrangements. 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise of functions by the Welsh Commission on behalf of principal councils 57A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commission’s reports and their implementation. 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Directions about reviews. 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conduct of reviews Procedure for reviews. 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local inquiries. 61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Border between England and Wales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Initial reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Review of electoral arrangements for Welsh principal areas. 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplementary provisions Delegation of functions of Commission. 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Consequential and transitional arrangements relating to Part IV. 67 1 The Secretary of State may by regulations of general application make such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplementary provision as may appear to him to be necessary or proper for the purposes or in consequence of orders under this Part of this Act or for giving full effect thereto; and nothing in any other provision of this Act shall be construed as prejudicing the generality of this subsection. 2 Regulations under this section may in particular include, in addition to any provision made by virtue of section 255 below, provision of general application with respect to— a the transfer and management or custody of property (whether real or personal) and the transfer of rights and liabilities; b the functions or areas of jurisdiction of any public body, justice of the peace other than a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts), coroner, custos rotulorum, lord-lieutenant, lieutenant, high sheriff and other officers (including police officers) , and the functions of any District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts), within any area affected by any such order, and the costs and expenses of such public bodies and persons as aforesaid; c the transfer of legal proceedings; and may apply, with or without modifications, or extend, exclude or amend, or repeal or revoke, with or without savings, any provision of an Act, an instrument made under an Act or a charter. 3 A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 4 An order under this Part of this Act may include the like provision in relation to the order as may be made by regulations of general application under this section by virtue of subsections (1) and (2) above; and nothing in any other provision of this Act shall be construed as prejudicing the generality of this subsection. 5 Any such order may also include provision with respect to— a the name of any altered area; b the constitution , election and membership of public bodies in any area affected by the order; c the total number of councillors, the apportionment of councillors among electoral areas, the assignment of existing councillors to new or altered electoral areas and the first election of councillors for any new or altered electoral area; d without prejudice to paragraph (c) above, the holding of a fresh election of councillors for all electoral areas in the local government area in question in a case where substantial changes have been made to some of those areas; e without prejudice to paragraph (c) above, the order of retirement of councillors for any such electoral area; f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . g the abolition or establishment, or the restriction or extension, of the jurisdiction of any public body in or over any part of the area affected by the order. 5A Without prejudice to subsection (5), an order under section 58 which makes provision altering any police areas may make provision as to who is to be a police and crime commissioner, including— a provision for the police and crime commissioner for a police area affected by the order to become the police and crime commissioner for a police area resulting from the order; b provision for the holding of an election for the police and crime commissioner for any police area resulting from the order. 5B Such an order which includes provision within subsection (5A)(b) may, in particular, require the election in question to be held before the alteration of police areas takes effect. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transitional agreements as to property and finance. 68 1 Any public bodies affected by the alteration, abolition or constitution of any area by an order under this Part of this Act or by an order under section 162 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 may from time to time make agreements with respect to any property, income, rights, liabilities and expenses (so far as affected by the alteration, abolition or constitution) of, and any financial relations between, the parties to the agreement. 2 The agreement may provide— a for the transfer or retention of any property, rights and liabilities, with or without conditions, and for the joint use of any property; b for the making of payments by either party to the agreement in respect of property, rights and liabilities so transferred or retained, or of such joint use, and in respect of the remuneration or compensation payable to any person; and c for the making of any such payment either by way of a capital sum or of a terminable annuity. 3 In default of agreement as to any matter, the matter shall be referred to the arbitration of a single arbitrator agreed on by the parties, or in default of agreement appointed by the Secretary of State, and the award of the arbitrator may provide for any matter for which an agreement under this section might have provided. 4 Any sum required to be paid by a public body in pursuance of an agreement or award under this section may be paid out of such fund or rate as may be specified in the agreement or award, or if no fund or rate was specified, either out of the fund or rate from which the general expenses of the public body are defrayed, or out of such fund or rate as the public body may direct. 5 For the purposes of paying any capital sum required to be paid by a public body in pursuance of any such agreement or award— a a local authority may borrow without the approval of the Secretary of State, but so that the sum borrowed shall be repaid within such period as the authority with the consent of the Secretary of State may determine; b any other public body having power under any enactment or any instrument made under any Act to borrow may borrow under that enactment or instrument; and c a public body having no power under any enactment or any such instrument to borrow may be empowered by an order made by the Secretary of State to borrow in such manner and in accordance with such conditions as may be provided by the order. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Any agreement or award under this section which relates to the profits of local taxation licences shall, so far as it so relates, be carried out in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State. 9 Subsection (8) above shall apply to— a an adjustment made under section 151 of the 1933 Act, whether as originally enacted or as applied by any other enactment or any instrument made under any Act; and b an adjustment made under section 32 or 62 of the Local Government Act 1888, whether as originally enacted or as so applied, and consequent on an alteration of areas effected after 31st March 1930; as it applies in relation to an agreement or award under this section. Variation and revocation of orders under Part IV, etc. 69 1 The power conferred by section 266 below to vary and revoke orders under this Act shall, in the case of orders under this Part of this Act, apply only in relation to any supplementary provision contained in any such order, and an order varying or revoking any such provision shall only be made after compliance with subsections (2) and (3) below. 2 The Secretary of State or Welsh principal council proposing to make any such varying or revoking order shall prepare a draft of the order, shall send copies of the draft to such local or public authorities as appear to him or them to be concerned, and shall give public notice, in such manner as appears to him or them sufficient for informing persons likely to be concerned, that the draft has been prepared, that a copy of the draft is available for inspection at a place specified in the notice and that representations with respect to the draft may be made to him or them within two months of the publication of the notice. 3 The Secretary of State or Welsh principal council shall consider any representations duly made with respect to the draft and may, if he or they think fit, make an order either in the form of the draft or subject to modifications. 4 The Secretary of State or a Welsh principal council may cause a local inquiry to be held with respect to the draft and section 250(2), (3) and (5) below shall apply in relation to an inquiry held under this subsection by a . . . council with the substitution for references to a Minister of references to the council. 5 Any supplementary provision contained in an order made by a Minister of the Crown under any of the following enactments (being enactments making provision corresponding to some or all of the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act), that is to say— a section 46 of the Local Government Act 1929; b Part VI of the 1933 Act; c Part II of the Local Government Act 1958; d section 6 of the 1963 Act; e any enactment repealed by the 1933 Act and corresponding to any enactment in the said Part VI; may be varied or revoked by an order made by the Secretary of State, and subsections (2) to (4) above shall apply in relation to any such order as they apply in relation to orders varying or revoking orders under this Part of this Act. 6 Any supplementary provision contained in an order made under any of the enactments mentioned in subsection (5) above by any predecessor of a Welsh principal council may be varied or revoked in relation to any Welsh principal area to which or part of which that provision relates by an order made by the council of that area , and subsections (2) to (4) above shall apply with all necessary modifications in relation to any such order as they apply in relation to orders varying or revoking orders under this Part of this Act. 7 In this section “ supplementary provision ” means any such provision as could be made by an order under this Part of this Act by virtue of section 67 above or section 255 below. Miscellaneous Restriction on promotion of Bills for changing local government areas, etc. 70 1 No local authority in England , joint authority , economic prosperity board , combined authority or combined county authority ... shall have power to promote a bill for forming or abolishing any local government area ... or for altering, or altering the status or electoral arrangements of, any local government area . . . 2 Subsection (1) above shall have effect as if the reference to a joint authority included a reference to the London Fire Commissioner. 3 No local authority in England , joint authority , economic prosperity board , combined authority or combined county authority shall have power to promote a Bill for forming, altering or abolishing executive arrangements ..., or for altering arrangements for electing an elected mayor. Modification of seaward boundaries of local government areas. 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accretions from the sea, etc. 72 1 Subject to subsection (3) below, every accretion from the sea, whether natural or artificial, and any part of the sea-shore to the low water-mark, which does not immediately before the passing of this Act form part of a parish shall be annexed to and incorporated with— a in England, the parish or parishes which the accretion or part of the sea-shore adjoins, and b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . in proportion to the extent of the common boundary. 2 Every accretion from the sea or part of the sea-shore which is annexed to and incorporated with a parish . . . under this section shall be annexed to and incorporated with the district and county in which that parish . . . is situated. 2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 In England, in so far as the whole or part of any such accretion from the sea or part of the sea-shore as is mentioned in subsection (1) above does not adjoin a parish, it shall be annexed to and incorporated with the district which it adjoins or, if it adjoins more than one district, with those districts in proportion to the extent of the common boundary; and every such accretion or part of the sea-shore which is annexed to and incorporated with a district under this section shall be annexed to and incorporated with the county in which that district is situated. Alteration of local boundaries consequent on alteration of water-course. 73 1 Where, in the exercise of any power conferred by the conferred by the Water Resources Act 1991, the Land Drainage Act 1991 or any other enactment, a water-course forming a boundary line between two or more areas of local government in England is straightened, widened or otherwise altered so as to affect its character as a boundary line, the drainage board or other persons under whose authority the alteration is made shall forthwith send notice of the alteration to the Secretary of State. 2 If after consultation with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England ... the Secretary of State is satisfied that, having regard to the alteration specified in the notice, a new boundary line may conveniently be adopted, he may by order declare that such line as may be specified in the order (whether or not consisting wholly or in part of the line of the water-course as altered) shall be substituted for so much of the boundary line as, before the alteration, lay along the line of the water-course; and where such an order is made the limits of the areas of which the water-course, before the alteration, was the boundary shall be deemed to be varied accordingly. 3 The Secretary of State shall, in such manner as he thinks appropriate, publish notice of any order made by him under this section. 4 For the purposes of this section a preserved county is an area of local government. Change of name of county, district or London borough. 74 1 Subject to subsection (5) below, the council of a county , county borough , district or London borough may, by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon at a meeting of the council specially convened for the purpose with notice of the object, change the name of the county , county borough , district or borough. 2 Where the name of a district which has been granted the status of a city, borough or royal borough or the name of a London borough is changed in pursuance of this section, the charter or other grant or incorporation order shall have effect as if the new name were substituted for the old. 2A Where a Welsh principal area which has, by charter or other grant or incorporation order, been granted the status of a county borough, city or royal borough subsequently changes the name of the council in pursuance of this section, the charter or other grant or incorporation order shall have effect as if the new name were substituted for the old. 3 Notice of any change of name made under this section . . .— a shall be sent by the council concerned to the relevant Minister , to the Director General of the Ordnance Survey and to the Registrar General; and b shall be published in such manner as the relevant Minister may direct. 3A Where any change of name under this section relates to a Welsh principal area, notice must also be sent to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru . 4 A change of name made in pursuance of this section . . . shall not affect any rights or obligations of any county , county borough , district or London borough or of any council, authority or person, or render defective any legal proceedings; and any legal proceedings may be commenced or continued as if there had been no change of name. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 If the name of a Welsh principal area is changed under this section, and there are generally accepted alternative English and Welsh forms of that name, or alternative English and Welsh names, both forms of the new name or (as the case may be) both names shall be published. 8 In this section the “relevant Minister” is— a in relation to the change of name of a Welsh principal area, the Welsh Ministers, and b in relation to any other change of name, the Secretary of State. Change of name of parish. 75 1 At the request of the parish council or, where there is no parish council, at the request of the parish meeting, the council of the district in which the parish is situated may change the name of the parish. 2 Notice of any change of name made under this section— a shall be sent by the district council concerned to the Secretary of State, to the Director General of the Ordnance Survey and to the Registrar General; and b shall be published by the district council in the parish and elsewhere in such manner as they consider appropriate. 3 A change of name made in pursuance of this section shall not affect any rights or obligations of any parish or of any council, authority or person, or render defective any legal proceedings; and any legal proceedings may be commenced or continued as if there had been no change of name. Change of name of community. 76 1 At the request of the community council or, where there is no community council, at the request of a community meeting, the council of the principal area in which the community is situated may change the name of the community. 2 Notice of any change of name made under this section . . . — a shall be sent by the principal council concerned to the Welsh Ministers, to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru , to the Director General of the Ordnance Survey and to the Registrar General; and b shall be published by the principal council in the community and elsewhere in such manner as they consider appropriate. 3 A change of name made in pursuance of this section . . . shall not affect any rights or obligations of any community or of any council, authority or person, or render defective any legal proceedings; and any legal proceedings may be commenced or continued as if there had been no change of name. 4 If the name of any community is changed under this section, and there are generally accepted alternative English and Welsh forms of that name, or alternative English and Welsh names, both forms of the new name or (as the case may be) both names shall be published. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Supplementary. 78 1 In this Part of this Act— “ electoral arrangements ” means— in relation to a principal area, the number of councillors of the council for that area, the number and boundaries of the electoral areas into which that area is for the time being divided for the purpose of the election of councillors, the number of councillors to be elected for any electoral area in that principal area and the name of any electoral area; in relation to a parish or community council or a common parish or community council, the number of councillors, the question whether the parish or community or any parish or community, as the case may be, should or should not be or continue to be divided into wards for the purpose of the election of councillors, the number and boundaries of any such wards, the number of councillors to be elected for any such ward or in the case of a common parish or community council for each parish or community and the name of any such ward; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ local government area ” includes the City, the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . “ substantive change ” has the meaning assigned to it by section 54(1)(e) above. 2 In considering the electoral arrangements for local government areas for the purposes of this Part of this Act, the Secretary of State, the Welsh Commission and every Welsh principal council and district council shall so far as is reasonably practicable comply with the rules set out in Schedule 11 to this Act . Part V General Provisions as to Members and Proceedings of Local Authorities Qualifications and disqualifications Qualifications for election and holding office as member of local authority. 79 1 A person shall, unless disqualified by virtue of this Act or any other enactment, be qualified to be elected and to be a member of a local authority ... if he is a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or , in the case of a local authority in England, a qualifying EU citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights or, in the case of a local authority in Wales, a qualifying foreign citizen and on the relevant day he has attained the age of eighteen years and— a on that day he is and thereafter he continues to be a local government elector for the area of the authority; or b he has during the whole of the twelve months preceding that day occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in that area; or c his principal or only place of work during that twelve months has been in that area; or d he has during the whole of those twelve months resided in that area; or e in the case of a member of a parish or community council he has during the whole of those twelve months resided either in the parish or community or within three miles of it. 2 In this section “ relevant day ”, in relation to any candidate, means— a except in the case of an election not preceded by the nomination of candidates, the day on which he is nominated as a candidate and also, if there is a poll, the day of election; and b in the said excepted case, the day of election. 2A In this section “ qualifying EU citizen ” and “ EU citizen with retained rights ” have the same meaning as in the Representation of the People Act 1983 (see sections 203A and 203B of that Act). 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2B For the purposes of this section, a person is a qualifying Commonwealth citizen if he is a Commonwealth citizen who either— a is not a person who requires leave under the Immigration Act 1971 to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or b is such a person but for the time being has (or is, by virtue of any enactment, to be treated as having) indefinite leave to remain within the meaning of that Act. 2C But a person is not a qualifying Commonwealth citizen by virtue of subsection (2B)(a) if he does not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom by virtue only of section 8 of the Immigration Act 1971 (exceptions to requirement for leave in special cases). 2D For the purposes of this section, a person is a qualifying foreign citizen if the person— a is not a Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or a relevant citizen of the Union, and b either— i is not a person who requires leave under the Immigration Act 1971 to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or ii is such a person but for the time being has (or is, by virtue of any enactment, to be treated as having) indefinite leave to remain within the meaning of that Act. 2E But a person is not a qualifying foreign citizen by virtue of subsection (2D)(b)(i) if the person does not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom by virtue only of section 8 of the Immigration Act 1971 (exceptions to requirement for leave in special cases). Disqualifications for election and holding office as member of a local authority in England . 80 1 Subject to the provisions of section 81 below, a person shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of a local authority in England ... if he— a holds any paid office or employment (other than the office of chairman, vice-chairman , deputy chairman, presiding member or deputy presiding member or, in the case of a local authority which are operating executive arrangements which involve a leader and cabinet executive, the office of executive leader or member of the executive ) appointments or elections to which are or may be made or confirmed by the local authority or any committee or sub-committee of the authority or by a ... joint committee or National Park authority on which the authority are represented or by any person holding any such office or employment; or b is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim bankruptcy restrictions order, or a debt relief restrictions order or interim debt relief restrictions order under Schedule 4ZB of the Insolvency Act 1986 ; c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d has within five years before the day of election or since his election been convicted in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine; or e is disqualified for being a member of the relevant council under Part III of the Representation of the People Act 1983 or for being a charter trustee under the Audit Commission Act 1998 , and in this paragraph “the relevant council” means the council of the county or district in which is comprised the area for which charter trustees are established by any statutory instrument made under Part II of the Local Government 1992. ; or f is incapable of being elected to or holding— i the office of member of the Northern Ireland Assembly having been reported personally guilty or convicted of a corrupt practice under section 114A of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as applied by Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001 ( S.I. 2001/2599 )) (undue influence); ii the office of member of a district council in Northern Ireland having been reported personally guilty or convicted of a corrupt practice under paragraph 3 of Schedule 9 to the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (undue influence); 2 Subject to the provisions of section 81 below, a paid officer of a local authority in England who is employed under the direction of— a a committee or sub-committee of the authority any member of which is appointed on the nomination of some other local authority; or b a joint board , joint authority economic prosperity board, combined authority, , combined county authority ... or joint committee on which the authority are represented and any member of which is so appointed; shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of that other local authority. 2AA A paid member of staff of the Greater London Authority who is employed under the direction of a joint committee the membership of which includes— a one or more persons appointed on the nomination of the Authority acting by the Mayor, and b one or more members of one or more London borough councils appointed to the committee on the nomination of those councils, shall be disqualified for being elected or being a member of any of those London borough councils. 2AB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A Subsection (2) above shall have effect as if the reference to a joint board included a reference to a National Park authority. 2B For the purposes of this section a local authority shall be treated as represented on a National Park authority if it is entitled to make any appointment of a local authority member of the National Park authority. 3 Subsection (1)(a) shall have effect in relation to a teacher in a school maintained by the local authority who does not hold an employment falling within that provision as it has effect in relation to a teacher in such a school who holds such an employment. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 For the purposes of subsection (1) ... (d) above, the ordinary date on which the period allowed for making an appeal or application with respect to the ... conviction expires or, if such an appeal or application is made, the date on which the appeal or application is finally disposed of or abandoned or fails by reason of the non-prosecution thereof shall be deemed to be the date of the ... conviction, .... 5A See also section 81A (disqualification relating to sexual offences etc (England)). 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disqualification for election or being a member of a local authority in Wales 80A 1 A person is disqualified for being elected or being a member of a local authority in Wales if— a the person is the subject of— i a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim bankruptcy restrictions order under Schedule 4A to the Insolvency Act 1986, Schedule 2A to the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, or Part 13 of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016; ii a debt relief restrictions order or interim debt relief restrictions order under Schedule 4ZB to the Insolvency Act 1986 or Schedule 2ZB to the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989; b the person is disqualified for being elected or for being a member of the authority under Part 3 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (corrupt or illegal practices); ba the person is incapable of being elected to or holding elective office in a district council in Northern Ireland under Part 10 of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (c. 14) (corrupt or illegal practices); c the person is subject to the notification requirements of, or an order under, Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; d the person has a relevant criminal conviction. 2 A person has a relevant criminal conviction if, during the period of five years ending with the day of the local authority election, or since the person's election, the person has been convicted in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man of an offence for which the person has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) of 3 months or more without the option of a fine. 3 A person is not disqualified under subsection (1)(c) at any time before the end of the ordinary period allowed for making— a an appeal or application in respect of the conviction or finding to which the notification requirements relate; b an appeal in respect of the order. 4 A person is not disqualified under subsection (1)(d) at any time before the end of the ordinary period allowed for making an appeal or application in respect of the conviction. 5 A person who makes an appeal or application of the kind mentioned in subsection (3) or (4) is not disqualified under subsection (1)(c) or (d) at any time before the end of the day on which the appeal or application is finally disposed of, or is abandoned, or fails by reason of non-prosecution. 6 A person who would be disqualified but for subsection (3), (4) or (5) must not act in the office of member of a local authority in Wales. Disqualification for being a member of a local authority in Wales and holding local office or employment 80B 1 A person who holds a relevant paid office or employment (see section 80C) is disqualified for being a member of a local authority in Wales, (but not for being elected as such a member). 2 A person is not disqualified under subsection (1) at any time before the person makes a declaration of acceptance of office in accordance with section 83. 3 Subsections (4), (5) and (6) apply where a person is elected as a member of a local authority in Wales and resigns from the relevant paid office or employment for the purpose of taking office as a member. 4 The resignation terminates the holding of the paid office or employment with immediate effect. 5 Any notice requirement in the terms and conditions under which the paid office or employment is held has no effect. 6 Section 86(2) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (requirement on employee to give minimum of one week's notice) does not apply. 7 This section does not apply to a person who is disqualified for being elected or being a member of a local authority under section 1 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (disqualification by virtue of holding politically restricted post). Paid office or employment to which disqualification applies 80C 1 For the purposes of section 80B “a relevant paid office or employment” is a paid office or employment appointment or election to which is or may be made or confirmed by— a the local authority to which the person was elected a member; b a committee or sub-committee of the local authority; c a joint committee or National Park authority on which the local authority is represented; ... ca a corporate joint committee established in relation to the area of the local authority; or d a holder of a paid office or employment of the kind described in paragraphs (a), (b) ,(c) or (ca) . 2 But a relevant paid office or employment in subsection (1) does not include the office of— a chairman, vice-chairman, presiding member or deputy presiding member, or b in the case of a local authority operating executive arrangements which involve a leader and cabinet executive, the office of executive leader, member of the executive or assistant to the executive. 3 Subsection (1) has effect in relation to a teacher in a school maintained by a local authority whether or not the appointment to the post was made in accordance with that subsection. 4 Where the holder of a relevant paid office in a local authority in Wales (“local authority A”) is employed under the direction of— a a committee or sub-committee of local authority A any member of which is appointed on the nomination of another local authority in Wales (“local authority B”), or b a joint board, a National Park authority, or joint committee on which local authority A is represented and any member of which is appointed on the nomination of local authority B, section 80B applies in respect of the person's membership of local authority B. 5 For the purposes of this section, a local authority is represented on a National Park authority if it is entitled to appoint a member of the local authority as a member of the National Park authority. Exceptions to provisions of section 80. 81 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Where a person is disqualified under section 80 above by reason of his having made a composition or arrangement with his creditors and he pays his debts in full, the disqualification shall cease on the date on which the payment is completed and in any other case it shall cease on the expiration of five years from the date on which the terms of the deed of composition or arrangement are fulfilled. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Section 80(2) and (3) above shall not operate so as to disqualify— a any person by reason of his being a teacher, or otherwise employed, in a school, . . . or other educational institution maintained or assisted by a county council for being a member of a district council by reason that the district council nominates members of the education committee of the county council; or b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disqualification relating to sexual offences etc (England) 81A 1 A person is disqualified for being elected or being a member of a local authority in England if the person is subject to— a any relevant notification requirements, or b a relevant order. 2 In this section “ relevant notification requirements ” means— a the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; b the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sex Offenders (Jersey) Law 2010; c the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Criminal Justice (Sex Offenders and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2013; d the notification requirements of Schedule 1 to the Criminal Justice Act 2001 (an Act of Tynwald: c. 4). 3 In this section “ relevant order ” means— a a sexual harm prevention order under section 345 of the Sentencing Code; b a sexual harm prevention order under section 103A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; c a sexual offences prevention order under section 104 of that Act; d a sexual risk order under section 122A of that Act; e a risk of sexual harm order under section 123 of that Act; f a risk of sexual harm order under section 2 of the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005; g a sexual risk order under section 27 of the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016; h a restraining order under Article 10 of the Sex Offenders (Jersey) Law 2010; i a child protection order under Article 11 of that Law; j a sexual offences prevention order under section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Sex Offenders and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2013; k a risk of sexual harm order under section 22 of that Law; l a sexual offences prevention order under section 1 of the Sex Offenders Act 2006 (an Act of Tynwald: c. 20); m a risk of sexual harm order under section 5 of that Act. 4 For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a person who is subject to any relevant notification requirements is not to be regarded as disqualified until— a the expiry of the ordinary period allowed for making an appeal or application against the conviction, finding, caution, order or certification in respect of which the person is subject to the relevant notification requirements, or b if such an appeal or application is made, the date on which it is finally disposed of or abandoned or fails because it is not prosecuted. 5 For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), a person who is subject to a relevant order is not to be regarded as disqualified until— a the expiry of the ordinary period allowed for making an appeal against the relevant order, or b if such an appeal is made, the date on which it is finally disposed of or abandoned or fails because it is not prosecuted. Validity of acts done by unqualified persons. 82 1 The acts and proceedings of any person elected to an office under this Act or elected or appointed to an office under Part . . . IV of the Local Government Act 1985 or elected as elected mayor or executive leader and acting in that office shall, notwithstanding his disqualification or want of qualification, be as valid and effectual as if he had been qualified. 2 Subsection (1) above shall have effect, in relation to the Broads Authority, as if the reference to this Act included a reference to the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. Acceptance, resignation and vacation of office, and casual vacancies Declaration of acceptance of office. 83 1 The person elected to any of the following offices, that is to say, the office of chairman, vice-chairman, presiding member, deputy presiding member, . . . councillor or elected mayor of the council of a county , county borough , district or London borough . . . shall not, unless he has made a declaration of acceptance of office in a form prescribed by an order made by the Secretary of State , and the declaration has within two months from the day of the election been delivered to the proper officer of the council, act in the office except for the purpose of taking such a declaration. 2 If such a declaration is not made and delivered to the proper officer within the appointed time, the office of the person elected shall at the expiration of that time become vacant. 3 The declaration shall be made before either— a two members of the council to which the declarant is elected; or aa an elected mayor of the council to which the declarant is elected; or b the proper officer of the council; or c a justice of the peace or magistrate in the United Kingdom, the Channel Isles or the Isle of Man; or d a commissioner appointed to administer oaths in the Senior Courts . 3A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 A person elected to the office of chairman of a parish or community council or parish or community councillor shall— a in the case of the chairman, at the meeting at which he is elected; b in the case of a councillor, before or at the first meeting of the parish or community council after his election; or c in either case if the council at that meeting so permit, before or at a later meeting fixed by the council; make in the presence of a member of the council or of the proper officer of the council and deliver to the council a declaration of acceptance of office in a form prescribed by an order made by the Secretary of State , and if he fails to do so his office shall thereupon become vacant. 5 Any person before whom a declaration is authorised to be made under this section may take the declaration. Resignation. 84 1 A person elected to any office under this Act or elected as an elected mayor may at any time resign his office by written notice delivered— a except in a case falling within paragraph ( b ), ( c ) or ( d ) below, to the proper officer of the council; b in the case of a person elected to a corporate office in a London borough, to the proper officer of the borough; c in the case of a parish or community councillor, to the chairman of the parish or community council; d in the case of a chairman of a parish or community council or of a parish meeting, to the council or the meeting, as the case may be; and his resignation shall take effect upon the receipt of the notice by the person or body to whom it is required to be delivered. 2 A person elected or appointed to an office under Part . . . IV of the Local Government Act 1985 may at any time resign his office by written notice delivered to the proper officer of the authority of which he is a member and his resignation shall take effect upon the receipt of the notice by that officer. Vacation of office by failure to attend meetings. 85 1 Subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, if a member of a local authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his last attendance to attend any meeting of the authority, he shall, unless the failure was due to some reason approved by the authority before the expiry of that period, cease to be a member of the authority. 2 Attendance as a member at a meeting of any committee or sub-committee of the authority, or at a meeting of any joint committee, joint board or other body by whom for the time being any of the functions of the authority are being discharged, or who were appointed to advise the authority on any matter relating to the discharge of their functions, and attendance as representative of the authority at a meeting of any body of persons, shall be deemed for the purposes of subsection (1) above to be attendance at a meeting of the authority. 2A Subject to subsections (2B) and (3), if a member of a local authority which are operating executive arrangements, who is also a member of the executive of that local authority, fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his last attendance to attend any meeting of the executive, he shall, unless the failure was due to some reason approved by the local authority before the expiry of that period, cease to be a member of the local authority. 2B For the purposes of this section— a the discharge by a member, acting alone, of any function which is the responsibility of the executive; and b in respect of a mayor and cabinet executive or leader and cabinet executive, attendance as a member at a meeting of a committee of the executive, shall each be deemed to be attendance at a meeting of the executive. 3 A member of any branch of Her Majesty’s naval, military or air forces when employed during war or any emergency on any naval, military or air force service, and a person whose employment in the service of Her Majesty in connection with war or any emergency is such as, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, to entitle him to relief from disqualification on account of absence, shall not cease to be a member of a local authority by reason only of a failure to attend meetings of the local authority or of a failure to attend meetings of the executive if the failure is due to that employment. 3A Any period during which a member of a local authority is suspended or partially suspended under section 66, ... 73, 78 ... or 79 of the Local Government Act 2000 , or suspended under section 31(4) of the Elections Act 2022, shall be disregarded for the purpose of calculating the period of six consecutive months under subsection (1) or (2A) above (and, accordingly, a period during which a member fails to attend meetings of the authority or, as the case may be, meetings of the executive that falls immediately before, and another such period that falls immediately after, a period of suspension or partial suspension shall be treated as consecutive). 3B Subsections (3C) and (3D) apply for the purpose of calculating the period of six consecutive months under subsection (1) or (2A). 3C Any period during which a member of a local authority in Wales is exercising a right to absence under Part 2 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 is to be disregarded. 3D The following two periods are to be treated as consecutive— a the period during which a member of a local authority in Wales fails to attend meetings of the authority or, as the case may be, meetings of the executive that falls immediately before the period described in subsection (3C), and b the period that falls immediately after the period described in subsection (3C). 4 In this section “ local authority ” includes a joint authority , an economic prosperity board , a combined authority and a combined county authority . . . Declaration by local authority of vacancy in office in certain cases. 86 1 Where a member of a local authority— a ceases to be qualified to be a member of the authority; or b becomes disqualified for being a member of the authority otherwise than under section 80A(1)(c) of this Act, section 79 of the Local Government Act 2000 or section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 or by virtue of , a conviction or a breach of any provision of Part II of the Representation of the People Act 1983 , or by virtue of an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 ; or c ceases to be a member of the authority by reason of failure to attend meetings of the authority; the authority shall, except in any case in which a declaration has been made by the High Court under this Part of this Act, forthwith declare his office to be vacant. 2 In this section “ local authority ” includes a joint authority , an economic prosperity board , a combined authority and a combined county authority ... Date of casual vacancies. 87 1 For the purpose of filling a casual vacancy in any office for which an election is held under this Act, the date on which the vacancy is to be deemed to have occurred shall be— a in the case of non-acceptance of office by any person who is required to make and deliver a declaration of acceptance of office, on the expiration of the period appointed under this Part of this Act for the delivery of the declaration; b in the case of resignation, upon the receipt of the notice of resignation by the person or body to whom the notice is required to be delivered; c in the case of death, on the date of death; d in the case of a disqualification by virtue of a conviction, on the expiration of the ordinary period allowed for making an appeal or application with respect to the ... conviction or, if an appeal or application is made, on the date on which that appeal or application is finally disposed of or abandoned or fails by reason of non-prosecution thereof; da in the case of disqualification of a member of a local authority in Wales under paragraph (c) of section 80A(1), on the date on which the person becomes disqualified under that paragraph; db in the case of a disqualification by virtue of an order under section 30 of the Elections Act 2022 (disqualification of offenders for holding elective office etc), on the date the office is vacated in accordance with section 31 of that Act (vacation of office etc); e in the case of an election being declared void on an election petition, on the date of the report or certificate of the election court; ee in the case of a disqualification under section ... 79 of the Local Government Act 2000 or section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 or , on the expiration of the ordinary period allowed for making an appeal or application with respect to the relevant decision or order under that section or, if an appeal or application is made, on the date on which that appeal or application is finally disposed of or abandoned or fails by reason of non-prosecution thereof; f in the case of a person ceasing to be qualified to be a member of a local authority, or becoming disqualified, for any reason other than one mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (ee) above, or ceasing to be a member of a local authority by reason of failure to attend meetings, on the date on which his office is declared to have been vacated either by the High Court or by the local authority, as the case may be; and g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1A In a case where subsection (1)(db) and one or both of subsections (1)(d) and (1)(da) apply in relation to a vacancy, the vacancy is to be deemed to have occurred on the date mentioned in subsection (1)(db). 2 Public notice of a casual vacancy in any such office as is referred to in subsection (1) above shall be given by the local authority in which the office exists; and the steps required to be taken to give public notice in accordance with section 232 below shall be taken— a in a case where the local authority declare the office to be vacant, immediately after the declaration; and b in any other case, as soon as practicable after the date on which, by virtue of subsection (1) above, the vacancy is deemed to have occurred. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Filling of casual vacancy in case of chairman, etc. 88 1 On a casual vacancy occurring in the office of chairman of any council . . ., an election to fill the vacancy shall be held not later than the next ordinary meeting of the council held after the date on which the vacancy occurs, or if that meeting is held within fourteen days after that date, then not later than the next following ordinary meeting of the council, and shall be conducted in the same manner as an ordinary election. 2 . . . , a meeting of the council for the election may be convened by the proper officer of the authority. 2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 In a parish not having a separate parish council, a casual vacancy in the office of chairman of the parish meeting shall be filled by the parish meeting, and a parish meeting shall be convened for the purpose of filling the vacancy forthwith. Filling of casual vacancies in case of councillors. 89 1 Subject to the provisions of this section, on a casual vacancy occurring in the office of councillor for any principal area, an election to fill the vacancy shall be held— a in a case in which the High Court or the council have declared the office to be vacant, within thirty-five days (computed in accordance with section 243(4) below) from the date of the declaration; b in any other case, within thirty-five days (so computed) after notice in writing of the vacancy has been given to the proper officer of the authority by two local government electors for the area. 2 The day of election to fill a casual vacancy in any office mentioned in subsection (1) above shall be fixed by the returning officer . . . 3 Where a casual vacancy in any such office occurs within six months before the day on which the councillor whose office is vacant would regularly have retired, an election shall not be held under subsection (1) above unless on the occurrence of the vacancy (or in the case of a number of simultaneous vacancies, the occurrence of the vacancies) the total number of unfilled vacancies in the membership of the council exceeds one third of the whole number of members; and where an election under subsection (1) above is not held, the vacancy shall be filled at the next ordinary election. 3A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Where more than one casual vacancy in the office of councillor of a district in which councillors are elected by thirds is filled at the same election, the person elected by the smallest number of votes shall be deemed to be elected in place of the councillor who would regularly have first retired, and the person elected by the next smallest number of votes shall be deemed to be elected in place of the councillor who would regularly have next retired and so with respect to the others; and if there has not been a contested election, or if any doubt arises, the order of retirement shall be determined by lot. 5 Where an election to fill one or more casual vacancies in the office of councillor of any such district is combined with an ordinary election of councillors, the following provisions shall apply— a where an election is contested— i the persons who are elected by the smallest numbers of votes, or if any relevant votes are equal such persons as are determined by lot, shall be deemed elected to fill the casual vacancies; ii if the persons elected to fill the casual vacancies will hold office for different periods, the person elected by the smallest number of votes or, if the relevant votes are equal, such person as is determined by lot, shall hold office for the shorter period, and so with respect to the others; b where the election is not contested— i those declared elected (if fewer than the vacancies to be filled) shall be deemed elected to fill the vacancies in which they will hold office for the longest periods; ii where there are two or more persons declared elected and they are to fill vacancies in which they will hold office for different periods, any retiring councillors elected shall be deemed elected to fill the vacancies in which they will hold office for the longest period, and the question which of the persons declared elected who are not retiring councillors is to be deemed elected to fill any of the vacancies not filled by retiring councillors shall be determined by lot. 6 A casual vacancy among parish or community councillors shall be filled by election or by the parish or community council in accordance with rules made under section 36 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 in the case of a parish council or, in the case of a community council, made under section 36A of the 1983 Act . 7 Where under this section any question is required to be determined by lot— a in the case of a contested election, the lot shall be drawn by the returning officer immediately after the question has arisen; and b in any other case, the lot shall be drawn at the next meeting of the council after the question has arisen, and the drawing shall be conducted under the direction of the person presiding at the meeting. Term of office of persons filling casual vacancies. 90 A person elected or appointed under the foregoing provisions of this Act in England or Wales or under Part . . . IV of the Local Government Act 1985 to fill any casual vacancy . . . shall hold office until the date upon which the person in whose place he is elected or appointed would regularly have retired, and he shall then retire. Temporary appointment of members of parish and community councils. 91 1 Where there are so many vacancies in the office of parish or community councillor that the parish or community council are unable to act, the district council or Welsh principal council may by order appoint persons to fill all or any of the vacancies until other councillors are elected and take up office. 2 In the case of a common parish council under which are grouped, by virtue of section 11(5) above, parishes situated in different districts, the reference in subsection (1) above to the district council shall be construed as a reference to the council of the district in which there is the greater number of local government electors for the parishes in the group. 3 Two copies of every order made under this section shall be sent to the Secretary of State. Proceedings for disqualification Proceedings for disqualification. 92 1 Proceedings against any person on the ground that he acted or claims to be entitled to act as a member of a local authority while disqualified for so acting within the meaning of this section may be instituted by, and only by, any local government elector for the area concerned— a in the High Court or a magistrates’ court if that person so acted; b in the High Court if that person claims to be entitled so to act; but proceedings under paragraph (a) above shall not be instituted against any person after the expiration of more than six months from the date on which he so acted. 2 Where in proceedings instituted under this section it is proved that the defendant has acted as a member of a local authority while disqualified for so acting, then— a if the proceedings are in the High Court, the High Court may— i make a declaration to that effect and declare that the office in which the defendant has acted is vacant; ii grant an injunction restraining the defendant from so acting; iii order that the defendant shall forfeit to Her Majesty such sum as the court think fit, not exceeding £50 for each occasion on which he so acted while disqualified; b if the proceedings are in a magistrates’ court, the magistrates’ court may, subject to the provisions of this section, convict the defendant and impose on him a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale for each occasion on which he so acted while disqualified. 3 Where proceedings under this section are instituted in a magistrates’ court, then— a if the court is satisfied that the matter would be more properly dealt with in the High Court, it shall by order discontinue the proceedings; b if the High Court, on application made to it by the defendant within fourteen days after service of the summons, is satisfied that the matter would be more properly dealt with in the High Court, it may make an order, which shall not be subject to any appeal, requiring the magistrates’ court by order to discontinue the proceedings. 4 Where in proceedings instituted under this section in the High Court it is proved that the defendant claims to act as a member of a local authority and is disqualified for so acting, the court may make a declaration to that effect and declare that the office in which the defendant claims to be entitled to act is vacant and grant an injunction restraining him from so acting. 5 No proceedings shall be instituted against a person otherwise than under this section on the ground that he has, while disqualified for acting as a member of a local authority, so acted or claimed to be entitled so to act. 6 For the purposes of this section a person shall be deemed to be disqualified for acting as a member of a local authority— a if he is not qualified to be, or is disqualified for being, a member of the authority; or b if by reason of failure to make and deliver the declaration of acceptance of office within the period required, or by reason of resignation or failure to attend meetings of the local authority, he has ceased to be a member of the authority. 7 In this section “ local authority ” includes a joint authority , an economic prosperity board , a combined authority and a combined county authority ... ; and in relation to a joint authority , an economic prosperity board , a combined authority or a combined county authority the reference in subsection (1) above to a local government elector for the area concerned shall be construed as a reference to a local government elector for any local government area in the area for which the authority is established. 7A This section applies to a corporate joint committee as it applies to a local authority and, in relation to a corporate joint committee, the reference in subsection (1) to a local government elector for the area concerned is to be construed as a reference to a local government elector for any local government area in the area specified as the corporate joint committee’s area in regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021. 7B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 In relation to the Broads Authority, the reference in subsection (1) above to a local government elector for the area concerned shall be construed as a reference to a local government elector for the area of any of the local authorities mentioned in section 1(3)(a) of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. Restrictions on voting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Disability of members of authorities for voting on account of interest in contracts, etc. 94 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pecuniary interests for purposes of section 94. 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General notices and recording of disclosures for purposes of section 94. 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removal or exclusion of disability, etc. 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interpretation of sections 95 and 97. 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meetings and proceedings Meetings and proceedings of local authorities. 99 The provisions of Schedule 12 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the meetings and proceedings of local authorities , joint authorities, economic prosperity boards, combined authorities, combined county authorities, .... ... and their committees, parish meetings and their committees and community meetings. Admission of public and press to local authority committee meetings. 100 1 For the purpose of securing the admission, so far as practicable, of the public (including the press) to all meetings of committees of local authorities as well as to meetings of local authorities themselves, the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 (in this section referred to as “ the 1960 Act ”) shall have effect subject to the following provisions of this section. The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 (“the 1960 Act”) has effect in relation to meetings of committees of local authorities, subject to subsection (2). 2 Without prejudice to section 2(1) of the 1960 Act (application of section 1 of that Act to any committee of a body whose membership consists of or includes all members of that body) section 1 of the 1960 Act shall apply . . . to any committee appointed by one or more local authorities under section 102 below, not being a committee falling within section 2(1) of the 1960 Act or section 100E(3)( a ) or ( b ) below (whether or not by virtue of section 100J below) . 3 Where section 1 of the 1960 Act applies to a committee by virtue of subsection (2) above, then, for the purposes of subsection (4)(c) of that section, premises belonging to the local authority or one or more of the local authorities which appointed the committee shall be treated as belonging to the committee. Part VA Access to Meetings and Documents of Certain Authorities, Committees and Sub-Committees. Admission to meetings of principal councils. 100A 1 A meeting of a principal council shall be open to the public except to the extent that they are excluded (whether during the whole or part of the proceedings) under subsection (2) below or by resolution under subsection (4) below. 2 The public shall be excluded from a meeting of a principal council during an item of business whenever it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that, if members of the public were present during that item, confidential information would be disclosed to them in breach of the obligation of confidence; and nothing in this Part shall be taken to authorise or require the disclosure of confidential information in breach of the obligation of confidence. 3 For the purposes of subsection (2) above, “ confidential information ” means— a information furnished to the council by a Government department upon terms (however expressed) which forbid the disclosure of the information to the public; and b information the disclosure of which to the public is prohibited by or under any enactment or by the order of a court; and, in either case, the reference to the obligation of confidence is to be construed accordingly. 4 A principal council may by resolution exclude the public from a meeting during an item of business whenever it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during that item there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as defined in section 100I below. 5 A resolution under subsection (4) above shall— a identify the proceedings, or the part of the proceedings, to which it applies, and b state the description, in terms of Schedule 12A to this Act, of the exempt information giving rise to the exclusion of the public, and where such a resolution is passed this section does not require the meeting to be open to the public during proceedings to which the resolution applies. 5A Where the public are excluded from a meeting of a principal council in England under subsection (2) or (4), the council may also prevent any person from reporting on the meeting using methods— a which can be used without that person’s presence at the meeting, and b which enable persons not present at the meeting to see or hear the proceedings at the meeting as it takes place or later. 6 The following provisions shall apply in relation to a meeting of a principal council, that is to say— a public notice of the time and place of the meeting shall be given by posting it at the offices of the council five clear days at least before the meeting or, if the meeting is convened at shorter notice, then at the time it is convened; b while the meeting is open to the public, the council shall not have power to exclude members of the public from the meeting; and c subject to subsection (7D), while the meeting is open to the public, duly accredited representatives of newspapers attending the meeting for the purpose of reporting the proceedings for those newspapers shall, so far as practicable, be afforded reasonable facilities for taking their report and, unless the meeting is held in premises not belonging to the council or not on the telephone, for telephoning the report at their own expense. 7 Subject to subsection (7A) nothing in this section shall require a principal council to permit the taking of photographs of any proceedings, or the use of any means to enable persons not present to see or hear any proceedings (whether at the time or later), or the making of any oral report on any proceedings as they take place. 7A While a meeting of a principal council in England is open to the public, any person attending is to be permitted to report on the meeting. 7B Subsection (7A) does not require a principal council in England to permit oral reporting or oral commentary on a meeting as it takes place if the person reporting or providing the commentary is present at the meeting. 7C A person attending a meeting of a principal council in England for the purpose of reporting on the meeting must, so far as practicable, be afforded reasonable facilities for doing so. 7D Subsection (7C) applies in place of subsection (6)(c) in the case of a principal council in England. 7E Any person who attends a meeting of a principal council in England for the purpose of reporting on the meeting may use any communication method, including the internet, to publish, post or otherwise share the results of the person’s reporting activities. 7F Publication and dissemination may take place at the time of the meeting or occur after the meeting. 8 This section is without prejudice to any power of exclusion to suppress or prevent disorderly conduct or other misbehaviour at a meeting. 9 In this section “reporting” means— a filming, photographing or making an audio recording of proceedings at a meeting, b using any other means for enabling persons not present to see or hear proceedings at a meeting as it takes place or later, or c reporting or providing commentary on proceedings at a meeting, orally or in writing, so that the report or commentary is available as the meeting takes place or later to persons not present. Access to agenda and connected reports. 100B 1 Copies of the agenda for a meeting of a principal council and, subject to subsection (2) below, copies of any report for the meeting shall be open to inspection by members of the public at the offices of the council in accordance with subsection (3) below. 2 If the proper officer thinks fit, there may be excluded from the copies of reports provided in pursuance of subsection (1) above the whole of any report which, or any part which, relates only to items during which, in his opinion, the meeting is likely not to be open to the public. 3 Any document which is required by subsection (1) above to be open to inspection shall be so open at least five clear days before the meeting, except that— a where the meeting is convened at shorter notice, the copies of the agenda and reports shall be open to inspection from the time the meeting is convened, and b where an item is added to an agenda copies of which are open to inspection by the public, copies of the item (or of the revised agenda), and the copies of any report for the meeting relating to the item, shall be open to inspection from the time the item is added to the agenda; but nothing in this subsection requires copies of any agenda, item or report to be open to inspection by the public until copies are available to members of the council. 4 An item of business may not be considered at a meeting of a principal council unless either— a a copy of the agenda including the item (or a copy of the item) is open to inspection by members of the public in pursuance of subsection (1) above for at least five clear days before the meeting or, where the meeting is convened at shorter notice, from the time the meeting is convened; or b by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified in the minutes, the chairman of the meeting is of the opinion that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency. 5 Where by virtue of subsection (2) above the whole or any part of a report for a meeting is not open to inspection by the public under subsection (1) above— a every copy of the report or of the part shall be marked “Not for publication”; and b there shall be stated on every copy of the whole or any part of the report the description, in terms of Schedule 12A to this Act, of the exempt information by virtue of which the council are likely to exclude the public during the item to which the report relates. 6 Where a meeting of a principal council is required by section 100A above to be open to the public during the proceedings or any part of them, there shall be made available for the use of members of the public present at the meeting a reasonable number of copies of the agenda and, subject to subsection (8) below, of the reports for the meeting. 7 There shall, on request and on payment of postage or other necessary charge for transmission, be supplied for the benefit of any newspaper— a a copy of the agenda for a meeting of a principal council and, subject to subsection (8) below, a copy of each of the reports for the meeting; b such further statements or particulars, if any, as are necessary to indicate the nature of the items included in the agenda; and c if the proper officer thinks fit in the case of any item, copies of any other documents supplied to members of the council in connection with the item. 8 Subsection (2) above applies in relation to copies of reports provided in pursuance of subsection (6) or (7) above as it applies in relation to copies of reports provided in pursuance of subsection (1) above. Access to agenda and connected reports: principal councils in Wales 100BA 1 Copies of the agenda for a meeting of a principal council in Wales and copies of any report for the meeting must be published— a electronically, and b in accordance with subsections (3) to (5). 2 If the proper officer thinks fit, there may be excluded from the copies of reports published under subsection (1) the whole of a report which, or any part which, relates only to items during which, in the officer's opinion, the meeting is likely not to be open to the public. 3 A document required to be published under subsection (1) must be published at least three clear days before the meeting, or, if the meeting is convened at shorter notice, then at the time it is convened. 4 If an item is added to an agenda, copies of which have been published, copies of the item or revised agenda and copies of any report for the meeting relating to the item must be published at the time the item is added to the agenda. 5 Nothing in subsections (3) and (4) requires a document or copies of an agenda, item or report to be published until the document or copies are available to members of the council. 6 An item of business may not be considered at a meeting of a principal council in Wales unless either— a a copy of the agenda including the item (or a copy of the item) is published electronically at least three clear days before the meeting, or, if the meeting is convened at shorter notice, at the time it is convened, or b by reason of special circumstances, which must be specified in the minutes, the chair of the meeting is of the opinion that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency. 7 Where the whole or part of a report is excluded under subsection (2)— a every copy of the report or of the part must be marked “Not for publication”, and b there must be stated on every copy of the report or of the part a description, in terms of Schedule 12A, of the exempt information by virtue of which the council is likely to exclude the public during the item to which the report relates. 8 Where a meeting of a principal council in Wales— a is required by section 100A to be open to the public during the proceedings or part of them, and b is not held through remote means only, there must be made available for the use of members of the public present at the meeting a reasonable number of copies of the agenda and of the reports for the meeting. 9 There must, on request and on payment of postage or other necessary charge for transmission, be supplied for the benefit of any newspaper— a a copy of the agenda for a meeting of a principal council in Wales and a copy of each of the reports for the meeting, b such further statements or particulars, if any, as are necessary to indicate the nature of the items included in the agenda, and c if the proper officer thinks fit in the case of any item, copies of any other documents supplied to members of the council in connection with the item. 10 Subsection (2) applies in relation to copies of reports provided under subsection (8) or (9) as it applies in relation to copies of reports published under subsection (1). Inspection and publication of minutes and other documents after meetings. 100C 1 After a meeting of a principal council in England the following documents shall be open to inspection by members of the public at the offices of the council until the expiration of the period of six years beginning with the date of the meeting, namely— a the minutes, or a copy of the minutes, of the meeting, excluding so much of the minutes of proceedings during which the meeting was not open to the public as discloses exempt information; b where applicable, a summary under subsection (2) below; c a copy of the agenda for the meeting; and d a copy of so much of any report for the meeting as relates to any item during which the meeting was open to the public. 1A After a meeting of a principal council in Wales the documents listed in subsection (1B) must— a be published electronically, and b remain accessible electronically to members of the public until the expiration of the period of six years beginning with the date of the meeting. 1B The documents are— a the minutes, or a copy of the minutes, of the meeting, excluding so much of the minutes of proceedings during which the meeting was not open to the public as discloses exempt information, b where applicable, a summary under subsection (2), c a copy of the agenda for the meeting, and d a copy of so much of any report for the meeting as relates to any item during which the meeting was open to the public. 1C As soon as reasonably practicable after a meeting of a principal council in Wales, and in any event before the end of seven working days beginning with the day on which the meeting is held, the council must publish electronically a note setting out— a the names of the members who attended the meeting, and any apologies for absence; b any declarations of interest; c any decision taken at the meeting, including the outcomes of any votes, but excluding anything relating to a decision taken when the meeting was not open to the public as discloses exempt information. 2 Where, in consequence of the exclusion of parts of the minutes which disclose exempt information, the document open to inspection under subsection (1)( a ) above or the document published under subsections (1A) and (1B)(a), does not provide members of the public with a reasonably fair and coherent record of the whole or part of the proceedings, the proper officer shall make a written summary of the proceedings or the part, as the case may be, which provides such a record without disclosing the exempt information. 1 Subsections (2) and (3) apply in relation to a meeting of a principal council held before the coming into force of the Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020. 2 Until the expiration of the period of six years beginning with the date of a meeting of a principal council to which this subsection applies, a copy of the following documents must, so far as reasonably practicable, be supplied on request to a member of the public— a the minutes of the meeting, excluding so much of the minutes of proceedings during which the meeting was not open to the public as discloses exempt information, b where applicable, a summary under subsection (2) of this section as it had effect immediately before the Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020 came into force, c the agenda for the meeting, and d so much of any report for the meeting as relates to any item during which the meeting was open to the public. 3 A principal council may charge a reasonable fee for providing a document under subsection (2). 4 Subsections (5) to (9) apply in relation to a meeting of a principal council held after the coming into force of the Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020. 5 As soon as reasonably practicable after a meeting of a principal council to which this subsection applies, and in any event before the end of the period of five working days beginning with the day on which the meeting is held, the council must publish electronically a note setting out— a the names of the members who attended the meeting, and any apologies for absence; b any declarations of interests; c any decisions taken at the meeting, including the outcomes of any votes, but excluding anything relating to a decision taken when the meeting was not open to the public as discloses exempt information. 6 The following documents are to be published electronically as soon as reasonably practicable after a meeting of a principal council to which this subsection applies— a the minutes of the meeting, excluding so much of the minutes of proceedings during which the meeting was not open to the public as discloses exempt information; b where applicable, a summary under subsection (2) below; c the final agenda for the meeting (if not already published electronically under section 100B); d so much of any report for the meeting as does not relate to an item during which the meeting was not open to the public (if not already published electronically under section 100B). 7 Anything published electronically under this section or section 100B must remain accessible electronically by members of the public. 8 In subsections (5)(c) and (6)(a) and (d), references to a period when, or during which, a meeting was not open to the public are, if the meeting was not open to the public other than by virtue of section 100A(2) or (4), references to a period when, or during which, in the proper officer’s opinion, it is likely the meeting would not have been open to the public by virtue of section 100A(2) or (4), had section 100A(1) applied. 9 Where, in consequence of the exclusion of parts of the minutes which disclose exempt information, a document to be published under subsection (6)(a) does not provide members of the public with a reasonably fair and coherent record of the whole or part of the proceedings, the proper officer must make a written summary of the proceedings or the part, as the case may be, which provides such a record without disclosing the exempt information. Inspection and publication of background papers. 100D 1 Subject, in the case of section 100C(1), to subsection (2) below, if and so long as copies of the whole or part of a report for a meeting of a principal council are required by section 100B(1) or 100C(1) above to be open to inspection by members of the public , or are required by section 100BA(1) or 100C(1A) to be published electronically — a those copies shall each include a copy of a list, compiled by the proper officer, of the background papers for the report or the part of the report, ... b in relation to a principal council in England, at least one copy of each of the documents included in that list shall also be open to inspection at the offices of the council. , and c in relation to a principal council in Wales, each of the documents included in that list must be published electronically, but if in the opinion of the proper officer it is not reasonably practicable to publish a document included in the list electronically at least one copy of the document must be open to inspection at the offices of the council. 2 In relation to a principal council in England, Subsection (1) above does not require a copy . . . of any document included in the list, to be open to inspection after the expiration of the period of four years beginning with the date of the meeting. 2A In relation to a principal council in Wales, copies of documents included in the list must— a where they are published under subsection (1)(c), remain accessible electronically to members of the public until the expiration of the period of six years beginning with the date of the meeting, and b where they are open to inspection under subsection (1)(c), be open to inspection by members of the public at the offices of the council until the expiration of that period. 3 Where a copy of any of the background papers for a report is required by subsection (1) above to be open to inspection by members of the public, the copy shall be taken for the purposes of this Part to be so open if arrangements exist for its production to members of the public as soon as is reasonably practicable after the making of a request to inspect the copy. 4 Nothing in this section— a requires any document which discloses exempt information to be included in the list referred to in subsection (1) above; or b without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2) of section 100A above, requires or authorises the inclusion in the list of any document which, if open to inspection by the public or published electronically , would disclose confidential information in breach of the obligation of confidence, within the meaning of that subsection. 5 For the purposes of this section the background papers for a report are those documents relating to the subject matter of the report which— a disclose any facts or matters on which, in the opinion of the proper officer, the report or an important part of the report is based, and b have, in his opinion, been relied on to a material extent in preparing the report, but do not include any published works. Application to committees and sub-committees. 100E 1 Sections 100A to 100D above shall apply in relation to a committee or sub-committee of a principal council as they apply in relation to a principal council. 1A But in section 100A, subsections (5A), (7A) to (7F) and (9) do not apply to a committee which is appointed or established jointly by one or more principal councils in England and one or more principal councils in Wales, or a sub-committee of such a committee. 2 In the application by virtue of this section of sections 100A to 100D 100C above in relation to a committee or sub-committee— a section 100A(6)( a ) shall be taken to have been complied with if the notice is given by posting it at the time there mentioned at the offices of every constituent principal council and, if the meeting of the committee or sub-committee to which that section so applies is to be held at premises other than the offices of such a council, at those premises published electronically on the website of every constituent council ; b for the purposes of section 100A(6)( c ), premises belonging to a constituent principal council shall be treated as belonging to the committee or sub-committee; ... ba the requirement in sections 100A(6)(aa), 100BA(1), 100C(1A) and (1C) and 100D(1)(c) to publish a document electronically is complied with if it is published electronically by every constituent principal council; bb the requirement in sections 100C(1A) and 100D(2A)(a) for a document to remain accessible electronically is complied with if the document remains accessible on the website of every constituent principal council; and c for the purposes of sections 100B(1), 100C(1) and 100D(1) and (2A)(b) , offices of any constituent principal council shall be treated as offices of the committee or sub-committee. 3 Any reference in this Part to a committee or sub-committee of a principal council is a reference to— a a committee which is constituted under an enactment specified in section 101(9) below or which is appointed by one or more principal councils under section 102 below; or b a joint committee not falling within paragraph ( a ) above which is appointed or established under any enactment by two or more principal councils and is not a body corporate; or bba a committee in place by virtue of section 107D(3)(c)(ii) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009; bbb a joint committee in place by virtue of section 107E of that Act; bb the Navigation Committee of the Broads Authority; or c a sub-committee appointed or established under any enactment by one or more committees falling within paragraphs (a) to (bb) above. 4 Any reference in this Part to a constituent principal council, in relation to a committee or sub-committee, is a reference— a in the case of a committee, to the principal council, or any of the principal councils, of which it is a committee; and b in the case of a sub-committee, to any principal council which, by virtue of paragraph ( a ) above, is a constituent principal council in relation to the committee, or any of the committees, which established or appointed the sub-committee. Inspection of records relating to functions exercisable by members 100EA 1 The appropriate authority may by regulations make provision for written records of decisions made or action taken by a member of a local authority, in exercise of a function of the authority by virtue of arrangements made under section 236 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 or under section 56 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 , to be made and provided to the authority by the member. 2 Any written record provided to the authority under regulations under subsection (1) shall be open to inspection by members of the public at the offices of the authority for the period of six years beginning with the date on which the decision was made or action was taken. 2A In this section “ appropriate authority ” means— a in relation to local authorities in England, the Secretary of State; b in relation to local authorities in Wales, the Welsh Ministers. c in subsection (3), after “Parliament” insert “ (in the case of regulations made by the Secretary of State) or a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales (in the case of regulations made by the Welsh Ministers) ” . 3 A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Additional rights of access to documents for members of principal councils. 100F 1 Any document which is in the possession or under the control of a principal council and contains material relating to any business to be transacted at a meeting of the council or a committee or sub-committee of the council shall, subject to subsections (2) to (2C) below, be open to inspection by any member of the council. 2 In relation to a principal council in England, subsection (1) above does not require the document to be open to inspection if it appears to the proper officer that it discloses exempt information. 2A But subsection (1) above does require (despite subsection (2) above) the document to be open to inspection if the information is information of a description for the time being falling within— a paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to this Act (except to the extent that the information relates to any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract), or b paragraph 6 of Schedule 12A to this Act. 2B In subsection (2A) above, “ the authority ” has the meaning given in paragraph 11(2) of Schedule 12A to this Act. 2C In relation to a principal council in Wales, subsection (1) above does not require the document to be open to inspection if it appears to the proper officer that it discloses exempt information of a description falling within any of paragraphs 12 to 18, 21, 23, 24 and 26 of Schedule 12A to this Act. 3 The appropriate person may by order amend subsections (2) to (2C) above— a by adding to the descriptions of exempt information to which those subsections refer for the time being; or b by removing any description of exempt information to which those subsections refer for the time being. 3A In subsection (3) above “ the appropriate person ” means— a in relation to England, the Secretary of State; b in relation to Wales, the National Assembly for Wales. 4 Any statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (3) made by the Secretary of State above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 5 The rights conferred by this section on a member of a principal council are in addition to any other rights he may have apart from this section. Principal councils to publish additional information. 100G 1 A principal council shall maintain a register stating— a the name and address of every member of the council for the time being together with, in the case of a councillor, the ward or division which he represents; and b the name and address of every member of each committee or sub-committee of the council for the time being. 2 A principal council shall maintain a list— a specifying those powers of the council which, for the time being, are exercisable from time to time by officers of the council in pursuance of arrangements made under this Act or any other enactment for their discharge by those officers; and b stating the title of the officer by whom each of the powers so specified is for the time being so exercisable; but this subsection does not require a power to be specified in the list if the arrangements for its discharge by the officer are made for a specified period not exceeding six months. 3 There shall be kept at the offices of every principal council a written summary of the rights— a to attend meetings of a principal council and of committees and sub-committees of a principal council, and b to inspect and copy documents and to be furnished with documents, which are for the time being conferred by this Part, Part XI below and such other enactments as the Secretary of State by order specifies. 4 The register maintained under subsection (1) above, the list maintained under subsection (2) above and the summary kept under subsection (3) above shall be open to inspection by the public at the offices of the council. 5 But, in relation to a principal council in Wales, the information open to inspection under subsection (4) must not include a member’s address included in the register maintained under subsection (1). Supplemental provisions and offences. 100H 1 A document directed by any provision of this Part to be open to inspection shall be so open at all reasonable hours and— a in the case of a document open to inspection by virtue of section 100D(1) above, upon payment of such reasonable fee as may be required for the facility; and b in any other case, without payment. section 100G to be open to inspection is to be open to inspection at all reasonable hours and without payment . 2 In relation to a principal council in England, Where a document is open to inspection by a person under any provision of this Part section 100G , the person may, subject to subsection (3) below— a make copies of or extracts from the document, or b require the person having custody of the document to supply to him a photographic copy of or of extracts from the document, upon payment of such reasonable fee as may be required for the facility. 2A In relation to a principal council in Wales, where a document is open to inspection by a person under any provision of this Part the person may, subject to subsection (3) below— a make copies of the document or parts of the document, or b require the person having custody of the document to provide a copy of the document or of parts of the document, upon payment of such reasonable fee as may be required for the facility. 3 Subsections (2), (2A) and (6A) do not require or authorise the doing of any such act which infringes the copyright in any work except that, where the owner of the copyright is a principal council, nothing done in pursuance of those subsections shall constitute an infringement of the copyright. 3A Provisions in this Part which require the publication or supply of documents do not require or authorise the doing of any act which infringes the copyright in any work except that, where the owner of the copyright is a principal council, nothing done in pursuance of those provisions shall constitute an infringement of the copyright. 3A Provisions in this Part which require the publication of documents by a principal council in Wales do not require or authorise the doing of any act which infringes the copyright in any work except that, where the owner of the copyright is the council, nothing done in pursuance of those provisions constitutes an infringement of the copyright. 4 If, without reasonable excuse, a person having the custody of a document which is required by section 100B(1) , 100C(1) or 100EA(2) above to be open to inspection by the public— a intentionally obstructs any person exercising a right conferred by this Part to inspect, or to make a copy of or extracts from, the document, or b refuses to furnish copies to any person entitled to obtain them under any provision of this Part, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale. 5 Where any accessible document for a meeting to which this subsection applies — a is supplied to, or open to inspection by, a member of the public, ... aa is published electronically by a principal council in Wales, or b is supplied for the benefit of any newspaper, in pursuance of section 100B(7) or 100BA(9) above, is published electronically or supplied to a member of the public in accordance with this Part, the publication thereby of any defamatory matter contained in the document shall be privileged unless the publication is proved to be made with malice. 6 Subsection (5) above applies to any meeting of a principal council and any meeting of a committee or sub-committee of a principal council; and, for the purposes of that subsection, the “ accessible documents ”; for a meeting are the following— a any copy of the agenda or of any item included in the agenda for the meeting; b any such further statements or particulars for the purpose of indicating the nature of any item included in the agenda as are mentioned in section 100B(7)( b ) or 100BA(9)(b) above; c any copy of a document relating to such an item which is supplied for the benefit of a newspaper in pursuance of section 100B(7)( c ) or 100BA(9)(c) above; d any copy of the whole or part of a report for the meeting; e any copy of the whole or part of any background papers for a report for the meeting, within the meaning of section 100D above. f the note required to be published by a principal council in Wales under section 100C(1C). 6A A principal council in Wales must put in place facilities for members of the public who would otherwise not be able to do so, to access— a notices or other documents required to be published electronically under sections 100A(6)(aa), 100BA(1), 100C(1A) and (1C) and 100D(1)(c), and b documents required to remain accessible electronically under sections 100C(1A) and 100D(2A)(a). 7 The rights conferred by this Part to inspect or otherwise access , copy and be furnished with documents are in addition, and without prejudice, to any such rights conferred by or under any other enactment. 8 A principal council in Wales must have regard to any guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers about the exercise of its functions relating to the publication, provision and inspection of documents under this Part. Exempt information and power to vary Schedule 12A. 100I 1 In relation to principal councils in England, the descriptions of information which are, for the purposes of this Part, exempt information are those for the time being specified in Part I of Schedule 12A to this Act, but subject to any qualifications contained in Part II of that Schedule; and Part III has effect for the interpretation of Parts 1 to 3 of that Schedule . 1A In relation to principal councils in Wales, the descriptions of information which are, for the purposes of this Part, exempt information are those for the time being specified in Part 4 of Schedule 12A to this Act, but subject to any qualifications contained in Part 5 of that Schedule; and Part 6 has effect for the interpretation of Parts 4 to 6 of that Schedule. 2 The appropriate person may by order vary Schedule 12A to this Act by adding to it any description or other provision or by deleting from it or varying any description or other provision for the time being specified or contained in it. 3 The appropriate person may exercise the power conferred by subsection (2) above by amending any Part of Schedule 12A to this Act, with or without amendment of any other Part. 3A In this section “ the appropriate person ” means— a in relation to England, the Secretary of State; b in relation to Wales, the National Assembly for Wales. 4 Any statutory instrument containing an order under this section made by the Secretary of State shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Application to new authorities, Common Council, etc. 100J 1 Except in this section, and subject as follows, any reference in this Part to a principal council includes a reference to— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b a joint authority; ba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bc an economic prosperity board; bd a combined authority; bda a combined county authority; be Transport for London; bf a sub-national transport body; c the Common Council; cc The Broads Authority; cd a National Park authority; d a joint board or joint committee falling within subsection (2) below; e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f a fire and rescue authority constituted by a scheme under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 or a scheme to which section 4 of that Act applies. g the Homes and Communities Agency so far as it is exercising functions conferred on it in relation to a designated area by virtue of a designation order. h a Mayoral development corporation. 2 A joint board or joint committee falls within this subsection if— a it is constituted under any enactment as a body corporate; and b it discharges functions of two or more principal councils; and for the purposes of this subsection any body falling within paragraph ( a ), ( b ) ... , (bc), (bd) or ( c ) of subsection (1) above shall be treated as a principal council. 2A In its application by virtue of subsection (1)(g) above in relation to the Homes and Communities Agency, a reference in this Part to the offices of the council (however expressed)— a is to be treated as a reference to such premises located within the designated area as the Homes and Communities Agency considers appropriate, and b in the application of section 100A(6)(a) above to a case where the meeting is to be held at premises other than those mentioned in paragraph (a) above, includes a reference to those other premises. 2B In section 100A, subsections (5A), (7A) to (7F) and (9) do not apply to— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b the Common Council other than in its capacity as a local authority or police authority; c a joint board or a joint committee falling within subsection (2) above; d the Homes and Communities Agency; or e a Mayoral development corporation. 3 In its application by virtue of subsection (1) above in relation to a body falling within paragraph . . . , ( b ), ... ... (bc), (bd), (be), (bf), (cc) , (cd) , (d) ... . . . , (f) or (h) of that subsection, section 100A (6)( a ) above shall have effect with the insertion after the word “council” of the words “ and, if the meeting is to be held at premises other than those offices, at those premises ” . 3YA In its application by virtue of subsection (1)(be) above in relation to Transport for London, section 100E(3) has effect as if for paragraph (bb) there were substituted— bb a committee of Transport for London (with “ committee ”, in relation to Transport for London, here having the same meaning as in Schedule 10 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999); or 3ZA In its application by virtue of subsection (1)(g) above in relation to the Homes and Communities Agency, section 100E above shall have effect as if— a in subsection (2), paragraph (c) was omitted, and b in subsection (3), for paragraphs (a) to (c) there were substituted— a a committee established under paragraph 6(1) of Schedule 1 to the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 for the purpose of exercising functions conferred on the Homes and Communities Agency in relation to a designated area by virtue of a designation order; or b a sub-committee of such a committee established under paragraph 6(2) of that Schedule to that Act for that purpose. 3ZAA In its application by virtue of subsection (1)(h) above in relation to a Mayoral development corporation, section 100E(3) has effect as if for paragraphs (a) to (c) there were substituted— a a committee which is established under Schedule 21 to the Localism Act 2011 by a principal council, or b a sub-committee established under that Schedule by a committee within paragraph (a). 3ZB In its application by virtue of subsection (1)(g) above in relation to the Homes and Communities Agency, section 100G(1) above shall have effect as if paragraph (a) was omitted. 3A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 In its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, section 100G(1)( a ) above shall have effect— a in relation to a joint authority ... , a sub-national transport body, an economic prosperity board, , a combined authority or a combined county authority ... ... , with the substitution for the words after “together with” of the words “ the name or description of the body or other person that appointed him ” ; and aa in relation to the Broads Authority or its Navigation Committee or any National Park authority , with the substitution for the words after “together with” of the words “ the name of the person who appointed him ” ; and b in relation to a Mayoral development corporation, or joint board or joint committee falling within subsection (2) above, with the omission of the words after “for the time being” ; and c in relation to a fire and rescue authority falling within subsection (1)(f) above , with the substitution for the words , in the case of a councillor, the “ward or division” of the words “ the constituent area ” . 4A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4AA In its application by virtue of subsection (1)(be) above in relation to Transport for London, section 100G shall have effect— a with the substitution for subsection (1)(a) and (b) of— a the name of every member of the council for the time being; and b the name of every member of each committee or sub-committee of the council for the time being. , and b with the insertion in subsection (2)(b) after “exercisable” of “, but not an officer by whom such a power is exercisable at least partly as a result of sub-delegation by any officer”. 4AB References to a principal council in Wales in this Part include— a a National Park authority for a National Park in Wales; b a fire and rescue authority for an area in Wales; c a joint board or joint committee which falls within subsection (2) and which discharges functions of two or more principal councils in Wales. 4B In this section “ designated area ” and “ designation order ” have the same meanings as in Part 1 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interpretation and application of Part VA. 100K 1 In this Part— “ committee or sub-committee of a principal council ” shall be construed in accordance with section 100E(3) above (and see section 100J(3YA), (3ZA)(b) and (3ZAA) above) ; “ constituent principal council ” shall be construed in accordance with section 100E(4) above; “ copy ”, in relation to any document, includes a copy made from a copy; “ exempt information ” has the meaning given by section 100I above; “ information ” includes an expression of opinion, any recommendations and any decision taken; “ newspaper ” includes— a a news agency which systematically carries on the business of selling and supplying reports or information to news-papers; and b any organisation which is systematically engaged in collecting news— i for sound or television broadcasts; or ii for inclusion in programmes to be included in any programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service; “ principal council ” shall be construed in accordance with section 100J above. 1A In this Part references to a meeting of a principal council in Wales held through remote means are to a meeting held by means of any equipment or other facility which enables persons who are not in the same place to speak to and be heard by each other (whether or not the equipment or facility enables those persons to see and be seen by each other). 2 Any reference in this Part to a meeting is a reference to a meeting held after 1st April 1986 3 The Secretary of State may by order amend sections 100A(6)(a) and (aa) and 100B(3) and (4)(a) above so as to substitute for each reference to three clear days such greater number of days as may be specified in the order. 4 Any statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (3) above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Part VI Discharge of Functions Arrangements for discharge of functions by local authorities. 101 1 Subject to any express provision contained in this Act or any Act passed after this Act, a local authority may arrange for the discharge of any of their functions— a by a committee, a sub-committee or an officer of the authority; or b by any other local authority. 1A A local authority may not under subsection (1)(b) above arrange for the discharge of any of their functions by another local authority if, or to the extent that, that function is also a function of the other local authority and is the responsibility of the other authority’s executive. 1B Arrangements made under subsection (1)(b) above by a local authority (“the first authority”) with respect to the discharge of any of their functions shall cease to have effect with respect to that function if, or to the extent that,— a the first authority are operating or begin to operate executive arrangements, and that function becomes the responsibility of the executive of that authority; or b the authority with whom the arrangements are made (“the second authority”) are operating or begin to operate executive arrangements, that function is also a function of the second authority and that function becomes the responsibility of the second authority’s executive. 1C Subsections (1A) and (1B) above do not affect arrangements made by virtue of section 9EA or 19 of the Local Government Act 2000 (discharge of functions of and by another authority). 1D A combined authority may not arrange for the discharge of any functions under subsection (1) if, or to the extent that, the function is a mayoral function of a mayor for the area of the authority. 1E In subsection (1D) “mayoral function” has the meaning given by section 107G(7) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. 1F A combined county authority may not arrange for the discharge of any functions under subsection (1) if, or to the extent that, the function is a mayoral function of a mayor for the area of the authority. 1G In subsection (1F) “ mayoral function ” has the meaning given by section 41(8) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. 2 Where by virtue of this section any functions of a local authority may be discharged by a committee of theirs, then, unless the local authority otherwise direct, the committee may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions by a sub-committee or an officer of the authority and where by virtue of this section any functions of a local authority may be discharged by a sub-committee of the authority, then, unless the local authority or the committee otherwise direct, the sub-committee may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions by an officer of the authority. 3 Where arrangements are in force under this section for the discharge of any functions of a local authority by another local authority, then, subject to the terms of the arrangements, that other authority may arrange for the discharge of those functions by a committee, sub-committee or officer of theirs and subsection (2) above shall apply in relation to those functions as it applies in relation to the functions of that other authority. 4 Any arrangements made by a local authority or committee under this section for the discharge of any functions by a committee, sub-committee, officer or local authority shall not prevent the authority or committee by whom the arrangements are made from exercising those functions. 5 Two or more local authorities may discharge any of their functions jointly and, where arrangements are in force for them to do so,— a they may also arrange for the discharge of those functions by a joint committee of theirs or by an officer of one of them and subsection (2) above shall apply in relation to those functions as it applies in relation to the functions of the individual authorities; and b any enactment relating to those functions or the authorities by whom or the areas in respect of which they are to be discharged shall have effect subject to all necessary modifications in its application in relation to those functions and the authorities by whom and the areas in respect of which (whether in pursuance of the arrangements or otherwise) they are to be discharged. 5A Arrangements made under subsection (5) above by two or more local authorities with respect to the discharge of any of their functions shall cease to have effect with respect to that function if, or to the extent that, the function becomes the responsibility of an executive of any of the authorities. 5B Subsection (5A) above does not affect arrangements made by virtue of section 9EB or 20 of the Local Government Act 2000 (joint exercise of functions). 5C Arrangements under subsection (5) by two or more local authorities with respect to the discharge of any of their functions cease to have effect with respect to that function if, or to the extent that, the function becomes a general function of a mayor for the area of a combined authority or combined county authority . 5D Subsection (5C) does not prevent arrangements under subsection (5) being entered into in respect of that function by virtue of— a section 107E of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (joint exercise of general functions) , or b section 32 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (joint exercise of general functions). 5E In subsection (5C), “ general functions ” — a in relation to a combined authority, has the meaning given in section 107D(2) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009; b in relation to a combined county authority, has the meaning given in section 30(2) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. 6 A local authority’s functions with respect to levying, or issuing a precept for, a rate ... shall be discharged only by the authority. 6A Community Infrastructure Levy under Part 11 of the Planning Act 2008 is not a rate for the purposes of subsection (6). 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Any enactment, except one mentioned in subsection (9) below, which contains any provision— a which empowers or requires local authorities or any class of local authorities to establish committees (including joint committees) for any purpose or enables a Minister to make an instrument establishing committees of local authorities for any purpose or empowering or requiring a local authority or any class of local authorities to establish committees for any purpose; or b which empowers or requires local authorities or any class of local authorities to arrange or to join with other authorities in arranging for the exercise by committees so established or by officers of theirs of any of their functions, or provides that any specified functions of theirs shall be discharged by such committees or officers, or enables any Minister to make an instrument conferring such a power, imposing such a requirement or containing such a provision; shall, to the extent that it makes any such provision, cease to have effect. 9 The following enactments, that is to say— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . are exempted from subsection (8) above. 10 This section shall not authorise a local authority to arrange for the discharge by any committee, sub-committee or local authority of any functions which by any enactment mentioned in subsection (9) above are required or authorised to be discharged by a specified committee, but the foregoing provision shall not prevent a local authority who are required by or under any such enactment to establish, or delegate functions to, a committee established by or under any such enactment from arranging under this section for the discharge of their functions by an officer of the local authority or committee, as the case may be. 10A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 References in this section and section 102 below to the discharge of any of the functions of a local authority include references to the doing of anything which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the discharge of any of those functions. 13 In this Part of this Act “ local authority ” includes the Common Council, the Sub-Treasurer of the Inner Temple, the Under Treasurer of the Middle Temple, ... any joint authority ..., an economic prosperity board, a combined authority, a combined county authority, a sub-national transport body, ... ..., a joint board on which a local authority within the meaning of this Act or any of the foregoing authorities are represented and, without prejudice to the foregoing, any port health authority. 13A In this section “ local authority ” includes the London Fire Commissioner; but nothing in this section authorises functions of the Commissioner to be discharged by a committee or sub-committee of the Commissioner. 14 Nothing in this section affects the operation of section 5 of the 1963 Act or the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970. 15 Nothing in this section applies in relation to any function under the Licensing Act 2003 of a licensing authority (within the meaning of that Act). Appointment of committees. 102 1 For the purpose of discharging any functions in pursuance of arrangements made under section 101 above or section 53 of the Children Act 1989 — a a local authority may appoint a committee of the authority; or b two or more local authorities may appoint a joint committee of those authorities; or c any such committee may appoint one or more sub-committees. 1A For the purpose of discharging any function in pursuance of arrangements made under section 9E(2)(b)(iv), (3)(b), (4)(a) or (5)(a) of the Local Government Act 2000 or under regulations made under section 18 of that Act (discharge of functions by area committees)— a a local authority may appoint a committee of the authority; or b any such committee may appoint one or more sub-committees. 2 Subject to the provisions of this section, the number of members of a committee appointed under subsection (1) or (1A) above, their term of office, and the area (if restricted) within which the committee are to exercise their authority shall be fixed by the appointing authority or authorities or, in the case of a sub-committee, by the appointing committee. 3 A committee appointed under subsection (1) or (1A) above, other than a committee for regulating and controlling the finance of the local authority or of their area, may, subject to section 104 below, include persons who are not members of the appointing authority or authorities or, in the case of a sub-committee, the authority or authorities of whom they are a sub-committee, . . . 4 A local authority may appoint a committee, and two or more local authorities may join in appointing a committee, to advise the appointing authority or authorities , or, where the appointing authority or each of the authorities operate executive arrangements, any executive of that or those authorities, or a committee or member of that executive, on any matter relating to the discharge of their functions, and any such committee— a may consist of such persons (whether members of the appointing authority or authorities or not) appointed for such term as may be determined by the appointing authority or authorities; and b may appoint one or more sub-committees to advise the committee with respect to any such matter. 5 Every member of a committee appointed under this section who at the time of his appointment was a member of the appointing authority or one of the appointing authorities shall upon ceasing to be a member of that authority also cease to be a member of the committee; but for the purposes of this section a member of a local authority shall not be deemed to have ceased to be a member of the authority by reason of retirement if he has been re-elected a member thereof not later than the day of his retirement. 6 Subsection (7) applies in relation to— a a committee or sub-committee appointed by a local authority in England wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging functions of a fire and rescue authority, b a joint committee appointed by two or more local authorities in England wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging such functions, or c a sub-committee appointed by any such committee or joint committee wholly or partly for the purposes of discharging such functions. 7 A relevant police and crime commissioner may only be appointed to a committee or sub-committee to which this subsection applies in response to a request made by the commissioner to the appointing authority or authorities or, in the case of a sub-committee, to the appointing committee. 8 If a request under subsection (7) is made to an appointing authority or authorities or an appointing committee, they must— a consider the request, b give reasons for their decision to agree to or refuse the request, and c publish those reasons in such manner as they think appropriate. 9 A relevant police and crime commissioner may attend, speak at and vote at a meeting of a committee described in subsection (6) only if and to the extent that the business of the meeting relates to the functions of a fire and rescue authority. 10 Subsection (11) defines “ relevant police and crime commissioner ” for the purposes of this section in relation to— a a committee or sub-committee appointed by a local authority, b a joint committee appointed by two or more local authorities, or c a sub-committee appointed by a committee of a local authority or a joint committee of two or more local authorities. 11 For those purposes “ relevant police and crime commissioner ” means a police and crime commissioner— a whose area is the same as, or contains all of, the area of that local authority or (as the case may be) one or more of those local authorities, or b all or part of whose area falls within the area of that local authority or (as the case may be) one or more of those local authorities. Expenses of joint committees. 103 The expenses incurred by a joint committee of two or more local authorities whether appointed or established under this Part of this Act or any other enactment shall be defrayed by those authorities in such proportions as they may agree or in case of disagreement as may be determined— a in any case in which those authorities are the councils of parishes or groups of parishes situated in the same district, by the district council; aa in any case in which those authorities are the councils of communities or groups of communities situated in the same principal area, by the council of that area; and b in any other case, by a single arbitrator agreed on by the appointing authorities or, in default of agreement, appointed by the Secretary of State. Disqualification for membership of committees and joint committees. 104 1 Subject to subsection (2) below, a person who is disqualified under Part V of this Act for being elected or being a member of a local authority shall be disqualified for being a member of a committee (including a sub-committee) of that authority, or being a representative of that authority on a joint committee (including a sub-committee) of the authority and another local authority, whether the committee or joint committee are appointed under this Part of this Act or under any other enactment. 2 A person shall not by reason of his being a teacher in, or being otherwise employed in, any school, . . . or other educational institution maintained or assisted by a local authority be disqualified for being a member of any committee of any local authority— a appointed wholly or partly for the purpose of discharging any education functions as defined in section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996 ; or b appointed for purposes connected with the execution of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964; or for being a representative of a local authority on a joint committee of the authority and another authority which has been appointed or established for any such purpose. 3 Section 92 above shall, so far as applicable, apply with respect to membership of or a claim to be entitled to act as a member of a committee of a local authority or a joint committee of two or more local authorities as it applies to membership of or claims to be entitled to act as a member of a local authority. 4 In the application of this section to the Common Council for the reference to Part V of this Act there shall be substituted a reference to the enactments for the time being in force relating to disqualification for membership of the Common Council. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disability for voting on account of interest in contracts, etc. 105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standing orders. 106 Standing orders may be made as respects any committee of a local authority by that authority or as respects a joint committee of two or more local authorities, whether appointed or established under this Part of this Act or any other enactment, by those authorities with respect to the quorum, proceedings and place of meeting of the committee or joint committee (including any sub-committee) but, subject to any such standing orders, the quorum, proceedings and place of meeting shall be such as the committee, joint committee or sub-committee may determine. Application of foregoing provisions to the Common Council . 107 1 In their application to the Common Council as police authority, sections 101 to 106 shall have effect subject to the following provisions of this section (and in those provisions references to the Common Council are references to the Council as police authority). 2 ... Section 101(1)(b) and (3) above shall not apply to the Common Council . 2A The Common Council may not, under section 101(1)(a), arrange for any person to exercise a function that the Common Council has under or by virtue of Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (see instead section 23(2)(pa) of that Act and regulations made under that provision). 3 The officers who may discharge the functions of the Common Council in pursuance of arrangements under section 101(1), (2) or (5) above shall include the chief officer of police, his deputy while performing his duties and any civilian officer employed by the Common Council . 3A Where pursuant to arrangements made by virtue of subsection (3) above— a a chief officer of police, or b the deputy of a chief officer of police, may discharge functions of the Common Council , he may himself arrange for the discharge of any of those functions by a member of the police force or by a person who is employed by the Common Council but is not under the Common Council's direction and control. 3B Section 101 above, in its application to the Common Council , shall have effect as if a reference in subsection (1), (2), (4) or (5) to an officer of an authority included a reference to a member of the Common Council . 4 The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision regulating the power of the Common Council under section 101 above to arrange for the discharge of their functions by a committee, sub-committee, officer or member of the Common Council as respects part only of their area. 4A Regulations under subsection (4) may in particular— a impose limitations or restrictions on the functions which may be the subject of arrangements of the kind referred to in that subsection; b make provision as to the membership or chairmanship of any committee or sub-committee discharging functions under such arrangements; c impose limitations or restrictions on which officers or members of the Common Council may discharge functions under such arrangements. 4B A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (4) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 5 Section 101(10) above shall not apply to the Common Council . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A person shall not be disqualified by virtue of section 104 above for being a member of the Common Council or the committee (or any sub-committee) of the Common Council by virtue of his holding any office or employment, except employment by the Common Council . 8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Committees of parish meetings. 108 In a parish not having a separate parish council the parish meeting may, subject to any provisons made by a grouping order and subject to such conditions as the meeting may impose, arrange for the discharge of any of their functions by a committee of local government electors for the parish, but any such arrangement shall not prevent the meeting from exercising those functions. Conferring functions of parish council on parish meeting. 109 1 On the application of the parish meeting of a parish not having a separate parish council, the district council may, subject to the provisions of the grouping order if the parish is grouped with any other parish, by order confer on the parish meeting any functions of a parish council. 2 Two copies of every order made under this section shall be sent by the district council to the Secretary of State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Part VII Miscellaneous Powers of Local Authorities Subsidiary powers Subsidiary powers of local authorities. 111 1 Without prejudice to any powers exercisable apart from this section but subject to the provisions of this Act and any other enactment passed before or after this Act, a local authority shall have power to do any thing (whether or not involving the expenditure, borrowing or lending of money or the acquisition or disposal of any property or rights) which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the discharge of any of their functions. 2 For the purposes of this section, transacting the business of a parish or community meeting or any other parish or community business shall be treated as a function of the parish or community council. 3 A local authority shall not by virtue of this section raise money, whether by means of rates, precepts or borrowing, or lend money except in accordance with the enactments relating to those matters respectively. 4 In this section “ local authority ” includes the Common Council. Staff Appointment of staff. 112 1 Without prejudice to section 111 above but subject to the provisions of this Act, a local authority shall appoint such officers as they think necessary for the proper discharge by the authority of such of their or another authority’s functions as fall to be discharged by them and the carrying out of any obligations incurred by them in connection with an agreement made by them in pursuance of section 113 below. 2 An officer appointed under subsection (1) above shall hold office on such reasonable terms and conditions, including conditions as to remuneration, as the authority appointing him think fit. 2A A local authority's power to appoint officers on such reasonable terms and conditions as the authority thinks fit is subject to section 41 of the Localism Act 2011 (requirement for determinations relating to terms and conditions of chief officers to comply with pay policy statement) ... . 3 Subject to subsection (4) below, any enactment or instrument made under an enactment which requires or empowers all local authorities or local authorities of any description or committees of local authorities to appoint a specified officer shall, to the extent that it makes any such provision, cease to have effect. The reference in this section to committees of local authorities does not include a reference to any committee of which some members are required to be appointed by a body or person other than a local authority. 4 Subsection (3) above does not apply to the following officers, that is to say— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b chief education officers appointed under section 532 of the Education Act 1996 ; c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f agricultural analysts and deputy agricultural analysts appointed under section 67(3) of the Agriculture Act 1970; and g directors of social services appointed under section 6 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 or section 144 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 ; and it is hereby declared that subsection (3) above does not apply ... to any other person appointed by a local authority to perform a specified function. 5 Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (1) above, a parish or community council may appoint one or more persons from among their number to be officers of the council, without remuneration. 6 Nothing in this section affects the operation of section 5 of the 1963 Act or the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970. Placing of staff of local authorities at disposal of other local authorities. 113 1 Without prejudice to any powers exercisable apart from this section, a local authority may enter into an agreement with another local authority for the placing at the disposal of the latter for the purposes of their functions, on such terms as may be provided by the agreement, of the services of officers employed by the former, but shall not enter into any such agreement with respect to any officer without consulting him. 1A Without prejudice to any powers exercisable apart from this section, a local authority may enter into an agreement with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Secretary of State, NHS England , ... a Strategic Health Authority, Local Health Board , integrated care board, Special Health Authority, ... , NHS trust or NHS foundation trust — a for the placing at the disposal of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Secretary of State, NHS England, ... the Strategic Health Authority, Local Health Board , integrated care board, Special Health Authority , NHS trust or NHS foundation trust for the purposes of their functions, on such terms as may be provided by the agreement, of the services of officers employed by the local authority; b for the placing at the disposal of the local authority for the purposes of their functions, on such terms as may be provided by the agreement, of the services of officers employed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Secretary of State, NHS England , ... the Strategic Health Authority, Local Health Board , integrated care board, Special Health Authority , NHS trust or NHS foundation trust ; but a local authority shall not enter into an agreement in pursuance of paragraph ( a ) of this subsection in respect of any officer without consulting him. 2 For superannuation purposes service rendered by an officer of a local authority whose services are placed at the disposal of another local authority in pursuance of this section is service rendered to the authority by whom he is employed, but any such officer shall be treated for the purposes of any enactment relating to the discharge of local authorities’ functions as an officer of that other local authority. 3 An officer whose services are placed at the disposal of a local authority in pursuance of subsection (1A) of this section shall be treated as an officer of the authority for the purposes of any enactment relating to the discharge of local authorities’ functions. 4 In subsection (1A) above “ Secretary of State ” means the Secretary of State in relation to the exercise of functions under section 2A or 2B of, or paragraph 7C, 8 or 12 of Schedule 1 to, the National Health Service Act 2006, “ Local Health Board ” means a Local Health Board established under section 11 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, “ integrated care board ” means a body established under section 14Z25 of the National Health Service Act 2006, and “ NHS trust ” means a National Health Service trust established under section 25 of the National Health Service Act 2006 or section 18 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 .... Security to be taken in relation to officers. 114 1 A local authority shall, in the case of an officer employed by them, whether under this or any other enactment, who by reason of his office or employment is likely to be entrusted with the custody or control of money, and may in the case of any other officer employed by them, take such security, for the faithful execution of his office and for his duly accounting for all money or property which may be entrusted to him, as the local authority consider sufficient. 2 A local authority may, in the case of a person not employed by them but who is likely to be entrusted with the custody or control of money or property belonging to the local authority, take such security as they think sufficient for the person duly accounting for all such money or property. 3 A local authority shall defray the cost of any security taken under this section, and every such security shall be produced to the auditor at the audit of the accounts of the local authority. 4 In this section “ local authority ” includes a corporate joint committee. Accountability of officers. 115 1 Every officer employed by a local authority, whether under this Act or any other enactment, shall at such times during the continuance of his office or within three months after ceasing to hold it, and in such manner as the local authority direct, make out and deliver to the authority, or in accordance with their directions, a true account in writing of all money and property committed to his charge, and of his receipts and payments, with vouchers and other documents and records supporting the entries therein, and a list of persons from whom or to whom money is due in connection with his office, showing the amount due from or to each. 2 Every such officer shall pay all money due from him to the proper officer of the local authority or in accordance with their directions. 3 In this section “ local authority ” includes a corporate joint committee. Members of local authorities in England not to be appointed as officers. 116 A person shall, so long as he is, and for twelve months after he ceases to be, a member of a local authority in England , be disqualified for being appointed or elected by that authority to any paid office, other than to the office of chairman or vice-chairman or, in the case of a local authority in England which are operating executive arrangements which involve a leader and cabinet executive, the office of executive leader or member of the executive . . .. Members of local authorities in Wales not to be appointed as officers 116A A member of a local authority in Wales is disqualified for being appointed or elected by that authority to any paid office other than the office of chairman, vice-chairman, or in the case of a local authority operating executive arrangements which involve a leader and cabinet executive, the office of executive leader, member of the executive or assistant to the executive. Disclosure by officers of interest in contracts. 117 1 If it comes to the knowledge of an officer employed, whether under this Act or any other enactment, by a local authority that a contract in which he has any pecuniary interest, whether direct or indirect (not being a contract to which he is himself a party), has been, or is proposed to be, entered into by the authority or any committee thereof, he shall as soon as practicable give notice in writing to the authority of the fact that he is interested therein. For the purposes of this section an officer shall be treated as having indirectly a pecuniary interest in a contract or proposed contract if he would have been so treated by virtue of section 95 above had he been a member of the authority. 2 An officer of a local authority shall not, under colour of his office or employment, accept any fee or reward whatsoever other than his proper remuneration. 3 Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) above shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale . 4 References in this section to a local authority shall include references to a corporate joint committee and to a joint committee appointed under Part VI of this Act or any other enactment. 5 In the application of this section to a corporate joint committee— a the reference in subsection (1) to any committee of an authority is to be read as a reference to any sub-committee of the corporate joint committee, and b section 95 of this Act is to be treated as if it applies to a corporate joint committee as it applies to another authority for the purposes of this section. Payment of salary, etc., due to mentally disordered person. 118 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payments due to deceased officers. 119 1 If, on the death of any person who is or has been an officer of a local authority, there is due to him or his legal personal representatives from a local authority a sum not exceeding £500 and not being a pension, allowance or gratuity payable by virtue of section 7 of the Superannuation Act 1972, the authority may, without requiring the production of probate or letters of administration of the estate of the officer, pay the whole or any part of that sum to the officer’s personal representatives or to the person, or to or among any one or more of any persons, appearing to the authority to be beneficially entitled to the estate of the officer, and any person to whom such a payment is made, and not the authority, shall be liable to account for the sum paid to him under this subsection. 2 The authority may, if they think fit, pay out of the said sum the funeral expenses of the officer or so much thereof as they consider reasonable . . . 3 Subsection (1) above shall be included among the provisions with respect to which the Treasury may make an order under section 6(1) of the Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965, substituting for references to £500 references to such higher amount as may be specified in the order. 4 Where provision has been made by regulations under section 7(1)(b) of the said Act of 1972 with respect to the pensions, allowances or gratuities which in certain circumstances are to be, or may be, paid to or in respect of any persons or classes of persons, the Secretary of State may by regulations provide for the application of the foregoing provisions of this section to such of those persons or classes of persons as may be specified in the regulations. 5 In this section, references to a local authority include a corporate joint committee. Land transactions — principal councils Acquisition of land by agreement by principal councils. 120 1 For the purposes of— a any of their functions under this or any other enactment, or b the benefit, improvement or development of their area, a principal council may acquire by agreement any land, whether situated inside or outside their area. 2 A principal council may acquire by agreement any land for any purpose for which they are authorised by this or any other enactment to acquire land, notwithstanding that the land is not immediately required for that purpose; and, until it is required for the purpose for which it was acquired, any land acquired under this subsection may be used for the purpose of any of the council’s functions. 3 Where under this section a council are authorised to acquire land by agreement, the provisions of Part I of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (so far as applicable) other than section 31 shall apply, and in the said Part I as so applied the word “land” shall have the meaning assigned to it by this Act. 3A Police and crime commissioners and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime are to be treated as principal councils for the purposes of— a this section (apart from subsection (1)(b)), and b section 121. 3B A fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 is to be treated as a principal council for the purposes of this section (apart from subsection (1)(b)). 4 Where two or more councils acting together would have power to acquire any land by agreement by virtue of this section, nothing in any enactment shall prevent one of those councils from so acquiring the land on behalf of both or all of them in accordance with arrangements made between them, including arrangements as to the subsequent occupation and use of the land. 5 References in the foregoing provisions of this section to acquisition by agreement are references to acquisition for money or money’s worth, as purchaser or lessee. Acquisition of land compulsorily by principal councils. 121 1 Subject to subsection (2) below, for any purpose for which they are authorised by this or any other public general Act to acquire land, a principal council may be authorised by the Minister concerned with that purpose to purchase compulsorily any land, whether situated inside or outside their area. 2 A council may not be authorised under subsection (1) above to purchase land compulsorily— a for the purpose specified in section 120(1)(b) above, or b for the purpose of any of their functions under the Local Authorities (Land) Act 1963, or c for any purpose in relation to which their power of acquisition is by any enactment expressly limited to acquisition by agreement. 3 Where one or more councils propose, in exercise of the power conferred by subsection (1) above, to acquire any land for more than one purpose, the Minister or Ministers whose authorisation is required for the exercise of that power shall not be concerned to make any apportionment between those purposes nor, where there is more than one council, between those councils, and— a the purposes shall be treated as a single purpose and the compulsory acquisition shall be treated as requiring the authorisation of the Minister, or the joint authorisation of the Ministers, concerned with those purposes; and b where there is more than one council concerned, the councils may nominate one of them to acquire the land on behalf of them all and the council so nominated shall accordingly be treated as the acquiring authority for the purposes of any enactment relating to the acquisition. 4 The Acquisition of Land Act 1981 shall apply in relation to the compulsory purchase of land in pursuance of subsection (1) above . . .. Appropriation of land by principal councils. 122 1 Subject to the following provisions of this section, a principal council may appropriate for any purpose for which the council are authorised by this or any other enactment to acquire land by agreement any land which belongs to the council and is no longer required for the purpose for which it is held immediately before the appropriation; but the appropriation of land by a council by virtue of this subsection shall be subject to the rights of other persons in, over or in respect of the land concerned. 2 A principal council may not appropriate under subsection (1) above any land which they may be authorised to appropriate under section 229 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (land forming part of a common, etc.) unless— a the total of the land appropriated in any particular common, . . . or fuel or field garden allotment (giving those expressions the same meanings as in the said section 229 ) does not in the aggregate exceed 250 square yards, and b before appropriating the land they cause notice of their intention to do so, specifying the land in question, to be advertised in two consecutive weeks in a newspaper circulatiing in the area in which the land is situated, and consider any objections to the proposed appropriation which may be made to them, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A A principal council may not appropriate under subsection (1) above any land consisting or forming part of an open space unless before appropriating the land they cause notice of their intention to do so, specifying the land in question, to be advertised in two consecutive weeks in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the land is situated, and consider any objections to the proposed appropriation which may be made to them. 2B Where land appropriated by virtue of subsection (2A) above is held— a for the purposes of section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 (pleasure grounds); or b in accordance with section 10 of the Open Spaces Act 1906 (duty of local authority to maintain open spaces and burial grounds), the land shall by virtue of the appropriation be freed from any trust arising solely by virtue of its being land held in trust for enjoyment by the public in accordance with the said section 164 or, as the case may be, the said section 10. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Where land has been acquired under this Act or any other enactment or any statutory order incorporating the Lands Clauses Acts and is subsequently appropriated under this section, any work executed on the land after the appropriation has been effected shall be treated for the purposes of section 68 of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act 1845 and section 10 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 as having been authorised by the enactment or statutory order under which the land was acquired. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposal of land by principal councils. 123 1 Subject to the following provisions of this section, and to those of the Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Measure 2010, a principal council may dispose of land held by them in any manner they wish. 2 Except with the consent of the Secretary of State, a council shall not dispose of land under this section, otherwise than by way of a short tenancy, for a consideration less than the best that can reasonably be obtained. 2A A principal council may not dispose under subsection (1) above of any land consisting or forming part of an open space unless before disposing of the land they cause notice of their intention to do so, specifying the land in question, to be advertised in two consecutive weeks in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the land is situated, and consider any objections to the proposed disposal which may be made to them. 2AA Subsection (2A) does not apply to a disposal to which the provisions of regulations made under section 1 of the Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Measure 2010 apply. 2B Where by virtue of subsection (2A) above or in accordance with the provisions of regulations made under section 1 of the Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Measure 2010. a council dispose of land which is held— a for the purpose of section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 (pleasure grounds); or b in accordance with section 10 of the Open Spaces Act 1906 (duty of local authority to maintain open spaces and burial grounds), the land shall by virtue of the disposal be freed from any trust arising solely by virtue of its being land held in trust for enjoyment by the public in accordance with the said section 164 or, as the case may be, the said section 10. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 For the purposes of this section a disposal of land is a disposal by way of a short tenancy if it consists— a of the grant of a term not exceeding seven years, or b of the assignment of a term which at the date of the assignment has not more than seven years to run, and in this section “ public trust land ” has the meaning assigned to it by section 122(6) above. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123A Land transactions—parish and community councils Acquisition of land by agreement by parish and community councils. 124 1 For the purposes of— a any of their functions under this or any other public general Act, or b the benefit, improvement or development of their area, a parish or community council may acquire by agreement any land, whether situated inside or outside their area. 2 Where under this section a parish or community council are authorised to acquire land by agreement, the provisions of Part I of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (so far as applicable) other than section 31 shall apply, and in the said Part I as so applied the word “land” shall have the meaning assigned to it by this Act. 3 References in the foregoing provisions of this section to acquisition by agreement are references to acquisition for money or money’s worth, as purchaser or lessee. Compulsory acquisition of land on behalf of parish or community councils. 125 1 If a parish or community council are unable to acquire by agreement under section 124 above and on reasonable terms suitable land for a purpose for which they are authorised to acquire land other than— a the purpose specified in section 124(1)( b ) above, or b a purpose in relation to which the power of acquisition is by an enactment expressly limited to acquisition by agreement, they may represent the case to the council of the district in which the parish or community is situated. 2 If the district council are satisfied that suitable land for the purpose cannot be acquired on reasonable terms by agreement, they may be authorised by the Secretary of State to purchase compulsorily the land or part of it; and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 shall apply in relation to the purchase. 3 The district council in making and the Secretary of State in confirming an order for the purposes of this section shall have regard to the extent of land held in the neighbourhood by an owner and to the convenience of other property belonging to the same owner and shall, as far as practicable, avoid taking an undue or inconvenient quantity of land from any one owner. 4 The order shall be carried into effect by the district council but the land when acquired shall be conveyed to the parish or community council; and accordingly in construing for the purposes of this section and of the order any enactment applying in relation to the compulsory acquisition, the parish or community council or the district council, or the two councils jointly, shall, as the case may require, be treated as the acquiring authority. 5 The district council may recover from the parish or community council the expenses incurred by them in connection with the acquisition of land under this section. 6 If a parish or community council make representations to a district council with a view to the making of an order under this section and the district council— a refuse to make an order, or b do not make an order within 8 weeks from the making of the representations or such longer period as may be agreed between the two councils, the parish or community council may petition the Secretary of State who may make the order, and this section and the provisions of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 shall apply as if the order had been made by the district council and confirmed by the Secretary of State. 7 In the application of this section to a parish or community council for a group of parishes or communities— a references to the parish or community shall be construed as references to the area of the group, and b if different parts of the area of the group lie in different districts, references to the council of the district in which the parish or community is situated shall be construed as references to the councils of each of the districts acting jointly. 8 In relation to Wales— a references in this section to a district council are to be read as references to a principal council; and b references to a district are to be read as references to a principal area. Appropriation of land by parish and community councils and by parish meetings. 126 1 Any land belonging to a parish or community council which is not required for the purposes for which it was acquired or has since been appropriated may, subject to the following provisions of this section, be appropriated by the council for any other purpose for which the council are authorised by this or any other public general Act to acquire land by agreement. 2 In the case of a parish which does not have a separate parish council, any land belonging to the parish meeting which is not required for the purposes for which it was acquired or has since been appropriated may, subject to the following provisions of this section, be appropriated by the parish meeting for any other purpose approved by the Secretary of State. 3 The appropriation of land by virtue of this section by a parish or community council or by a parish meeting shall be subject to the rights of other persons in, over or in respect of the land concerned. 4 Neither a parish or community council nor a parish meeting may appropriate by virtue of this section any land which they may be authorised to appropriate under section 229 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (land forming part of a common, etc.) unless— a the total of the land appropriated in any particular common, . . . or fuel or field garden allotment (giving those expressions the same meanings as in the said section 229 ) does not in the aggregate exceed 250 square yards, and b before appropriating the land they cause notice of their intention to do so, specifying the land in question, to be advertised in two consecutive weeks in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the land is situated, and consider any objections to the proposed appropriation which may be made to them, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Neither a parish or community council nor a parish meeting may appropriate by virtue of this section any land consisting or forming part of an open space unless before appropriating the land they cause notice of their intention to do so, specifying the land in question, to be advertised in two consecutive weeks in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the land is situated, and consider any objections to the proposed appropriation which may be made to them. 4B Where land appropriated by virtue of subsection (4A) above is held— a for the purposes of section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 (pleasure grounds); or b in accordance with section 10 of the Open Spaces Act 1906 (duty of local authority to maintain open spaces and burial grounds), the land shall by virtue of the appropriation be freed from any trust arising solely by virtue of its being land held in trust for enjoyment by the public in accordance with the said section 164 or, as the case may be, the said section 10. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Where land has been acquired under this Act or any other enactment or any statutory order incorporating the Lands Clauses Acts and is subsequently appropriated under this section any work executed on the land after the appropriation has been effected shall be treated for the purposes of section 68 of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act 1845 and section 10 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 as having been authorised by the enactment or statutory order under which the land was acquired. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposal of land held by parishes and communities. 127 1 Subject to the following provisions of this section, and to those of the Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Measure 2010, a parish or community council, or the parish trustees of a parish acting with the consent of the parish meeting, may dispose of land held by them in any manner they wish. 2 Except with the consent of the Secretary of State, land shall not be disposed of under this section, otherwise than by way of a short tenancy, for a consideration less than the best that can reasonably be obtained. 3 Subsections (2A) and (2B) of section 123 above shall apply in relation to the disposal of land under this section as they apply in relation to the disposal of land under that section, with the substitution of a reference to a parish or community council or the parish trustees of a parish for the reference to a principal council in the said subsection (2A). 4 Capital money received in respect of a disposal under this section of land held for charitable purposes shall be applied in accordance with any directions given under the Charities Act 2011 . 5 For the purposes of this section a disposal of land is a disposal by way of a short tenancy if it consists— a of the grant of a term not exceeding seven years, or b of the assignment of a term which at the date of the assignment has not more than seven years to run. Land transactions—general provisions Consents to land transactions by local authorities and protection of purchasers. 128 1 In any case where under the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act the consent of any Minister is required to a dealing in land by a local authority, that consent may be given— a in relation to any particular transaction or transactions or in relation to a particular class of transactions; and b in relation to local authorities generally, or local authorities of a particular class, or any particular local authority or authorities; and c either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as the Minister concerned may specify (either generally, or in relation to any particular transaction or transactions or class of transactions). 2 Where under the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act or under any other enactment, whether passed before, at the same time as, or after, this Act, a local authority purport to acquire, appropriate or dispose of land, then— a in favour of any person claiming under the authority, the acquisition, appropriation or disposal so purporting to be made shall not be invalid by reason that any consent of a Minister which is required thereto has not been given or that any requirement as to advertisement or consideration of objections has not been complied with, and b a person dealing with the authority or a person claiming under the authority shall not be concerned to see or enquire whether any such consent has been given or whether any such requirement has been complied with. 3 Notwithstanding that principal councils are authorities to whom Part II of the Town and Country Planning Act 1959 applies, sections 22, 23 and 26 of that Act (provisions relating to consents required for the exercise of powers of acquisition, appropriation and disposal of land) shall not apply in relation to the exercise by principal councils of powers conferred by this Part of this Act, and in section 29 of that Act (protection of purchasers) references to an authority to whom the said Part II applies shall be construed as though that expression did not include a principal council. 4 In this section “ local authority ” includes a parish meeting and the parish trustees of a parish. Payment of purchase or compensation money by one local authority to another. 129 1 With the consent of the Secretary of State, any purchase money or compensation payable in pursuance of the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act by a local authority in respect of any land acquired from another local authority, being money or compensation which would, apart from this section, be required to be paid into court in accordance with the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965, may, instead of being so paid, be paid and applied as the Secretary of State may determine. 2 A decision of the Secretary of State under this section shall be final. Acquisition by local authorities of lands belonging to the Duchy of Lancaster. 130 The Chancellor and Council of the Duchy of Lancaster may sell to a local authority any land belonging to Her Majesty in right of that Duchy which the local authority think fit to purchase, and the land may be granted to the local authority and the proceeds of sale shall be paid and dealt with as if the land had been sold under the authority of the Duchy of Lancaster Lands Act 1855. Savings. 131 1 Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act or in Part VIII below— a shall authorise the disposal of any land by a local authority in breach of any trust, covenant or agreement which is binding upon them, excluding any trust arising solely by reason of the land being held as public walks or pleasure grounds or in accordance with section 10 of the Open Spaces Act 1906; or b shall affect, or empower a local authority to act otherwise than in accordance with, any provision contained in, or in any instrument made under, any of the enactments specified in subsection (2) below and relating to any dealing in land by a local authority or the application of capital money arising from any such dealing. 2 The enactments referred to in subsection (1)(b) above are— a the Technical and Industrial Institutions Act 1892; b the Military Lands Acts 1892 to 1903; c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d the Allotments Acts 1908 to 1950; e the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts 1908 to 1931; f the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 g section 28 of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act 1919; h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . j Part III of the Agriculture Act 1970; and jj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . k any local Act (including an Act confirming a provisional order). l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . m the Housing Act 1985 ; and n Part 2 of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023. 3 Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act shall affect the operation of sections 117 to 121 of the Charities Act 2011 (restrictions on dispositions of charity land) and, in particular, none of those provisions shall be treated as giving any such authority for a transaction as is referred to in section 117(3)(a) (certain statutorily authorised dispositions not to require the sanction of the Charity Commission) . 4 In this section “ local authority ” includes a parish meeting and the parish trustees of a parish. Premises and contracts Provision of offices, etc. by principal councils. 132 A principal council may acquire or provide and furnish halls, offices and other buildings, whether within or without the area of the authority, for use for public meetings and assemblies. Provision of parish and community buildings. 133 A parish or community council may acquire or provide and furnish buildings to be used for public meetings and assemblies or contribute towards the expenses incurred by any other parish or community council or any other person in acquiring or providing and furnishing such a building. Use of schoolroom, etc. in parish or community. 134 1 If in a parish there is no suitable public room vested in the parish council or the parish trustees, as the case may be, which can be used free of charge, a suitable room in premises of a school maintained by the local authority . . . or a suitable room the expenditure of maintaining which is payable out of any rate may, subject to subsection (3) below, be used free of charge at all reasonable times and after reasonable notice for any of the following purposes, that is to say, for the purpose of— a a parish meeting or any meeting of the parish council, where there is one; or b meetings convened by the chairman of the parish meeting or by the parish council, where there is one; or c the administration of public funds within or for the purposes of the parish where those funds are administered by any committee or officer appointed by the parish council or parish meeting or by the county council or district council. 2 If in a community there is no suitable public room vested in the community council which can be used free of charge or there is no community council, a suitable room in premises of a school maintained by the local authority . . . or a suitable room the expenditure of maintaining which is payable out of any rate may, subject to subsection (3) below, be used free of charge at all reasonable times and after reasonable notice for any of the following purposes, that is to say, for the purpose of— a a community meeting or any meeting of the community council, where there is one; or b meetings convened by the community council, where there is one; or c the administration of public funds within or for the purposes of the community where those funds are administered by any committee or officer appointed by the community council, where there is one, or by the principal council . 3 Nothing in this section shall authorise— a the use of a room used as part of a private dwelling; or b any interference with the hours during which a room in the premises of a school is used for educational purposes; or c any interference with the hours during which a room used for the purposes of the administration of justice, or for the purposes of the police, is used for those purposes. 4 If, by reason of the use of a room for any of the purposes mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) above, any expense is incurred by persons having control of the room, or any damage is done to the room or the building of which it is part or to its appurtenances, or to the furniture of the room or any teaching aids, the expense or the cost of making good the damage shall be defrayed as an expense of the parish or community council or parish or community meeting. 5 If any question arises under this section as to what is reasonable or suitable, it may be determined by the Secretary of State. 6 In subsections (1) and (2) “local authority” has the meaning given by section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996. Contracts of local authorities. 135 1 A local authority may make standing orders with respect to the making of contracts by them or on their behalf. 2 A local authority shall make standing orders with respect to the making by them or on their behalf of contracts for the supply of goods or materials or for the execution of works. 3 Standing orders made by a local authority with respect to contracts for the supply of goods or materials or for the execution of works shall include provision for securing competition for such contracts and for regulating the manner in which tenders are invited, but may exempt from any such provision contracts for a price below that specified in standing orders and may authorise the authority to exempt any contract from any such provision when the authority are satisfied that the exemption is justified by special circumstances. 4 A person entering into a contract with a local authority shall not be bound to inquire whether the standing orders of the authority which apply to the contract have been complied with, and non-compliance with such orders shall not invalidate any contract entered into by or on behalf of the authority. Miscellaneous Contributions towards expenditure on concurrent functions. 136 Two or more local authorities may make arrangements for defraying any expenditure incurred by one of them in exercising any functions exercisable by both or all of them. Power of local authorities to incur expenditure for certain purposes not otherwise authorised. 137 1 A local authority may, subject to the provisions of this section, incur expenditure which in their opinion is in the interests of, and will bring direct benefit to, their area or any part of it or all or some of its inhabitants, but a local authority shall not, by virtue of this subsection, incur any expenditure— a for a purpose for which they are, either unconditionally or subject to any limitation or to the satisfaction of any condition, authorised or required to make any payment by or by virtue of any other enactment; nor b unless the direct benefit accruing to their area or any part of it or to all or some of the inhabitants of their area will be commensurate with the expenditure to be incurred. 1A In any case where— a by virtue of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above, a local authority are prohibited from incurring expenditure for a particular purpose, and b the power or duty of the authority to incur expenditure for that purpose is in any respect limited or conditional (whether by being restricted to a particular group of persons or in any other way), the prohibition in that paragraph shall extend to all expenditure to which that power or duty would apply if it were not subject to any limitation or condition. 2 It is hereby declared that the power of a local authority to incur expenditure under subsection (1) above includes power to do so by contributing towards the defraying of expenditure by another local authority in or in connection with the exercise of that other authority’s functions. 2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2C A local authority may incur expenditure under subsection (1) above on publicity only by way of assistance to a public body or voluntary organisation where the publicity is incidental to the main purpose for which the assistance is given; but the following provisions of this section apply to expenditure incurred by a local authority under section 142 below on information as to the services provided by them under this section, or otherwise relating to their functions under this section, as they apply to expenditure incurred under this section. a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2D In subsection (2C) above— “ publicity ” means any communication, in whatever form, addressed to the public at large or to a section of the public; and “ voluntary organisation ” means a body which is not a public body but whose activities are carried on otherwise than for profit. 3 A local authority may, subject , in the case of a parish or community council, to the following provisions of this section, incur expenditure on contributions to any of the following funds, that is to say— a the funds of any charitable body in furtherance of its work in the United Kingdom; or b the funds of any body which provides any public service (whether to the public as a whole or to any section of it) in the United Kingdom otherwise than for the purposes of gain; or c any fund which is raised in connection with a particular event directly affecting persons resident in the United Kingdom on behalf of whom a public appeal for contributions has been made by the Lord Mayor of London or the chairman of a principal council or by a committee of which the Lord Mayor of London or the chairman of a principal council is a member or by such a person or body as is referred to in section 83(3)(c) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 4 The expenditure of a local authority under this section in any financial year shall not exceed the amount produced by multiplying— a such sum as is for the time being appropriate to the authority under Schedule 12B to this Act , by b the relevant population of the authority’s area. 4AA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4AB For the purposes of subsection (4)(b) above the relevant population of a local authority’s area shall be determined in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State; and a statutory instrument containing such regulations shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the House of Commons. 4A For the purpose of determining whether a local authority have exceeded the limit set out in subsection (4) above, their expenditure in any financial year under this section shall be taken to be the difference between their gross expenditure under this section for that year and the aggregate of the amounts specified in subsection (4B) below. 4B The amounts mentioned in subsection (4A) above are— a the amount of any expenditure which forms part of the authority’s gross expenditure for that year under this section and in respect of which any grant has been or is to be paid under any enactment by a Minister of the Crown, within the meaning of the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975 (whether or not the grant covers the whole of the expenditure); b the amount of any repayment in that year of the principal of a loan for the purpose of financing expenditure under this section in any year; c so much of any amount raised by public subscription as is spent in that year for a purpose for which the authority are authorised by this section to incur expenditure; d any grant received by the authority for that year out of the European Regional Development Fund or the Social Fund of the European Economic Community, in so far as the grant is in respect of an activity in relation to which the authority incurred expenditure in that year under this section; e the amount of any repayment in that year of a loan under this section made by the authority in any year; and f the amount of any expenditure— i which is incurred by the authority in that year in circumstances specified in an order made by the Secretary of State; or ii which is incurred by the authority in that year and is of a description so specified; or iii which is defrayed by any grant or other payment to the authority which is made in or in respect of that year and is of a description so specified. 4C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A statutory instrument containing an order under this section may apply to all local authorities or may make different provision in relation to local authorities of different descriptions. 6 Any such instrument shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 7 The accounts of a local authority by whom expenditure is incurred under this section shall include a separate account of that expenditure . . . . 7A In relation to England, section 25 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (inspection of statements of accounts etc ) applies in relation to a separate account included in a local authority’s accounts by virtue of subsection (7) above as it applies in relation to a statement of accounts prepared by the authority pursuant to section 3(3) of that Act. 7B In relation to Wales, section 29 of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (rights of inspection) applies in relation to a separate account included in a local authority’s accounts by virtue of subsection (7) above as it applies in relation to a statement of accounts prepared by the authority pursuant to regulations under section 39 of that Act. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Subject to subsection (10) below, in this section “ local authority ” means— a a parish council which is not an eligible parish council for the purposes of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Localism Act 2011 (general power of competence) , or b a community council which is not an eligible community council for the purposes of Part 2 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (general power of competence) . 10 In subsection (3) above “ local authority ” means— a in relation to England, a county council, a district council, a London borough council, the Common Council or a parish council, b in relation to Wales, a county council, a county borough council or a community council. Financial assistance to be conditional on provision of information. 137A 1 If in any financial year a local authority provides financial assistance— a to a voluntary organisation, as defined in subsection (2D) of section 137 above, or b to a body or fund falling within subsection (3) of that section, and the total amount so provided to that organisation, body or fund in that year equals or exceeds the relevant minimum, then, as a condition of the assistance, the authority shall require the organisation, body or fund, within the period of twelve months beginning on the date when the assistance is provided, to furnish to the authority a statement in writing of the use to which that amount has been put. 2 In this section “ financial assistance ” means assistance by way of grant or loan or by entering into a guarantee to secure any money borrowed and, in relation to any financial assistance,— a any reference to the amount of the assistance is a reference to the amount of money granted or lent by the local authority or borrowed in reliance on the local authority’s guarantee; and b any reference to the date when the assistance is provided is a reference to the date on which the grant or loan is made or, as the case may be, on which the guarantee is entered into. 3 The relevant minimum referred to in subsection (1) above is £2,000 or such higher sum as the Secretary of State may by order specify. 4 It shall be a sufficient compliance with a requirement imposed by virtue of subsection (1) above that there is furnished to the local authority concerned an annual report or accounts which contain the information required to be in the statement. 5 A statement (or any report or accounts) provided to a local authority in pursuance of such a requirement shall be deposited with the proper officer of the authority. 6 In this section “ local authority ” includes the Common Council. Powers of principal councils with respect to emergencies or disasters. 138 1 Where an emergency or disaster involving destruction of or danger to life or property occurs or is imminent or there is reasonable ground for apprehending such an emergency or disaster, and a principal council are of opinion that it is likely to affect the whole or part of their area or all or some of its inhabitants, the council may— a incur such expenditure as they consider necessary in taking action themselves (either alone or jointly with any other person or body and either in their area or elsewhere in or outside the United Kingdom) which is calculated to avert, alleviate or eradicate in their area or among its inhabitants the effects or potential effects of the event; and b make grants or loans to other persons or bodies on conditions determined by the council in respect of any such action taken by those persons or bodies. 1A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Nothing in this section authorises a local authority to execute— a any drainage or other works in any part of a main river, within the meaning of Part IV ’of the Water Resources Act 1991 , or of any other watercourse which is treated for the purposes of any of the provisions of that Act as part of a main river, or b any works which local authorities have power to execute under sections 14 to 17, 62(2) and (3) and 66 of the Land Drainage Act 1991 , but subject to those limitations, the powers conferred by subsections subsection (1) above are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any power conferred on a local authority by or under any other enactment, including any enactment contained in this Act. 4 In this section “ principal council ” includes the Common Council and, until 1st April 1974, the council of an existing county, county borough or county district. 5 With the consent of the Secretary of State, a metropolitan county fire and civil defence authority and the London Fire Commissioner may incur expenditure in co-ordinating planning by principal councils in connection with their functions under subsection (1) above. 6 In this section “ contingency planning ” means the making, keeping under review and revising of plans and the carrying out of training associated with the plans. Prayers and other observances 138A 1 The business at a meeting of a local authority in England may include time for— a prayers or other religious observance, or b observance connected with a religious or philosophical belief. 2 Subsection (1) also applies in relation to meetings of— a a committee of a local authority in England, b a joint committee of two or more such authorities, whether appointed or established under Part 6 of this Act or any other enactment, or c a sub-committee of such a committee or joint committee. 3 Subsections (1) and (2) do not limit other powers. Involvement with religious events and events connected with a belief 138B 1 A local authority in England may support or facilitate, or make arrangements to be represented at, any of the following— a a religious event, b an event with a religious element, c an event connected with a religious or philosophical belief, or d an event with an element connected with such a belief. 2 Subsection (1) does not limit other powers. 3 Any powers of a local authority in England that are given otherwise than under subsection (1) may be exercised— a for the purpose of supporting or facilitating any event mentioned in subsection (1), or b for purposes that include that purpose. 4 Subsection (3) does not limit the generality of those powers. Application of sections 138A and 138B to other authorities 138C 1 Each of the following is (subject to the limitations set out) to be treated as a local authority for the purposes of sections 138A and 138B— a the London Assembly, but only for the purposes of section 138A; b the Greater London Authority, but only for the purposes of section 138B; c the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime, but only for the purposes of section 138B; d the London Fire Commissioner but only for the purposes of section 138B; e Transport for London; f a Mayoral development corporation; g the Common Council in its capacity as a local authority or police authority or port health authority, but only for the purposes of section 138B(3); h the Sub-Treasurer of the Inner Temple or the Under Treasurer of the Middle Temple, in that person's capacity as a local authority, but only for the purposes of section 138B(3); i the Council of the Isles of Scilly; j a parish meeting; k charter trustees constituted— i under section 246, ii by the Charter Trustees Regulations 1996 ( S.I. 1996/263), or iii under Part 1 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007; l a joint authority; m an economic prosperity board; n a combined authority; na a combined county authority; o a joint waste authority; p a fire and rescue authority constituted by a scheme— i under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, or ii to which section 4 of that Act applies; pa a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of that Act, but only for the purposes of section 138B; q the Passenger Transport Executive of an integrated transport area in England; r an executive body established, in relation to an Integrated Transport Authority, by virtue of section 79(1)(a) or 84(2)(d) of the Local Transport Act 2008; s a joint committee constituted to be a local planning authority by an order under section 29 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004; t a joint board continued in existence by section 263(1); u a joint board constituted a port health authority under section 2(4)(b) of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984; v a riparian authority within section 2(2)(b) of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 (conservators or commissioners etc ) in its capacity as a port health authority, but only for the purposes of section 138B(3); w an internal drainage board for a district neither wholly nor partly in Wales; x a police and crime commissioner, but only for the purposes of section 138B; y a police and crime panel established and maintained in accordance with Part 2 or 3 of Schedule 6 to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, but only for the purposes of section 138B. 2 Section 138A(2)(a), (b) and (c) apply— a as if a police and crime panel established and maintained in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 6 to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 were a joint committee of the kind mentioned in section 138A(2)(b), b as if a committee of a police and crime panel established and maintained in accordance with Part 2 or 3 of that Schedule, and any sub-committee of such a committee, were a sub-committee of the panel, c as if a sub-committee of a joint committee constituted to be a local planning authority by an order under section 29 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 were a committee of that joint committee, and d as if a committee appointed as mentioned in section 35(3) of the Localism Act 2011 (standards committee of the Greater London Authority) were a joint committee of the kind mentioned in section 138A(2)(b). 3 Section 138B applies in relation to the Greater London Authority as follows— a the powers conferred on the Authority by section 138B(1) are exercisable on behalf of the Authority by the Mayor of London, or by the London Assembly, or by the Mayor and Assembly acting jointly, and b section 138B(3), so far as it refers to powers of the Authority, refers to powers of the Authority whether exercisable by the Mayor, by the Assembly or by the Mayor and Assembly acting jointly. 4 The Common Council may make payments out of the City fund for the purpose of supporting or facilitating, or making arrangements for the Corporation of the City to be represented at, any event mentioned in section 138B(1). 5 The Sub-Treasurer of the Inner Temple or the Under Treasurer of the Middle Temple may, out of funds derived from any precept issued under Part 1 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, make payments for the purpose of supporting or facilitating, or making arrangements for the Temple concerned to be represented at, any event mentioned in section 138B(1). 6 Subsections (4) and (5) do not limit other powers. 7 An internal drainage board for a district partly but not wholly in Wales is to be treated as a local authority in England— a for the purposes of section 138A, but only in relation to meetings held otherwise than in Wales, and b for the purposes of section 138B, but only in relation to events that are to take place otherwise than in Wales. Acceptance of gifts of property. 139 1 Subject to the provisions of this section a local authority may accept, hold and administer— a for the purpose of discharging any of their functions, gifts of property, whether real or personal, made for that purpose; or b for the benefit of the inhabitants of their area or of some part of it, gifts made for that purpose; and may execute any work (including works of maintenance or improvement) incidental to or consequential on the exercise of the powers conferred by this section. 2 Where any such work is executed in connection with a gift made for the benefit of the inhabitants of the area of a local authority or of some part of that area, the cost of executing the work shall be added to any expenditure under section 137 above in computing the limit imposed on that expenditure by subsection (4) of that section. 3 This section shall not authorise the acceptance by a local authority of property which, when accepted, would be held in trust for an ecclesiastical charity or for a charity for the relief of poverty. 4 Nothing in this section shall affect any powers exercisable by a local authority under or by virtue of the Education Act 1996 . Insurance by local authorities against accidents to members. 140 1 A local authority may enter into a contract of accident insurance against risks of any member of the authority meeting with a personal accident, whether fatal or not, while engaged on the business of the authority. 2 Any sum received by the authority under any such contract shall, after deduction of any expenses incurred in the recovery thereof, be paid by them to, or to the personal representatives of, the member of the authority in respect of an accident to whom that sum is received. 3 The provisions of the Life Assurance Act 1774 shall not apply to any such contract, . . . 3A References to accident insurance must be read with— a section 22 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000; b any relevant order under that section; and c Schedule 2 to that Act. 4 In this section, the expression . . . “ member of the authority ” includes a member of a committee or sub-committee of the authority who is not a member of that authority. Insurance of voluntary assistants of local authorities. 140A 1 A local authority may enter into a contract of insurance of a relevant class against risks of any voluntary assistant of the authority meeting with a personal accident, whether fatal or not, while engaged as such, or suffering from any disease or sickness, whether fatal or not, as the result of being so engaged. 2 In this section “ local authority ” includes— a a board constituted in pursuance of section 2 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 . . .; b the Common Council of the City of London; and c the Council of the Isles of Scilly; and “ voluntary assistant ” means a person who, at the request of the local authority or an authorised officer of the local authority, performs any service or does anything otherwise than for payment by the local authority (except by way of reimbursement of expenses), for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of any of the functions of the local authority. Insurance of voluntary assistants of probation committee. 140B 1 A county council . . . may enter into a contract of insurance of a relevant class against risks of any voluntary assistant of a relevant probation committee meeting with a personal accident, whether fatal or not, while engaged as such, or suffering from any disease or sickness, whether fatal or not, as the result of being so engaged. 2 In this section— “ relevant probation committee ” means— a in relation to a county council, a probation committee for a probation area wholly or partly within the county; and b in relation to Greater London, a probation committee for a probation area wholly or partly within an outer London borough (within the meaning of section 1 of the 1963 Act); and “ voluntary assistant ” means a person who, at the request of an authorised officer of the probation committee, performs any service or does anything otherwise than for payment by the committee (except by way of reimbursement of expenses), for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of any of the functions of the committee. 3 In relation to Wales— a subsections (1) and (2)(a) above shall have effect as if they referred to a principal council; and b subsection (2)(a) above shall have effect as if it referred to the area of the principal council. Provisions supplementary to sections 140A, 140B. 140C 1 The relevant classes of contracts of insurance for the purposes of sections 140A and 140B above are— a contracts of permanent health insurance; and b contracts of accident insurance. 1A Subsection (1) must be read with— a section 22 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000; b any relevant order under that section; and c Schedule 2 to that Act. 2 Any sum received under a contract of insurance made by virtue of section 140A or 140B above shall, after deduction of any expenses incurred in the recovery thereof, be paid by the authority receiving it to, or to the personal representatives of, the voluntary assistant who suffered the accident, disease or sickness in respect of which the sum is received or to such other person as the authority consider appropriate having regard to the circumstances of the case; and a sum paid to any person other than the assistant or his personal representatives shall be applied by that person in accordance with any directions given by the authority for the benefit of any dependant of the voluntary assistant. 3 The provisions of the Life Assurance Act 1774 shall not apply to any such contract. 4 Section 119 above shall apply to any sum which is due by virtue of subsection (2) above and does not exceed the amount for the time being specified in section 119(1) above. Application of sections 140, 140A and 140C to corporate joint committees 140D Sections 140, 140A and 140C (apart from subsection (4) of that section) apply to a corporate joint committee as they apply to a local authority. Research and the collection of information. 141 1 The council of a non-metropolitan county may conduct, or assist in the conducting of, investigations into, and the collection of information relating to, any matters concerning the county or any part of the county and may make, or assist in the making of, arrangements whereby any such information and the results of any such investigation are made available to any other local authority in the county, any government department or the public. 2 The appropriate Minister with respect to any matter may require the council of a county to provide him with any information with respect to that matter which is in the possession of, or available to, that council or any other local authority in the county in consequence of the exercise of any power conferred by or under any enactment; and where such requirement is made in respect of any information which is in the possession of, or available to, any other local authority in the county, but not the county council, the county council may require that other authority to furnish them with that information. 3 This section has effect— a in relation to a principal council in Wales— i as if any reference to a council were a reference to the principal council, and ii as if any reference to a county were a reference to the principal area; b in relation to a corporate joint committee— i as if any reference to a council were a reference to the corporate joint committee, ii as if any reference to a county were a reference to the area specified as the corporate joint committee’s area in regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 establishing the corporate joint committee, and iii as if any reference to any other local authority in the county were a reference to any local authority in the corporate joint committee’s area. Provision of information, etc., relating to matters affecting local government. 142 1 A local authority may make, or assist in the making of, arrangements whereby the public may on application readily obtain, either at premises specially maintained for the purpose or otherwise, information concerning the services available within the area of the authority provided either by the authority or by other authorities mentioned in subsection (1B) below or by government departments or by charities and other voluntary organisations, and other information relating to the functions of the authority . 1A A local authority may arrange for the publication within their area of information as to the services available in the area provided by them or by other authorities mentioned in subsection (1B) below. 1AA A local authority may— a for the purpose of broadcasting or distributing information falling within subsection (1AB), provide an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, or b arrange with the provider of such a network or service for the broadcasting or distribution of such information by means of the network or service. 1AB Information falls within this subsection, in relation to a local authority, if it is one or both of the following— a information concerning the services within the area of the authority that are provided either by the authority themselves or by other authorities mentioned in subsection (1B) below; b information relating to the functions of the authority. 1AC Nothing in subsection (1AA) entitles a local authority to do anything in contravention of a requirement or restriction imposed by or under— a Part 2 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 , b the Broadcasting Act 1990, c the Broadcasting Act 1996, or d the Communications Act 2003, and in that subsection “ electronic communications network ” and “ electronic communications service ” each has the same meaning as in the Communications Act 2003. 1B The other authorities referred to above are any other local authority, ... a joint authority established by Part IV of the Local Government Act 1985 , an economic prosperity board, a combined authority , a combined county authority and any authority, board or committee which discharges functions which would otherwise fall to be discharged by two or more local or other such authorities. 2 A local authority may— a arrange for the publication within their area of information relating to the functions of the authority ; and b arrange for the delivery of lectures and addresses and the holding of discussions on such matters; and c arrange for the display of pictures, cinematograph films or models or the holding of exhibitions relating to such matters; and d prepare, or join in or contribute to the cost of the preparation of, pictures, films, models or exhibitions to be displayed or held as aforesaid. 2A A local authority may assist voluntary organisations to provide for individuals— a information and advice concerning those individuals’ rights and obligations; and b assistance, either by the making or receiving of communications or by providing representation to or before any person or body, in asserting those rights or fulfilling those obligations. 3 In this section “ local authority ” includes the Common Council and “ voluntary organisation ” means a body which is not a public body but whose activities are carried on otherwise than for profit. 4 This section shall have effect as if any reference to a local authority included a reference to the London Fire Commissioner. Subscriptions to local government associations. 143 1 A local authority may pay reasonable subscriptions, whether annually or otherwise, to the funds— a of any association of local authorities formed (whether inside or outside the United Kingdom) for the purpose of consultation as to the common interests of those authorities and the discussion of matters relating to local government, or b of any association of officers or members of local authorities which was so formed. 2 In this section “ local authority ” includes the Common Council and a corporate joint committee . Power to encourage visitors and provide conference and other facilities. 144 1 A local authority may (either alone or jointly with any other person or body)— a encourage persons, by advertisement or otherwise, to visit their area for recreation, for health purposes, or to hold conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions in their area; and b provide, or encourage any other person or body to provide, facilities for ..., conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions or improve, or encourage any other person or body to improve, any existing facilities for those purposes. 2 Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, a local authority may contribute to any organisation approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this subsection and established for the purpose of encouraging persons to visit the United Kingdom or any part thereof. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 In this section “ local authority ” includes the Common Council. Provision of entertainments. 145 1 A local authority may do, or arrange for the doing of, or contribute towards the expenses of the doing of, anything (whether inside or outside their area) necessary or expedient for any of the following purposes, that is to say— a the provision of an entertainment of any nature or of facilities for dancing; b the provision of a theatre, concert hall, dance hall or other premises suitable for the giving of entertainments or the holding of dances; c the maintenance of a band or orchestra; d the development and improvement of the knowledge, understanding and practice of the arts and the crafts which serve the arts; e any purpose incidental to the matters aforesaid, including the provision of refreshments or programmes and the advertising of any entertainment given or dance or exhibition of arts or crafts held by them. 2 Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsection (1) above, a local authority— a may for the purposes therein specified enclose or set apart any part of a park or pleasure ground belonging to the authority or under their control; b may permit any theatre, concert hall, dance hall or other premises provided by them for the purposes of subsection (1) above and any part of a park or pleasure ground enclosed or set apart as aforesaid to be used by any other person, on such terms as to payment or otherwise as the authority think fit, and may authorise that other person to make charges for admission thereto; c may themselves make charges for admission to any entertainment given or dance or exhibition of arts or crafts held by them and for any refreshment or programmes supplied thereat. 3 Subsection (2) above shall not authorise any authority to contravene any covenant or condition subject to which a gift or lease of a public park or pleasure ground has been accepted or made without the consent of the donor, grantor, lessor or other person entitled in law to the benefit of the covenant or condition. 4 Nothing in this section shall affect the provisions of any enactment by virtue of which a licence is required for the public performance of a stage play or the public exhibition of cinematograph films, or for boxing or wrestling entertainments or for public music or dancing, or for the sale of alcohol . 5 In this section, the expression “ local authority ” includes the Common Council. Transfer of securities on alteration of area, etc. 146 1 Where any securities are standing in the books of a company in the name of a local authority, the following provisions shall have effect— a if the name of the authority is changed, then at the request of the authority and on production of a statutory declaration by the proper officer of the authority specifying the securities and verifying the change of name and identity of the authority, the company shall enter the securities in the new name of the local authority in like manner as if the securities had been transferred to the authority under that name; b if by virtue of anything done under any provision of this Act or the 1963 Act or any enactment similar to any such provision (whenever passed), any other local authority have become entitled to the securities or any dividends or interest thereon, as the case may be, a certificate of the proper officer of the council of the county in which the area of that other authority is situated, or the scheme, order or award under which that other authority have become so entitled, shall be a sufficient authority to the company to transfer the securities into the name of the local authority specified in that behalf in the certificate, or in the scheme, order or award, as the case may be, and to pay the dividends or interest to that authority; c if in any other case any other local authority have become entitled to the securities or any dividends or interest thereon, as the case may be, the court may on application make an order vesting in that other authority the right to transfer the securities or to receive the dividends or interest, as the case may be, and the Trustee Act 1925 shall apply in like manner as if the vesting order were made under section 51 of that Act. 1A In relation to Wales, subsection (1)(b) above shall have effect as if the reference to a county council were a reference to a principal council. 2 In this section, the expression— “ company ” includes the Bank of England and any company or person keeping books in which any securities are registered or inscribed; “ local authority ” means a local authority within the meaning of the 1933 Act, the London Government Act 1939 or this Act or a joint board on which, or a joint committee on which, a local authority or parish meeting are represented, a burial board, a joint burial board or the parish trustees of a parish; “ securities ” has the meaning given in section 98(1) above 3 The jurisdiction of the court under this section may be exercised by the High Court or, in cases in which the county court would have jurisdiction if the application were an application made under the Trustee Act 1925, by that court. Joint Authorities and Inner London Education Authority. 146A 1 Subject to subsections (1ZA), (1ZB) , (1ZC) , (1ZD) , (1ZE) , (1ZEA) or (1ZF) below, a joint authority, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority, a combined county authority ... and the London Fire Commissioner ... ... shall each be treated— a as a local authority for the purposes of sections 111 to 119, 128 to 131, 135, 136, 139 (except sub-sections (1)( b ) and (2) ), 140, 140A, 140C, 143 and 146 above; and b as a principal council for the purposes of section 120 (except subsection (1)( b )) and sections 121 to 123 above. 1ZA In its application by virtue of subsection (1) to an economic prosperity board, section 111 has effect as if it did not permit the borrowing of money. 1ZB In its application by virtue of subsection (1) to a combined authority, section 111 has effect as if it permitted the borrowing of money for the purposes of the exercise by the authority of its transport functions only. 1ZC Neither a metropolitan county fire and rescue authority, nor the London Fire Commissioner , is to be treated as a local authority for the purposes of section 111 above (but see section 5A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004). 1ZD An Integrated Transport Authority is not to be treated as a local authority for the purposes of section 111 above (but see section 102B of the Local Transport Act 2008). 1ZE Neither an economic prosperity board, nor a combined authority, is to be treated as a local authority for the purposes of section 111 above (but see section 113A of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009). 1ZEA A combined county authority is not to be treated as a local authority for the purposes of section 111 (but see section 49 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023). 1ZF The London Fire Commissioner is not to be treated as a local authority for the purposes of section 135. 1A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1AA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part VIII Finance Expenses and receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Principal councils’ funds and accounts. 148 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The council of each county shall keep a fund to be known as the county fund . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 All receipts of a county council shall be carried to the county fund, and all liabilities falling to be discharged by that council shall be discharged out of that fund. 5 Accounts shall be kept of receipts carried to, and payments made out of, a the county fund, in the case of a county, and b the collection fund and the general fund established under sections 89 and 91 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, in the case of a district or London borough; , and any account kept in respect of general expenses only of a principal area shall be called the general account of that area and any account kept in respect of any class of special expenses only of any such area shall be called a special account of that area. 5A Subsections (2) and (4) above shall not apply to the council for a county for any financial year for which that council is, by virtue of section 18(1) of the Local Government Act 1992, a billing authority for that year for the purposes of Part I of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 5B For any financial year for which the council for a county is, by virtue of section 18(1) of the Local Government Act 1992, a billing authority for that year for the purposes of Part I of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, subsection (5)(b) above, and not subsection (5)(a), shall apply in the case of the county. 6 This section does not apply in relation to a Welsh county council or county borough council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Expenses of parish and community councils. 150 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 In a parish having a separate parish council or in a community having a council, whether separate or common, the expenses of the parish meeting or any community meeting shall be paid by the parish or community council. 3 In a community not having a community council, whether separate or common, the expenses of any community meeting shall be paid by the council of the principal area in which the community is situated. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Every parish or community council and the chairman of the parish meeting for a parish not having a separate parish council shall keep such accounts as may be prescribed of the receipts and payments of the council or parish meeting, as the case may be. 7 References in this section to the expenses of a parish or community meeting include references to the expenses of any poll consequent on a parish ... meeting or of a community governance poll (as to which, see paragraph 34(8) of Schedule 12) . Financial administration. 151 1 Without prejudice to section 111 above, every local authority shall make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs and shall secure that one of their officers has responsibility for the administration of those affairs. 2 This section applies to a corporate joint committee as it applies to a local authority. Revenues from undertakings. 152 Nothing in sections 147 to 150 above shall be construed as requiring or authorising a local authority to apply or dispose of the surplus revenue arising from any undertaking carried on by them otherwise than in accordance with any enactment or instrument applicable to the undertaking. Application of capital money on disposal of land. 153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154–167 Miscellaneous provisions as to finance and rating Local financial returns. 168 1 Subject to subsection (3) below, every local authority and the chairman of the parish meeting of every parish not having a separate parish council shall make a return to the Secretary of State for each year ending on 31st March, or such other day as the Secretary of State may direct,— a of their income and expenditure or, in the case of the chairman of a parish meeting, the income and expenditure of the parish meeting; b in the case of any billing authority — i of the amount payable to the authority by way of council tax and non-domestic rates; and ii of the amount paid to any other authority in pursuance of a precept or levy. 2 Returns under this section shall be in such form, shall contain such particulars, shall be submitted to the Secretary of State by such date in each year and shall be certified in such manner as the Secretary of State may direct, and a direction under this subsection may impose different requirements in relation to returns of different classes. 3 If it appears to the Secretary of State that sufficient information about any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1) above has been supplied to him by a local authority or by or on behalf of a parish meeting under any other enactment, he may exempt the authority or the chairman of the meeting from all or any of the requirements of this section so far as they relate to that matter. 4 The Secretary of State shall as respects each year cause a summary to be made of the returns sent to him under this section and of any information supplied to him under any other enactment in consequence of which he has granted an exemption under this section and shall lay the summary before both Houses of Parliament. 5 In this section “ local authority ” means— a a billing authority or a precepting authority, as defined in section 69 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992; aa a fire and rescue authority in Wales constituted by a scheme under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 or a scheme to which section 4 of that Act applies; b a levying body within the meaning of section 74 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 ; . . . c a body as regards which section 75 of that Act applies Initial expenses of new authorities. 169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Miscellaneous amendments of enactments relating to finance and rating. 172 . . . Part II of that Schedule shall have effect for making amendments and modifications of enactments relating to local government finance and rating which are not replaced by Part I of that Schedule or the foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act. Allowances to members of local authorities and other bodies Attendance allowance and financial loss allowance. 173 1 Subject to subsection (6) below, any member of a parish or community council who is a councillor shall be entitled to receive a payment by way of attendance allowance, that is to say, a payment for the performance of any approved duty, being a payment of such reasonable amount, not exceeding the prescribed amount, as the parish or community council may determine unless a notice under section 173A below is effective in relation to him . 2 The amount prescribed under subsection (1) above may be prescribed by reference to any period of twenty-four hours. 3 The amount of any allowance determined by a parish or community council under subsection (1) above may vary according to the time of day and the duration of the duty, but shall be the same for all members of the council entitled to the allowance in respect of a duty of any description at the same time of day and of the same duration. 4 Subject to subsection (6) below, any member of a parish or community council who is not entitled under subsection (1) above to receive attendance allowance for the performance of an approved duty shall be entitled to receive a payment by way of financial loss allowance, that is to say, a payment not exceeding the prescribed amount in respect of any loss of earnings necessarily suffered, or any additional expenses (other than expenses on account of travelling or subsistence) necessarily suffered or incurred by him for the purpose of enabling him to perform that duty. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A member of a parish or community council shall not be entitled to any payment under this section in respect of the performance as such a member of an approved duty within the parish or community or, in the case of a parish or community grouped under a common parish or community council, the area of the group. Right to opt for financial loss allowance. 173A 1 If a councillor gives notice in writing to the parish or community council of which he is a member that he wishes to receive financial loss allowance, he shall be entitled, subject to and in accordance with the following provisions of this section, to receive that allowance instead of any payment by way of attendance allowance to which he would otherwise be entitled. 2 A notice under this section is referred to in this section as a “ financial loss allowance notice ”. 3 If a councillor gives a financial loss allowance notice to the parish or community council not later than the end of the period of one month beginning with the day of his election as a member of the council then, subject to subsection (4A) below , he shall be entitled to receive financial loss allowance for the performance of any approved duty since his election, whether performed before or after the giving of the notice. 4 If a councillor gives a financial loss allowance notice to the parish or community council otherwise than in accordance with subsection (3) above, then, subject to subsection (4A) below, he shall be entitled to receive financial loss allowance for the performance of any approved duty after the end of the period of one month beginning with the day on which the notice is given. 4A If a councillor who has given a parish or community council a financial loss allowance notice gives them notice in writing that he withdraws that notice, it shall not have effect in relation to any duty performed after the day on which the notice of withdrawal is given. Travelling allowance and subsistence allowance. 174 1 Subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, a member of a body to which this section applies shall be entitled to receive payments by way of travelling allowance or subsistence allowance where expenditure on travelling (whether inside or outside the United Kingdom) or, as the case may be, on subsistence is necessarily incurred by him for the purpose of enabling him to perform any approved duty as a member of that body, being payments at rates determined by that body, but not exceeding, in the case of travel or subsistence for the purpose of an approved duty within the United Kingdom, such rates as may be specified by the Secretary of State. 2 A member of a parish or community council shall not be entitled to any payment under this section in respect of the performance as such a member of an approved duty within the parish or community or, in the case of a parish or community grouped under a common parish or community council, the area of the group. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowances for attending conferences and meetings. 175 1 The following bodies, that is to say— a any local authority; b any other body to which this section applies and which has power by virtue of any enactment to send representatives to any conference or meeting to which this section applies; may pay any member of the authority or other body attending any such conference or meeting such allowances in the nature of an attendance allowance and an allowance for travelling and subsistence, as they think fit. 1A Payments made under subsection (1) above shall be of such reasonable amounts as the body in question may determine in a particular case or class of case but shall not exceed— a in the case of payments of an allowance in the nature of an attendance allowance, such amounts as may be specified in or determined under regulations made by the Secretary of State; and b in the case of payments of an allowance in the nature of an allowance for travel and subsistence in respect of a conference or meeting held in the United Kingdom, such amounts as may be specified under section 174 above for the corresponding allowance under that section; and regulations made by the Secretary of State may make it a condition of any payment mentioned in paragraph (a) above that, in the financial year to which the payment would relate, the aggregate amount which the body in question has paid or is already liable to pay in respect of any prescribed allowance or allowances does not exceed such maximum amount as may be specified in or determined under the regulations. 2 Where a body mentioned in subsection (1)(b) above has power under any enactment other than this Act or any instrument under such an enactment to pay expenses incurred in attending a conference or meeting to which this section applies, the amount payable under that enactment or instrument shall not exceed the amount which would be payable in respect of the attendance under that subsection. 3 In relation to a local authority this section applies to a conference or meeting held inside or outside the United Kingdom and convened by any person or body (other than a person or body convening it in the course of a trade or business or a body the objects of which are wholly or partly political) for the purpose of discussing matters which in their opinion relate to the interests of their area or any part of it or the interests of the inhabitants of their area or any part of it. 3B In relation to an economic prosperity board, a combined authority , a combined county authority or any body which is a joint board, joint authority or other combined body all the members of which are representatives of local authorities this section applies to a conference or meeting held and convened as mentioned in subsection (3) above for the purpose of discussing matters which in the body’s opinion relate— a to the functions of the body; or b to any functions of local authorities in which the body has an interest. 4 In relation to any other body to which this section applies this section applies to a conference or meeting convened by one or more such bodies or by an association of such bodies. Payment of expenses of official and courtesy visits, etc. 176 1 Subject to subsection (2) below, a local authority may— a defray any travelling or other expenses reasonably incurred by or on behalf of any members in making official and courtesy visits, whether inside or outside the United Kingdom, on behalf of the authority; b defray any expenses incurred in the reception and entertainment by way of official courtesy of distinguished persons visiting the area of the authority and persons representative of or connected with local government or other public services whether inside or outside the United Kingdom and in the supply of information to any such persons. 2 In the case of a visit within the United Kingdom, the amount defrayed under this section by a local authority in respect of the expenses of any member of the authority in making a visit within the United Kingdom shall not exceed the payments which he would have been entitled to receive by way of travelling allowance or subsistence allowance under section 174 above if the making of the visit had been an approved duty of that member. 3 In this section “ local authority ” includes a joint authority, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority and a combined county authority ... .... . . Provisions supplementary to sections 173 to 176. 177 1 ... sections 174 and 175 above apply— a to the bodies specified in section 21(1) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, except— i the Common Council; ii a body established pursuant to an order under section 67 of the Local Government Act 1985 (successors to residuary bodies); and iii without prejudice to section 265 below, the Council of the Isles of Scilly; b to any prescribed body on which a body to which those sections apply by virtue of paragraph (a) above is represented; and c to any parish or community council. 1A Subsection (1) has effect without prejudice to the operation of— a regulations made by virtue of section 94(5C) or 95(3B) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (allowances for admission appeal panels); b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ba regulations made by virtue of section 51A(8) of the Education Act 2002 (allowances for exclusion review panels: England); and c regulations made by virtue of section 52(6) of that Act (allowances for exclusion appeal panels: Wales); and . 2 In sections 173 to 176 above “ approved duty ”, in relation to a member of a body, means such duties as may be specified in or determined under regulations made by the Secretary of State. 2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 For the purposes of sections 173 to 176 above ... a member of a committee or sub-committee of a local authority or other body mentioned in subsection (1) above shall be deemed to be a member of that body. 4 Section 94(5) above shall apply in relation to a member of any body mentioned in subsection (1) above to whom it would not otherwise apply as it applies in relation to a member of a local authority; and no other enactment or instrument shall prevent a member of any such body from taking part in the consideration or determination of any allowance or other payment under any of the provisions of sections 173 to 176 above or under any scheme made by virtue of section 18 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177A Regulations as to allowances. 178 1 The Secretary of State may make regulations as to the manner in which sections 173 to 176 . . . above are to be administered, and in particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, may make regulations— a providing for the avoidance of duplication in payments under those sections, or between payments under any of those sections and any other Act, and for the determination of the body or bodies by whom any payments under those sections are to be made, and, where such payments are to be made by more than one body, for the apportionment between those bodies of the sums payable; b specifying the forms to be used and the particulars to be provided for the purpose of claiming payments under those sections; c providing for the publication by a body to which sections 173 to 175 above apply, in the minutes of that body or otherwise, of details of such payments. 2 A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 173 or 177 above or this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Part IX Functions General General provision for transfer of functions. 179 1 Subsections (2) to (4) below shall have effect for the purpose of adapting the provisions of— a public general Acts passed before, or during the same session as, this Act; and b instruments made before the passing of this Act under public general Acts, being instruments of a legislative character and not being instruments in the nature of local enactments; and, in particular, for the purpose of providing for the exercise of functions conferred by such provisions, but those subsections shall have effect subject to any provision to the contrary made by, or by any instrument made under, this Act and shall be without prejudice to any express provision so made. 2 In any such provision any reference to an administrative county or its council, or any reference which is to be construed as such a reference, shall, except where it is a reference to a specified county or council or is to be construed as such, be construed as a reference to a new county or its council, as the case may be. 3 In any such provision any reference to an urban district (whether as such or as a district or county district) or to the council of such a district, or any reference which is to be construed as such a reference, shall, except where it is a reference to a specified district or council or is to be construed as such, be construed as a reference to a new district or its council, as the case may be. 4 In any such provision any reference to a rural parish (whether as such or as a parish) or the council or meeting of such a parish, or any reference which is to be construed as such a reference, shall, except where it is a reference to a specified parish or its council or meeting, be construed— a as respects England, as a reference to a parish or, as the case may be, its council or meeting; and b as respects Wales, as a reference to a community or, as the case may be, its council, if any. The environment Public health. 180 1 For the purposes of the enactments to which this section applies, the local authority and sanitary authority (whether urban or not) shall— a for a district, be the district council; b for a London borough, be the borough council; c for the City, be the Common Council; d for the Inner Temple and Middle Temple, be the Sub-Treasurer and the Under Treasurer thereof respectively; e for a Welsh county or county borough, be the county council or county borough council; but the foregoing provision shall have effect subject to the other provisions of this Act and, in particular, to Schedule 14 to this Act and, as respects any area in Greater London, to Part I of Schedule 11 to the 1963 Act. 2 The Public Health Act 1936 shall have effect subject to the amendments and modifications specified in Part I of Schedule 14 to this Act and Part II of that Schedule shall have effect for making amendments and modifications to other enactments relating to public health, building control, public parks, lighting and related matters. 3 This section applies to the following enactments:— a the Public Health Acts 1875 to 1925; b the Alkali, &c. Works Regulation Act 1906; c the Public Health Act 1936, except so much of it as falls within section 181(1) or (2) below; d section 8 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953; e Part XIII of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954; f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . g section 1 of the Noise Abatement Act 1960; h the Public Health Act 1961, except so much of it as falls within section 181(2) below; i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . j . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . k section 6 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. 4 Expressions used in this section and Schedule 14 to this Act and in the Public Health Act 1936 shall, except so far as the context otherwise requires, have the same meanings respectively in this section and that Schedule as they have in that Act. Water and sewerage. 181 1 For the purposes of the following enactments, that is to say— a Part IV of the Public Health Act 1936 and Part XII of that Act, so far as relating to the said Part IV; b the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act 1944, so far as relating to water; c section 12 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953; d the Water Acts 1945 and 1948 and the Water Act 1958; the local authority shall, for any district, be the district council, and for any London borough, be the borough council and for any principal area in Wales, be the principal council . 2 For the purposes of the following enactments, that is to say— a sections 15, 17–24, 27, 29–34, 36 and 42 of the Public Health Act 1936 and sections 90 and Part XII of that Act, so far as relating to those sections; b the Public Health (Drainage of Trade Premises) Act 1937; c the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act 1944, so far as relating to sewerage and the disposal of sewage; d section 13 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953; e sections 12 to 15 and Part V of, and Schedule 2 to, the Public Health Act 1961; the local authority shall for any area outside Greater London be the district council. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 An order under section 6 of the Public Health Act 1936 or under subsection (3) above or an order amending any such order may confer on a joint board constituted for the exercise of sewerage functions any of the sewerage functions of the constitutent members and may confer such functions— a subject to any limitation or condition specified in the order (whether or not the limitation or condition applies to the discharge of the functions by the constituent member); or b free from any limitation or condition so specified which applies to the discharge of those functions by the constituent member. 10 Schedule 15 to this Act shall have effect for making amendments and modifications to the enactments relating to water and sewerage. 11 In this section— “ sewerage functions ” means functions under any of the enactments mentioned in subsection (2) above; and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Town and Country Planning. 182 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 In that Schedule— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Part II shall have effect with respect to the exercise by such authorities of functions under other enactments relating to town and country planning and for making minor amendments and modifications of such other enactments; and c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 National Park and countryside functions. 184 1 The functions conferred on a local planning authority by or under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside Act 1968 shall— a as respects England elsewhere than in the metropolitan counties, Greater London and the Isles of Scilly, be exercisable in accordance with the following provisions of this section; and b as respects Wales, be exercisable in accordance with subsections (7) and (8) below . 2 The following of the said functions, that is to say those conferred by— a Part II and sections 61, 62, 63, 78, 90(5), 92 (so far as relating to parking places in a National Park), 99(3) and 101(3) of the said Act of 1949; and b sections 12(5), 13 and 14 of the said Act of 1968; shall, subject to subsection (3) below . . ., be functions of the county planning authority. 3 The functions of a local planning authority under section 9 of the said Act of 1949 shall as respects any area outside a National Park be exercisable both by county planning authorities and district planning authorities. 4 All other functions conferred by or under any other provision of the said Acts of 1949 and 1968 on a local planning authority shall, . . ., be exercisable both by county planning authorities and district planning authorities. 5 References in the said Acts of 1949 and 1968 to a local planning authority shall be construed accordingly. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sections 27 to 38 of the said Act of 1949 and Parts II to IV of Schedule 3 to the said Act of 1968 (survey of public paths, etc.) shall have effect subject to the modifications specified in Part II of the said Schedule 17 and those Acts shall have effect subject to the further modifications specified in Part III of that Schedule. 8 In that Schedule “ the 1949 Act ” and “ the 1968 Act ” mean the said Acts of 1949 and 1968 respectively. Town development. 185 1 In the Town Development Act 1952 (in this section referred to as “ the principal Act ”) in section 1(1) (which defines the term “town development” as applying to development in a county district, the provision of which will relieve congestion or over-population elsewhere) for the word “elsewhere” there shall be substituted the words “ outside the county comprising the district or districts in which the development is carried out ” . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The principal Act shall have effect subject to the amendments specified in Schedule 18 to this Act, being— a amendments consequential on this Part of this Act, and b amendments incorporating provisions of section 34 of the Housing Act 1961 and subsections (1) and (2) of section 61 of the London Government Act 1963 (modification of principal Act in relation to counties and to Greater London). 5 Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1) above, any development carried out after the date on which that subsection comes into force as part of a scheme begun before that date, being a scheme of town development within the meaning of the principal Act as then in force, shall be treated as town development for the purposes of that Act. Traffic and transportation functions. 186 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 So much of section 6 of the Transport Charges &c. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1954 as requires the making of an order by the Secretary of State for the revision of any charges in connection with a ferry undertaking shall cease to have effect in relation to an undertaking operated by a local authority or a Passenger Transport Executive, and accordingly a local authority or Passenger Transport Executive operating any such ferry undertaking as is referred to in subsection (1)(c) of that section— a may from time to time make such revision of any of the charges which they are authorised to demand in connection with the undertaking as seems to them appropriate; and b may, if they think fit, determine that any such charges shall no longer be made; and so much of section 1(2) of the Ferries (Acquisition by Local Authorities) Act 1919 as requires the approval of the Secretary of State to any scale of tolls fixed by a local authority or to a determination by a local authority to free a ferry from tolls shall cease to have effect. 7 In subsection (6) above, “ local authority ” includes any existing county borough or county district council and the Common Council. Local highway authorities and maintenance powers of district councils. 187 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 With respect to footpaths , bridleways and restricted byways within their area a district council or, where they are not the highway authority, a Welsh principal council shall have— a the like powers as a highway authority under section 57(3) of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (prosecution of offences of displaying on footpaths notices deterring public use), and b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A “Restricted byway“ has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Commons. 189 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The references in section 12 of the Inclosure Act 1857 (prevention of nuisances in town and village greens, etc.,) to a churchwarden or overseer of the parish in which the town or village green or land is situated shall be construed— a with respect to a green or land in a parish, as references to the parish council, or, where there is no parish council, the parish meeting; b with respect to a green or land in a community where there is a community council, as references to the community council; c with respect to any other green or land, as references to the council of the district or Welsh principal area in which the green or land is situated; and where those references fall to be construed in accordance with paragraph (c) above, the reference in the said section 12 to highways in the parish shall be construed as a reference to highways in the district or (as the case may be) area . 4 In section 193(1) of the Law of Property Act 1925 (right of the public over certain commons, including those situated within a borough or urban district) after the words “situated within” there shall be inserted the words “ an area which immediately before 1st April 1974 was ” . Sites for gipsy encampments. 190 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ordnance survey. 191 1 In its application outside Greater London, the Ordnance Survey Act 1841 (in this section referred to as “ the 1841 Act ”) shall have effect subject to the following modifications. 2 An application under section 1 of the 1841 Act shall be sent to the proper officer of either a county council or a district council (or, in Wales, a principal council) and, where such an application is made, the function of appointing a person to assist in examining, ascertaining and marking out reputed boundaries shall be exercisable by the council to whose proper officer the application was sent. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 References, in whatever terms, in the 1841 Act— a to the justices by whom a person is appointed under section 1 of that Act shall be construed as references to the county council or the district council, as the case may require or, in Wales, the principal council) , and b to the clerk of the peace for a county shall be construed as references to the proper officer of the county council or the district council as the case may require (or, in Wales, the principal council) . 5 . . . References in that Act to a county include references to any preserved county or local government area within the meaning of this Act. Education, social and welfare services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Social services functions. 195 1 Outside Greater London, the local authorities for the purposes of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (in this section referred to as “ the Act of 1970 ”) shall be the councils of non-metropolitan counties and the councils of metropolitan districts; and accordingly in section 1 of that Act for the words “counties, county boroughs” there shall be substituted the words “ non-metropolitan counties, metropolitan districts ” . 2 In a non-metropolitan county in England each district council and the county council shall from time to time consult together with respect to the nature and extent of the accommodation needed for people who by reason of infirmity or disability (whether arising from age or otherwise) are in need of accommodation of a special character. 3 The following proposals and schemes, so far as in force immediately before 1st April 1974, that is to say,— a proposals approved under section 20 of the National Health Service Act 1946 relating to the duties of local health authorities under section 22 of that Act (care of mothers and young children) or under section 12 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 (prophylaxis, care and after-care), and b schemes approved under section 34 of the National Assistance Act 1948 (relating to the provision of accommodation, the welfare of handicapped persons and the employment of disabled persons), shall cease to have effect; and the local authorities who, by virtue of section 1 of the Act of 1970, . . ., are the local authorities for the purposes of that Act may, with the approval of the Secretary of State, and to such extent as he may direct shall, make arrangements for carrying out the functions to which those proposals and schemes formerly related. 4 Any delegation scheme under section 46 of the Local Government Act 1958 (relating to health and welfare functions) which is in force immediately before 1st April 1974 shall cease to have effect. 5 Any scheme or regional plan made by a children’s regional planning committee under the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 and in force immediately before 1st April 1974 shall, subject to the provisions of that Act, continue in force with such modifications as may be necessary to take account of the replacement of the existing local authorities by the new authorities. 6 The enactments specified in Schedule 23 to this Act, being enactments conferring social services functions on local authorities in varying capacities, shall have effect subject to the amendments specified in that Schedule, being amendments designed— a to vest those functions in the local authorities who, by virtue of section 1 of the Act of 1970, as amended by subsection (1) above, are the local authorities for the purposes of that Act; and b to give effect to subsection (3) above, as it affects those authorities. 7 In section 64(1) of the National Assistance Act1948 (interpretation), in the definition of “local authority”, the words “county borough” shall be omitted and, after word “district”, there shall be inserted the words “ or London borough or the Common Council of the City of London ” . Miscellaneous functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Fire services. 197 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 In section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1947, as amended by Schedule 8 to the Local Government Act 1958 (power to make schemes in advance of alterations of local government areas) for the words from the beginning to “combined authorities” there shall be substituted the words “ If an order is made under Part IV of the Local Government Act 1972 constituting any area as a new county or altering the area of a county ” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Public transport in passenger transport areas. 202 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . ., Part II of the Transport Act 1968 shall have effect in its application to England and Wales subject to the amendments specified in Part I of Schedule 24 to this Act, being amendments— a to assimilate in certain respects the provisions of the said Part II to those of Part II of the Transport (London) Act 1969; b to make further provision with respect to the control of a Passenger Transport Executive by the Passenger Transport Authority; and c to remove, or to transfer to the Passenger Transport Authority, certain functions originally conferred on the Secretary of State. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Expressions used in this section have the same meanings as in the Transport Act 1968. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Licensing: licensed premises, cinemas, theatres and refreshment houses. 204 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Public libraries and museums (England). 206 The local authorities for the purposes of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 in England shall be county councils, . . ., London borough councils, district councils, the Common Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly and, subject to the provisions of section 5 of that Act, each of the following authorities, that is to say— a the council of a non-metropolitan county; b the council of a London borough and the Common Council; c the council of a metropolitan district; shall be a library authority for those purposes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Amendments of Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. 208 1 It shall not be necessary for any local authority within the meaning of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to obtain the consent of the Secretary of State to the provision of a museum or art gallery under section 12(1) of that Act or to the transfer of a museum or art gallery and its collections under section 12(2) of that Act, or to apply for an order under section 15(2) of that Act for the purpose of amalgamating a fund established under that section with a similar fund maintained under a local Act, and accordingly in the said section 15(2) for the words after “aforesaid” there shall be substituted the words “ it may amalgamate the funds, but without prejudice to the effect of any condition attached to any particular gift received by the authority ” . 2 The powers conferred by section 14 of the said Act of 1964 (contributions to expenses of museums and art galleries) on certain local authorities shall be exercisable by every local authority within the meaning of that Act, whether or not a library authority or maintaining a museum or art gallery. 3 The following additional amendments shall be made in the said Act of 1964— a in section 4(2)(a), after the word “council” there shall be inserted the words “ in Wales ” ; b in sections 5(3), 6(5) and (6), 10(2), 11(2) and 21, for the words “non-county borough or urban district”, wherever occurring, there shall be substituted the words “ district in Wales ” ; c in the proviso to section 5(3), for the words from “at the request” to “40,000” there shall be substituted the words “ if the Secretary of State thinks fit ” ; d in section 6(6), after the word “above” there shall be inserted the words “ or under section 207 of the Local Government Act 1972 ” ; e in section 6(7), for the words from the beginning to “above he” there shall be substituted the words “ Where the council of a district in Wales are constituted a library authority under section 207 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Secretary of State ” , and for the words “approved council” there shall be substituted the words “ council so constituted ” ; f in section 11(2), the reference to section 60(2) of the Local Government Act 1958 shall be construed as a reference to section 255 below ; g in section 15(1), after the word “maintaining” there shall be inserted the words “ or proposing to provide ” and for the words from “for the time being” onwards there shall be substituted the words “ which the authority maintains or proposes to provide under that section ” ; h in section 16, for the words “local authority” there shall be substituted the words “ library authority ” ; i in section 21, in subsections (1) and (3) after the words “county council” there shall be inserted the words “ in Wales ” and in subsection (1) the words from “and expenses” onwards shall cease to have effect; j in section 24(1), for the words “this Act” there shall be substituted the words “ the provisions of this Act relating to libraries ” and for the word “county” there shall be substituted the words “ non-metropolitan county ” ; k in Schedule 2, in paragraph 2(1), the words from “but except” onwards shall cease to have effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Charities. 210 1 Where, immediately before 1st April 1974, any property is held, as sole trustee, exclusively for charitable purposes by an existing local authority for an area outside Greater London, other than the parish council, parish meeting or representative body of an existing rural parish in England (but including the corporation of a borough included in a rural district), that property shall vest (on the same trusts) in a new local authority in accordance with subsections (2) to (5) below. 2 Subject to subsection (3) below, where the property is held by one of the existing authorities specified below, and is so held for the benefit of, or of the inhabitants of, or of any particular class or body of persons in, a specified area, the property shall vest in the new authority specified below, the area of which comprises the whole or the greater part of that specified area, and where the property is so held but is not held for such a benefit, it shall vest in the new authority specified below, the area of which comprises the whole or the greater part of the area of the existing authority, that is to say— a where the existing authority is a county council, the new authority is the council of the new county; b where the existing authority is the council of a borough or urban district in England, the new authority is the council of the parish constituted under Part V of Schedule 1 to this Act or, where there is no such parish, the council of the district; c where the existing authority is the council of a borough or urban district in Wales, the new authority is the council of the community or, where there is no such council, the council of the district; and d where the existing authority is a rural district council, then, if the rural district is coextensive with a parish, the new authority is the parish council, and in any other case the new authority is the council of the district. 3 Where the property is held by an existing county council or county borough council for the purposes of a charity registered in the register established under section 4 of the Charities Act 1960 in any part of that register which is maintained by the Secretary of State by virtue of section 2 of that Act (educational charities) then— a if the property is so held for the benefit of, or of the inhabitants of, or of any particular class or body of persons in, a specified area, the property shall vest in the new authority which is the local education authority for the whole or the greater part of that specified area, and b in any other case, the property shall vest in the new authority which is the local education authority for the whole or the greater part of the area of the existing county council or county borough council by which the property is held. 4 Where the property is held by the corporation of a borough included in a rural district, it shall vest in the parish council for the parish consisting of the area of the existing borough. 5 Where the property is held by the parish council, parish meeting or representative body of an existing rural parish in Wales, then— a in the case of property held by an existing parish council, the property shall vest in the community council for the community or group of communities, the area or areas of which are co-extensive with the area of the parish or parishes for which the existing parish council act; b in the case of property held by the parish meeting or representative body of an existing parish the area of which is comprised in a community for which there is a community council, the property shall vest in that community council; and c in any other case, the property shall vest in the council of the district which comprises the area of the existing rural parish. 6 Where, immediately before 1st April 1974, any power with respect to a charity, not being a charity incorporated under the Companies Acts or by charter, is under the trusts of the charity or by virtue of any enactment vested in, or in the holder of an office connected with, any existing local authority to which subsection (1) above applies, that power shall vest in, or in the holder of the corresponding office connected with, or (if there is no such office) the proper office of, the corresponding new authority, that is to say, the new authority in which, had the property of the charity been vested in the existing local authority, that property would have been vested under subsections (1) to (5) above. 7 References in subsection (6) above to a power with respect to a charity do not include references to a power of any person by virtue of being a charity trustee thereof; but where under the trusts of any charity, not being a charity incorporated under the Companies Acts or by charter, the charity trustees immediately before 1st April 1974 include either an existing local authority to which subsection (1) above applies or the holder of an office connected with such an existing local authority, those trustees shall instead include the corresponding new authority as defined in subsection (6) above or, as the case may require, the holder of the corresponding office connected with, or (if there is no such office) the proper officer of, that authority. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this section shall affect any power of Her Majesty, the court or any other person to alter the trusts of any charity and nothing in those provisions shall apply in a case to which section 211 below applies. 11 In this section the expression “ local authority ”, in relation to a parish, includes a parish meeting and the representative body of a parish, and the expressions “ charitable purposes ”, “ charity ”, “ charity trustees ”, “ court ” and “ trusts ” have the same meanings as in the Charities Act 1960. Welsh Church funds. 211 1 Any property which, immediately before 1st April 1974, is vested in the council of an existing county or county borough in Wales and is required to be applied in accordance with a scheme under section 19 of the Welsh Church Act 1914 (application of Welsh Church funds for charitable or eleemosynary purposes) shall be vested, by virtue of this Act, in the council of the new county which comprises the whole or the greater part of the area of that existing county or county borough. 2 Where, by virtue of subsection (1) above, property vested in the council of an existing county becomes vested in the council of a new county which does not comprise the whole of the area of the existing county, the new county council shall transfer an apportioned part of the property to each of the other new county councils whose areas include parts of the area of the existing county. 3 An apportionment for the purposes of subsection (2) above shall be made by agreement between the new county councils concerned, or, in default of such an agreement, shall be determined by arbitration before a single arbitrator appointed by agreement between those councils or, in default of such an agreement, appointed by the Secretary of State. 4 The vesting or transfer of any property by virtue of this section shall not affect the application of the property in accordance with the scheme under section 19 of the Welsh Church Act 1914 which is applicable to it immediately before 1st April 1974 or the amendment or revocation of any such scheme by a further scheme under that section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Local licence duties. 213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cemeteries and crematoria. 214 1 The following authorities, that is to say, the councils of Welsh counties, county boroughs districts, London boroughs, parishes and communities, the Common Council and the parish meetings of parishes having no parish council, whether separate or common, shall be burial authorities for the purposes of, and have the functions given to them by, the following provisions of this section and Schedule 26 to this Act; and— a the powers conferred by the Burial Acts 1852 to 1906 to provide burial grounds shall cease to be exercisable; and b any existing burial board, joint burial board or joint committee with the powers of such a board established under the Burial Act 1852 or section 53(2) of the Local Government Act 1894 or by any local statutory provision shall cease to exist. 2 Burial authorities may provide and maintain cemeteries whether in or outside their area. 3 The Secretary of State may by order make provision with respect to the management, regulation and control of the cemeteries of burial authorities and any such order may— a impose a fine for any contravention of the order; and b contain such provision amending or repealing any enactment (including any enactment in Schedule 26 to this Act) or revoking any instrument made under any enactment as appears to the Secretary of State to be necessary or proper in consequence of the order. 4 An order under this section may only be made after consultation with associations appearing to the Secretary of State to be representative of local authorities and with other bodies appearing to him to be concerned, and any such order shall be of no effect unless approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. 5 A burial authority within the meaning of this section, other than a parish meeting, shall also be a burial authority for the purposes of the Cremation Acts 1902 and 1952. 6 A burial authority may contribute towards any expenses incurred by any other person in providing or maintaining a cemetery in which the inhabitants of the authority’s area may be buried. 7 Schedule 26 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the exercise of functions of burial authorities and the management of cemeteries and crematoria and for making amendments and modifications of the enactments relating to cemeteries and crematoria. 8 In this section and that Schedule “ cemetery ” includes a burial ground or any other place for the interment of the dead (including any part of any such place set aside for the interment of a dead person’s ashes). Maintenance of a closed churchyard. 215 1 Subject to subsection (2) below, where outside the area subject to the Welsh Church Act 1914 a churchyard has been closed by an Order in Council, the parochial church council shall maintain it by keeping it in decent order and its walls and fences in good repair. 2 A parochial church council which is liable under subsection (1) above to maintain a closed churchyard may— a if the churchyard is in a parish or community having a separate parish or community council, serve a written request on that council to take over the maintenance of the churchyard; b if the churchyard is in a parish not having a separate parish council, serve such a request on the chairman of the parish meeting; c if the churchyard is in a community not having a separate community council, serve such a request on the council of the county or county borough in which the community is situated; or d if the churchyard is in England elsewhere than the City and the Temples and is not in any parish, serve such a request on the council of the district or London borough in which the churchyard is situated; and, subject to subsection (3) below, the maintenance of the churchyard shall be taken over by the authority on whom the request is served or the parish meeting, as the case may be, three months after service of the request. 3 If, pursuant to subsection (2) above, a request is served on a parish or community council or the chairman of a parish meeting and, if that council or meeting so resolve and, before the expiration of the said three months, give written notice of the resolution to the council of the district, Welsh county or (as the case may be) county borough and to the parochial church council maintaining the churchyard, the local authority to whom the notice is given , and not the parish or community council or parish meeting, shall take over the maintenance of the churchyard at the expiration of the said three months. 4 Where before the passing of this Act a church council established under the constitution of the Church in Wales, in purported exercise of the powers conferred by section 18 of the Burial Act 1855 (maintenance of closed churchyard payable out of rates), issued a certificate with respect to a closed churchyard to a local authority, and that authority thereupon took over the maintenance of the churchyard, the authority’s action shall be deemed to have been lawful for all purposes, and the authority for the time being responsible for the maintenance of the churchyard shall have the like duty with respect to its maintenance as a parochial church council elsewhere than the area subject to the Welsh Church Act 1914. 5 In subsection (1) above, “ the area subject to the Welsh Church Act 1914 ” means the area in which the Church of England was disestablished by that Act. Part X Judicial and Related Matters Adaptation of law relating to old counties. 216 1 For the purposes of commissions of the peace and the law relating to justices of the peace, magistrates’ courts, the custos rotulorum, lieutenants, sheriffs and matters connected with any of those matters, new counties shall, without prejudice to section 179(1) above, be substituted for counties of any other description. 2 For the purposes of this section and sections . . . , 218 and 219 below the Isles of Scilly shall be deemed to form part of the county of Cornwall. 217 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Sheriffs and under-sheriffs. 219 1 Sheriffs appointed for a county or Greater London shall be known as high sheriffs, and any reference in any enactment or instrument to a sheriff shall be construed accordingly in relation to sheriffs for a county or Greater London. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The rights of Her Majesty in right of the Duchy of Lancaster in relation to the appointment of high sheriffs shall apply throughout the whole of the counties of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire . . .. 4 The Lord Chancellor may by order prescribe the area for which each under-sheriff is to act. 5 Where the area for which an under-sheriff acts is situated in two or more counties, the duty imposed by section 23 of the Sheriffs Act 1887 of appointing the under-sheriff for that area shall be discharged by the high sheriff of the county containing the greater part of that area, after consulting any other high sheriff concerned, and if any question arises as to which county contains the greater part of an under-sheriff’s area, it shall be determined by the Lord Chancellor. References in this subsection to a county include references both to Greater London and to the City (including the Temples). 6 An under-sheriff shall as respects the area for which he acts be treated as the high sheriff’s deputy for the purpose of all the high sheriff’s functions, except his functions as returning officer at parliamentary elections. 7 No privileges or duties of a sheriff shall be exercisable . . . by the bailiff of a franchise. 8 In this section “county” has the same meaning as in the Sheriffs Act 1887 and “ Greater London ” does not include the City or the Temples. 9 In subsections (1) and (5) above “ county ”, in relation to Wales, means a preserved county. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Abolition of borough civil courts. 221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part XI General Provisions as to Local Authorities Legal proceedings Power of local authorities to prosecute or defend legal proceedings. 222 1 Where a local authority consider it expedient for the promotion or protection of the interests of the inhabitants of their area— a they may prosecute or defend or appear in any legal proceedings and, in the case of civil proceedings, may institute them in their own name, and b they may, in their own name, make representations in the interests of the inhabitants at any public inquiry held by or on behalf of any Minister or public body under any enactment. 2 In this section “ local authority ” includes the Common Council , a corporate joint committee and a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 and the London Fire Commissioner . 3 In the application of subsection (1) to a corporate joint committee, the reference to the corporate joint committee’s area is to be read as a reference to the area specified as the corporate joint committee’s area in regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 establishing the corporate joint committee. Appearance of local authorities in legal proceedings. 223 1 Any member or officer of a local authority who is authorised by that authority to prosecute or defend on their behalf, or to appear on their behalf in, proceedings before a magistrates’ court shall be entitled to prosecute or defend or to appear in any such proceedings, and, to conduct any such proceedings. 2 In this section “ local authority ” includes the Common Council , a corporate joint committee , a joint authority, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority, a combined county authority, a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, ... the Greater London Authority and , a police and crime commissioner and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime ... ... Documents and notices, etc. Arrangements by principal councils for custody of documents. 224 1 Without prejudice to the powers of the custos rotulorum to give directions as to the documents of any county, a principal council shall make proper arrangements with respect to any documents which belong to or are in the custody of the council or any of their officers. 2 This section applies to a joint authority , economic prosperity board , combined authority or combined county authority ... as it applies to a principal council. 3 In subsection (1) above “ county ”, in relation to Wales, means a preserved county. Deposit of documents with proper officer of authority, etc. 225 1 In any case in which a document of any description is deposited with the proper officer of a local authority, or with the chairman of a parish or community council or with the chairman of a parish meeting, pursuant to the standing orders of either House of Parliament or to any enactment or instrument, the proper officer or chairman, as the case may be, shall receive and retain the document in the manner and for the purposes directed by the standing orders or enactment or instrument, and shall make such notes or endorsements on, and give such acknowledgments and receipts in respect of, the document as may be so directed. 2 All documents required by any enactment or instrument to be deposited with the proper officer of a parish or community shall, in the case of a parish or community not having a separate parish or community council, be deposited in England with the chairman of the parish meeting or in Wales with the proper officer of the principal council . 3 In this section “ local authority ” includes a joint authority , a corporate joint committee , an economic prosperity board , a combined authority and a combined county authority Custody of parish and community documents. 226 1 All specified papers of a parish or community shall— a in the case of a parish which is co-extensive with an existing rural parish, remain in the same custody as before 1st April 1974; and b in the case of any other parish or any community, be in the custody of the body to which the documents of that area, other than documents of a specified class, are transferred on that date; but the parish or community council or, in the case of a parish or community not having a separate parish or community council, the parish meeting in England or the principal council in Wales may direct that any such papers shall be deposited in such custody as may be specified in the direction. 2 Nothing in this Act shall affect the custody of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials and of all other documents containing entries wholly or partly relating to the affairs of the church, as defined by the Local Government Act 1894, or to ecclesiastical charities, as so defined, except documents directed by law to be kept with the papers of a parish or community. 3 Any person having the custody of any documents mentioned in subsection (2) above shall have reasonable access to the papers mentioned in subsection (1) above and— a in a parish or community having a separate parish or community council, that council; b in any other parish, the parish meeting; c in any other community, the principal council ; and d in any area in England not falling within paragraph (a) or (b) above, the district council, London borough council or Common Council, as the case may be; shall have reasonable access to the documents mentioned in subsection (2) above. 4 Any difference about the custody of or access to any documents mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) above shall, if the area is in Wales or in a metropolitan district, London borough or the City, be determined by the Secretary of State and in any other case by the county council. 5 The council of every county or metropolitan district shall from time to time enquire into the manner in which specified papers under the control of a parish . . . or parish meeting in their area are kept with a view to their proper preservation, and shall make such orders as they think necessary for their preservation, and those orders shall be complied with by the parish . . . or parish meeting. 6 Subsection (5) above shall also apply in relation to community councils but as if the functions conferred by it were functions of the principal council. Provision of depositories for parish and community documents. 227 1 In the case of a parish or community having a separate parish or community council that council or, if they so request, the council of the district in which the parish . . . is situated or the council of the principal area in which the community is situated , shall provide proper depositories for all the specified papers belonging to the parish or community for which no provision is otherwise made. 2 In the case of a parish or community not having a separate parish or community council, the council of the district in which the parish . . . is situated or the council of the principal area in which the community is situated shall provide proper depositories for all the specified papers under the control of the parish meeting or belonging to the community but in England only with the consent of the parish meeting of the parish. Inspection of documents. 228 A1 A copy of the minutes of proceedings of a community council must, so far as reasonably practicable, be supplied on request to a local government elector for the area of the council; and a reasonable fee may be charged for providing a copy of the minutes. 1 The minutes of proceedings of a parish ... council shall be open to the inspection of any local government elector for the area of the the council and any such local government elector may make a copy of or extract from the minutes. 2 A local government elector for the area of a local authority may inspect and make a copy of or extract from an order for the payment of money made by the local authority. 3 The accounts of a local authority and of any proper officer of a local authority shall be open to the inspection of any member of the authority, and any such member may make a copy of or extract from the accounts. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Subject to any provisions to the contrary in any other enactment or instrument, a person interested in any document deposited as mentioned in section 225 above may, at all reasonable hours, inspect and make copies thereof or extracts therefrom on payment to the person having custody thereof of the sum of 10p for every such inspection, and of the further sum of 10p for every hour during which such inspection continues after the first hour. 6 A document directed by any of subsections (1) to (5) of this section to be open to inspection shall be so open at all reasonable hours and, except where otherwise expressly provided, without payment. 7 If a person having the custody of any such document— a obstructs any person entitled to inspect the document or to make a copy thereof or extract therefrom in inspecting the document or making a copy or extract, b refuses to give copies or extracts to any person entitled to obtain copies or extracts, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale . 7A This section shall apply to the minutes of proceedings and the accounts of a joint authority , an economic prosperity board, , a combined authority or a combined county authority ... ... ... as if that authority were a local authority and as if, ..., references to a local government elector for the area of the authority were a reference to a local government elector for any local government area in the area for which the authority is established. 7B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 This section shall apply to the minutes of proceedings and to the accounts of a parish meeting as if that meeting were a parish council . 9 In relation to the Broads Authority, the references in this section to a local government elector for the area of the authority shall be construed as references to a local government elector for the area of any of the local authorities mentioned in section 1(3)(a) of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. 10 Subsections (2) to (7) apply to a corporate joint committee as they apply to a local authority and, in that application, references to a local government elector for the area of the authority are to be read as references to a local government elector for any local government area in the area specified as the corporate joint committee’s area in regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 establishing the corporate joint committee. Photographic copies of documents. 229 1 Subject to subsections (3) and (7) below, any requirement imposed by any enactment that a local authority or parish meeting shall keep a document of any description shall be satisfied by their keeping a photographic copy of the document. 2 Subject to subsection (7) below, any requirement imposed by any enactment that a document of any description in the custody or under the control of a local authority or parish meeting shall be made available for inspection shall be satisfied by their making available for inspection a photographic copy of the document. 3 Subsection (1) above shall not apply to any document deposited with a local authority under the Public Records Act 1958. 4 In legal proceedings a photographic copy of a document in the custody of a local authority or parish meeting, or of a document which has been destroyed while in the custody of a local authority or parish meeting, or of any part of any such document, shall, subject to subsection (6) below, be admissible in evidence to the like extent as the original. 5 A certificate purporting to be signed by the proper officer of the local authority, or the chairman of the parish meeting, concerned that a document is such a photographic copy as is mentioned in subsection (4) above, shall, subject to subsection (7) below, be evidence to that effect. 6 The court before which a photographic copy is tendered in evidence in pursuance of subsection (4) above may, if the original is in existence, require its production and thereupon that subsection shall not apply to the copy. 7 A photographic copy of a document in colour where the colours are relevant to the interpretation of the document shall not suffice for the purposes of this section unless it so distinguishes between the colours as to enable the document to be interpreted. 8 In this section “ court ” and “ legal proceedings ” have the same meanings as in the Civil Evidence Act 1968 and “ local authority ” includes a corporate joint committee, a joint authority, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority ... , a combined county authority, a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, a police and crime commissioner and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime ... ... Reports and returns. 230 1 Every local authority, every joint board and every joint committee of local authorities shall send the Secretary of State such reports and returns, and give him such information with respect to their functions, as he may require or as may be required by either House of Parliament. 2 In this section “ local authority ” includes a joint authority , an economic prosperity board , a combined authority and a combined county authority ... . Service of notices on local authorities, etc. 231 1 Subject to subsection (3) below, any notice, order or other document required or authorised by any enactment or any instrument made under an enactment to be given to or served on a local authority or the chairman or an officer of a local authority shall be given or served by addressing it to the local authority and leaving it at, or sending it by post to, the principal office of the authority or any other office of the authority specified by them as one at which they will accept documents of the same description as that document. 2 Any notice, order or other document so required or authorised to be given to or served on a parish meeting, or the chairman of the parish meeting, shall be given or served by addressing it to the chairman of the parish meeting and by delivering it to him, or by leaving it at his last known address, or by sending it by post to him at that address. 3 The foregoing provisions of this section do not apply to a document which is to be given or served in any proceedings in court, but except as aforesaid the methods of giving or serving documents provided for by those provisions are in substitution for the methods provided for by any other enactment or any instrument made under an enactment so far as it relates to the giving or service of documents to or on a local authority, the chairman or an officer of a local authority or a parish meeting or the chairman of a parish meeting. 4 In this section “ local authority ” includes a corporate joint committee, a joint authority, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority ... , a combined county authority, a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, a police and crime commissioner and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime ... .... 5 In the application of subsection (1) to a corporate joint committee— a references to the chairman are to be read as references to the chairperson of the corporate joint committee, and b references to the principal office are to be read as references to— i the principal office of the corporate joint committee, or ii a principal office of a local authority for a county or county borough in Wales which is within the area specified as the corporate joint committee’s area in regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 establishing the corporate joint committee. Public notices. 232 1 Save as otherwise expressly provided, a public notice required to be given by a local authority shall be given— a by posting the notice in some conspicuous place or places within the area of the local authority; ... b in such other manner, if any, as appears to the local authority to be desirable for giving publicity to the notice. ; and c where the local authority is a local authority in Wales, by publishing it electronically. 1ZA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1A In subsection (1) above “ local authority ” includes a corporate joint committee, a joint authority, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority ... , a combined county authority, a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, a police and crime commissioner and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime ... .... 1B In the application of subsection (1) to a corporate joint committee, the reference to the corporate joint committee’s area is to be read as a reference to the area specified as the corporate joint committee’s area in regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 establishing the corporate joint committee. 2 This section shall apply to a public notice required to be given by the chairman of a parish meeting as it applies to public notices required to be given by a parish council. 3 The Welsh Ministers may by regulations make further or different provision about the manner of giving a public notice required to be given by a local authority in Wales. 4 Regulations under subsection (3) may also make provision about the manner of giving a public notice required to be given by— a a National Park authority for a National Park in Wales; b a fire and rescue authority constituted by a scheme under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, or a scheme to which section 4 of that Act applies, for an area in Wales. 5 Regulations under subsection (3) may— a make different provision for different purposes; b include supplementary, incidental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision (including provision amending, modifying, repealing or revoking any enactment (including this Act and the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021)). 6 A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (3) must not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by resolution of Senedd Cymru. Service of notices by local authorities. 233 1 Subject to subsection (8) below, subsections (2) to (5) below shall have effect in relation to any notice, order or other document required or authorised by or under any enactment to be given to or served on any person by or on behalf of a local authority or by an officer of a local authority. 2 Any such document may be given to or served on the person in question either by delivering it to him, or by leaving it at his proper address, or by sending it by post to him at that address. 3 Any such document may— a in the case of a body corporate, be given to or served on the secretary or clerk of that body; b in the case of a partnership, be given to or served on a partner or a person having the control or management of the partnership business. 4 For the purposes of this section and of section 26 of the Interpretation Act 1889 (service of documents by post) in its application to this section, the proper address of any person to or on whom a document is to be given or served shall be his last known address, except that— a in the case of a body corporate or their secretary or clerk, it shall be the address of the registered or principal office of that body; b in the case of a partnership or a person having the control or management of the partnership business, it shall be that of the principal office of the partnership; and for the purposes of this subsection the principal office of a company registered outside the United Kingdom or of a partnership carrying on business outside the United Kingdom shall be their principal office within the United Kingdom. 5 If the person to be given or served with any document mentioned in subsection (1) above has specified an address within the United Kingdom other than his proper address within the meaning of subsection (4) above as the one at which he or someone on his behalf will accept documents of the same description as that document, that address shall also be treated for the purposes of this section and section 26 of the Interpretation Act 1889 as his proper address. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 If the name or address of any owner, lessee or occupier of land to or on whom any document mentioned in subsection (1) above is to be given or served cannot after reasonable inquiry be ascertained, the document may be given or served either by leaving it in the hands of a person who is or appears to be resident or employed on the land or by leaving it conspicuously affixed to some building or object on the land. 8 This section shall apply to a document required or authorised by or under any enactment to be given to or served on any person by or on behalf of the chairman of a parish meeting as it applies to a document so required or authorised to be given to or served on any person by or on behalf of a local authority. 9 The foregoing provisions of this section do not apply to a document which is to be given or served in any proceedings in court. 10 Except as aforesaid and subject to any provision of any enactment or instrument excluding the foregoing provisions of this section, the methods of giving or serving documents which are available under those provisions are in addition to the methods which are available under any other enactment or any instrument made under any enactment. 11 In this section “ local authority ” includes a joint authority, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority, a combined county authority, a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, ... , a police and crime commissioner and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime . . . . . .. Authentication of documents. 234 1 Any notice, order or other document which a local authority are authorised or required by or under any enactment (including any enactment in this Act) to give, make or issue may be signed on behalf of the authority by the proper officer of the authority. 2 Any document purporting to bear the signature of the proper officer of the authority shall be deemed, until the contrary is proved, to have been duly given, made or issued by the authority of the local authority. In this subsection the word “ signature ” includes a facsimile of a signature by whatever process reproduced. 3 Where any enactment or instrument made under an enactment makes, in relation to any document or class of documents, provision with respect to the matters dealt with by one of the two foregoing subsections, that subsection shall not apply in relation to that document or class of documents. 4 In this section “ local authority ” includes a corporate joint committee, a joint authority, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority, a combined county authority, a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, ... , a police and crime commissioner and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime ... .... Byelaws Power of councils to make byelaws for good rule and government and suppression of nuisances. 235 1 The council of a district ... and the council of a London borough may make byelaws for the good rule and government of the whole or any part of the district ... or borough, as the case may be, and for the prevention and suppression of nuisances therein. 2 The confirming authority in relation to byelaws made under this section shall be the Secretary of State. 2A Subsection (2) does not apply to byelaws of a class prescribed by regulations under section 236A(1). 3 Byelaws shall not be made under this section for any purpose as respects any area if provision for that purpose as respects that area is made by, or is or may be made under, any other enactment. Procedure etc., for byelaws. 236 1 Subject to subsection (2) below, the following provisions of this section shall apply to byelaws to be made by a local authority in England under this Act and to byelaws made by a local authority in England , the Greater London Authority , Transport for London , an Integrated Transport Authority for an integrated transport area in England , a combined authority or a combined county authority under any other enactment and conferring on the authority a power to make byelaws and for which specific provision is not otherwise made. 2 This section shall not apply to a byelaws of a class prescribed by regulations under section 236A, or b byelaws made ... by the Civil Aviation Authority under section 29 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 . 3 Subject to subsection (3A) below, the byelaws shall be made under the common seal of the authority, or, in the case of byelaws made by a parish ... council not having a seal, under the hands and seals of two members of the council, and shall not have effect until they are confirmed by the confirming authority. 3A Byelaws made by the Greater London Authority shall be made under the hand of the Mayor and shall not have effect until they are confirmed by the confirming authority. 4 At least one month before application for confirmation of the byelaws is made, notice of the intention to apply for confirmation shall be given in one or more local newspapers circulating in the area to which the byelaws are to apply. 5 For at least one month before application for confirmation is made, a copy of the byelaws shall be deposited at the offices of the authority by whom the byelaws are made, and shall at all reasonable hours be open to public inspection without payment. 6 The authority by whom the byelaws are made shall, on application, furnish to any person a copy of the byelaws, or of any part thereof, on payment of such sum, not exceeding 10p for every hundred words contained in the copy, as the authority may determine. 7 The confirming authority may confirm, or refuse to confirm, any byelaw submitted under this section for confirmation, and may fix the date on which the byelaw is to come into operation and if no date is so fixed the byelaw shall come into operation at the expiration of one month from the date of its confirmation. 8 A copy of the byelaws, when confirmed, shall be printed and deposited at the offices of the authority by whom the byelaws are made, and shall at all reasonable hours be open to public inspection without payment, and a copy thereof shall, on application, be furnished to any person on payment of such sum, not exceeding 20p for every copy, as the authority may determine. 9 The proper officer of a district council ... shall send a copy of every byelaw made by the council, and confirmed, to the proper officer of the council, whether separate or common, of every parish ... to which they apply or, in the case of a parish not having a council, to the chairman of the parish meeting, and the proper officer of the parish ... council or chairman of the parish meeting, as the case may be, shall cause a copy to be deposited with the public documents of the parish .... A copy so deposited shall at all reasonable hours be open to public inspection without payment. 10 The proper officer of a county council shall send a copy of every byelaw made by the council, and confirmed, to the council of every district in the county, and the proper officer of the council of a district shall send a copy of every byelaw made by the council, and confirmed, to the council of the county. 10A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10B The Greater London Authority shall send a copy of every byelaw made by the Authority, and confirmed, to each London borough council and the Common Council. 10C Transport for London shall send a copy of every byelaw made by it, and confirmed, to— a the Mayor of London; b each London Borough Council; and c the Common Council. 11 In this section the expression “ the confirming authority ” means the authority or person, if any, specified in the enactment (including any enactment in this Act) under which the byelaws are made, or in any enactment incorporated therein or applied thereby, as the authority or person by whom the byelaws are to be confirmed, or if no authority or person is so specified means the Secretary of State. Alternative procedure for certain byelaws 236A 1 The Secretary of State may, in relation to England, by regulations— a prescribe classes of byelaws to which section 236 does not apply, and b make provision about the procedure for the making and coming into force of such byelaws. 2 The regulations may prescribe a class of byelaws by reference, in particular, to one or more of the following— a the enactment under which byelaws are made, b the subject-matter of byelaws, c the authority by whom byelaws are made, d the authority or person by whom byelaws are confirmed. 3 The regulations may, in particular, include provision about— a consultation to be undertaken before a byelaw is made, b publicising a byelaw after it is made. 4 The regulations may make— a such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplemental provision (including provision amending, repealing or revoking enactments) as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, and b different provision for different areas, including different provision for different localities and for different authorities. 5 Regulations may not be made under subsection (1) unless a draft of the instrument containing the regulations has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. Revocation of byelaws 236B 1 This section applies to— a a local authority in England ; b the Greater London Authority; c Transport for London; d an Integrated Transport Authority for an integrated transport area in England ; e a combined authority ; f a combined county authority. 2 Such an authority may make a byelaw under this section to revoke a byelaw made by the authority. 3 The power under subsection (2) may be exercised only where the authority has no other power to revoke the byelaw. 4 The confirming authority in relation to a byelaw made under this section shall be— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b ... the Secretary of State. 4A Subsection (4)(b) does not apply to byelaws of a class prescribed by regulations under section 236A(1). 5 The Secretary of State may, in relation to England, by order revoke any byelaw which appears to him to have become spent, obsolete or unnecessary. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 An order under this section may make— a such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplemental provision (including provision amending, repealing or revoking enactments) as the person making the order considers appropriate, and b different provision for different areas, including different provision for different localities and for different authorities. 8 A statutory instrument containing an order under this section which amends or repeals any provision of an Act may not be made by the Secretary of State unless a draft of the instrument containing the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. 9 Otherwise, a statutory instrument containing an order made by the Secretary of State under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offences against byelaws. 237 Byelaws to which section 236 above applies and byelaws of a class prescribed by regulations under section 236A may provide that persons contravening the byelaws shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding such sum as may be fixed by the enactment conferring the power to make the byelaws, or, if no sum is so fixed, the sum of £20, and in the case of a continuing offence a further fine not exceeding such sum as may be fixed as aforesaid, or, if no sum is so fixed, the sum of £5 for each day during which the offence continues after conviction thereof. Section 235 byelaws: powers of seizure etc 237ZA A byelaw made under section 235 may include provision for or in connection with— a the seizure and retention of any property in connection with any contravention of the byelaw, and b the forfeiture of any such property on a person's conviction of an offence of contravention of the byelaw. Fixed penalty notices 237A 1 The Secretary of State may, in relation to England, by regulations prescribe classes of byelaws to which this section applies. 2 The regulations may prescribe a class of byelaws by reference, in particular, to one or more of the following— a the enactment under which byelaws are made, b the subject-matter of byelaws, c the authority by whom byelaws are made, d the authority or person by whom byelaws are confirmed. 3 Where— a an authorised officer of an authority which has made a byelaw to which this section applies has reason to believe that a person has committed an offence against the byelaw, or b an authorised officer of a parish council has reason to believe that a person has in its area committed an offence against a byelaw to which this section applies made by an authority other than the parish council, the officer may give that person a notice offering him the opportunity of discharging any liability to conviction for the offence by payment of a fixed penalty. 4 A fixed penalty notice under this section is payable to the authority whose officer gave the notice. 5 Where a person is given a notice under this section in respect of an offence— a no proceedings may be instituted for the offence before the end of the period of fourteen days following the date of the notice, and b he may not be convicted of the offence if he pays the fixed penalty before the end of that period. 6 A notice under this section must give such particulars of the circumstances alleged to constitute the offence as are necessary for giving reasonable information about the offence. 7 A notice under this section must also state— a the period during which, by virtue of subsection (5), proceedings will not be taken for the offence, b the amount of the fixed penalty, and c the person to whom and the address at which the fixed penalty may be paid. 8 Without prejudice to payment by any other method, payment of the fixed penalty may be made by pre-paying and posting a letter containing the amount of the penalty (in cash or otherwise) to the person mentioned in subsection (7)(c) at the address so mentioned. 9 Where a letter is sent in accordance with subsection (8) payment is to be regarded as having been made at the time at which that letter would be delivered in the ordinary course of post. 10 The form of a notice under this section may be specified in regulations under subsection (1). 11 In any proceedings a certificate which— a purports to be signed on behalf of the chief finance officer of an authority, and b states that payment of a fixed penalty was or was not received by a date specified in the certificate, is evidence of the facts stated. 12 In this section— “ authorised officer ”, in relation to an authority, means— an employee of the authority who is authorised in writing by the authority for the purpose of giving notices under this section, any person who, in pursuance of arrangements made with the authority, has the function of giving such notices and is authorised in writing by the authority to perform the function, and any employee of such a person who is authorised in writing by the authority for the purpose of giving such notices, “ chief finance officer ”, in relation to an authority, means the person having responsibility for the financial affairs of the authority. 13 Regulations under subsection (1) may prescribe conditions to be satisfied by a person before a parish council may authorise him in writing for the purpose of giving notices under this section. Amount of fixed penalty 237B 1 The amount of a fixed penalty payable in pursuance of a notice under section 237A is— a the amount specified by the authority which made the byelaw, or b if no amount is so specified, £75. 2 An authority may specify different amounts in relation to different byelaws. 3 The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision in connection with the powers under subsections (1)(a) and (2). 4 Regulations under subsection (3) may, in particular— a require an amount specified under subsection (1)(a) to fall within a range prescribed in the regulations, b restrict the extent to which, and the circumstances in which, an authority can make provision under subsection (2). 5 The Secretary of State may by order substitute a different amount for the amount for the time being specified in subsection (1)(b). Power to require name and address in connection with fixed penalty 237C 1 If an authorised officer proposes to give a person a notice under section 237A, the officer may require the person to give him his name and address. 2 A person commits an offence if— a he fails to give his name and address when required to do so under subsection (1), or b he gives a false or inaccurate name or address in response to a requirement under that subsection. 3 A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale. 4 In this section, “ authorised officer ” has the same meaning as in section 237A. Use of fixed penalty receipts 237D 1 “ Fixed penalty receipts ” means amounts paid to an authority in pursuance of notices under section 237A. 2 The authority shall have regard to the desirability of using its fixed penalty receipts for the purpose of combating any relevant nuisance. 3 A “relevant nuisance” is a nuisance in the authority's area for the prevention of which any byelaw to which section 237A applies was made. Guidance relating to sections 236A and 237A to 237D 237E An authority which makes byelaws of a class prescribed by regulations under section 236A or 237A must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State about— a procedure for which provision is made by regulations under section 236A(1); b fixed penalties; c anything related to the matters mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b). Further provision about regulations and orders under section 237A or 237B 237F 1 Regulations under section 237A or 237B, and an order under section 237B, may make— a such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplemental provision (including provision amending, repealing or revoking enactments) as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, and b different provision for different areas, including different provision for different localities and for different authorities. 2 A statutory instrument containing— a regulations under section 237A or 237B which amend or repeal any provision of an Act, or b an order under section 237B which amends or repeals any provision of an Act, may not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing the regulations or order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. 3 Otherwise, a statutory instrument containing regulations under section 237A or 237B, or an order under section 237B, shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Evidence of byelaws. 238 The production of a printed copy of a byelaw purporting to be made by a local authority in England , the Greater London Authority , an Integrated Transport Authority for an integrated transport area in England , a combined authority or a combined county authority upon which is endorsed a certificate purporting to be signed by the proper officer of the authority stating— a that the byelaw was made by the authority; b that the copy is a true copy of the byelaw; c that on a specified date the byelaw was confirmed by the authority named in the certificate or, as the case may require, was sent to the Secretary of State and has not been disallowed; d the date, if any, fixed by the confirming authority for the coming into operation of the byelaw; shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the certificate, and without proof of the handwriting or official position of any person purporting to sign the certificate. Miscellaneous provisions Power to promote or oppose local or personal Bills. 239 1 Subject to the provisions of this Act, where a local authority in England, other than a parish council , are satisfied that it is expedient to promote, or any local authority in England are satisfied that it is expedient to oppose, any local or personal Bill in Parliament, the local authority may, but only in accordance with the procedure hereinafter provided by this section, promote or oppose the Bill accordingly, and may defray the expenses incurred in relation thereto. 2 A resolution of a local authority to promote or oppose a Bill under subsection (1) above shall be— a passed by a majority of the whole number of the members of the authority at a meeting of the authority held after the requisite notice of the meeting and of its purpose has been given by advertisement in one or more local newspapers circulating in the area of the authority, such notice being given in addition to the ordinary notice required to be given for the convening of a meeting of the authority; and b in the case of the promotion of a Bill, confirmed by a like majority at a further such meeting convened in accordance with paragraph (a) above and held as soon as may be after the expiration of fourteen days after the Bill has been deposited in Parliament and, if the resolution is not confirmed, the local authority shall take all necessary steps to withdraw the Bill. 3 For the purposes of subsection (2) above the requisite notice is thirty clear days’ notice in the case of promotion of a Bill and ten clear days’ notice in the case of opposition to a Bill. 4 The power conferred on a local authority by subsection (1) above shall be in substitution for any power conferred on that authority by a local Act. 4A The powers conferred on a local authority by sub-section (1) above shall also be exercisable by a joint authority , an economic prosperity board , a combined authority and a combined county authority . . .. 5 No payment shall be made by a an authority to a member of the authority for acting as counsel or agent in promoting or opposing a Bill under this section. Provisional orders and orders subject to special parliamentary procedure. 240 1 Where the Secretary of State is authorised to make a provisional order under this Act or any enactment passed on or after 1st June 1934 (being the date of commencement of the 1933 Act), the following provisions shall have effect— a before a provisional order is made, notice of the purport of the application for the order shall be given by the applicants by advertisement in the London Gazette and in one or more local newspapers circulating in the area to which the order will relate; b the Secretary of State shall consider any objections to the application which may be made by any persons affected thereby and shall, unless he considers that for special reasons an inquiry is unnecessary, cause a local inquiry to be held, of which notice shall be given in such manner as the Secretary of State may direct and at which all persons interested shall be permitted to attend and make objections; c the Secretary of State may submit the provisional order to Parliament for confirmation, and the order shall have no effect until it is confirmed by Parliament; d if while the Bill for the confirmation of the order is pending in either House of Parliament a petition is presented against the order, the petitioner shall be allowed to appear before the Select Committee to which the Bill is referred, and oppose the order, as in the case of a private Bill. 2 The reasonable costs incurred by a local authority in promoting or opposing a provisional order, and of the preliminary inquiry, or in supporting or opposing a Bill to confirm a provisional order, as sanctioned by the Secretary of State, shall be deemed to be expenses properly incurred by the local authority interested or affected by the order and shall be paid accordingly, and a local authority may borrow for the purpose of defraying any such costs. 3 Where the Secretary of State is authorised to make an order under this Act which is subject to special parliamentary procedure or an order under any enactment passed on or after 1st June 1934 which is so subject by virtue of section 8(3) of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945, the following provisions shall have effect— a before the order is made, notice of the purport of the application for the order shall be given by the applicants by advertisement in the London Gazette and in one or more local newspapers circulating in the area to which the order will relate; b the Secretary of State shall consider any objections to the application which may be made by any persons affected thereby and shall, unless he considers that for special reasons an inquiry is unnecessary, cause a local inquiry to be held, of which notice shall be given in such manner as he may direct and at which all persons interested shall be permitted to attend and make objections. 4 Any order mentioned in subsection (1) or (3) above may repeal, revoke, modify or amend any Act confirming a provisional order or any order which has been subject to parliamentary procedure. 5 At any time before submitting any order mentioned in subsection (1) or (3) above to Parliament, the Secretary of State may revoke the order, either wholly or in part. 6 The making of any order mentioned in subsection (1) or (3) above shall be prima facie evidence that all the requirements of this section and any other enactment with respect to the steps to be taken before the making of the order have been complied with. 7 Subsections (3) to (6) above shall be included among the enactments which may be adapted or modified by an Order in Council under section 8(3) of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945. Power to apply provisions of Act to joint boards, etc. 241 Where any enactment, whether passed before or after 1st April 1974, authorises the formation by a provisional or other order of a joint board or joint committee, the constituent members of which are local authorities, for the discharge of any of the functions of those authorities, the provisional order or order may apply to the joint board or joint committee, subject to any necessary modifications, any of the provisions of this Act. Effect of inaccurate description. 242 No misnomer or inaccurate description of any person or place named in any voting paper or notice relating to an election under Part I or II of this Act shall affect its full operation with respect to that person or place, in any case where the description of the person or place is such as to be commonly understood. Computation of time and timing of elections, etc. 243 1 Where the day or the last day on which anything is required or permitted to be done by or by virtue of any provision to which this subsection applies is a Sunday, day of the Christmas break, of the Easter break or of a bank holiday break or a day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning, the requirement or permission shall be deemed to relate to the first day thereafter which is not one of the days specified above. 2 Subsection (1) above applies to any provision of this Act or of an instrument under this Act, except a provision in Part IX or X or a provision of rules under . . . paragraph 18 or regulations under paragraph 18 or rules under paragraph 34 34 of Schedule 12 to this Act and applies also to sections . . ., 31 and 32 of the Local Government Act 1985 . 3 Where under subsection (4) below the day of a poll consequent on a parish ... meeting or a community governance poll (as to which, see paragraph 34(8) of Schedule 12) is postponed, the day to which it is postponed shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as the day . . . of the poll, . . .. 4 In computing any period of time for the purpose of any regulations or rules mentioned in subsection (2) above or for the purposes of . . . 89(1) above any day specified in subsection (1) above shall be disregarded, but where between the giving of a notice . . . of the poll and the completion of the poll a day is declared to be a bank holiday or day of public thanksgiving or mourning, the foregoing provision, so far as it relates to any such regulations or rules, shall not operate to invalidate any act which would have been valid apart from that provision. 5 Subsection (4) above, so far as it relates to any such regulations or rules shall have effect subject to the provisions of those regulations or rules. Saving of transfer of certain powers under local Acts from Treasury to Secretary of State. 244 1 The Secretary of State shall, as regards every local authority, exercise any power conferred on the Treasury by any local or private Act passed before 4th August 1906 with respect to dealings with property, loans and matters connected therewith and all such enactments, and all enactments referring to the power so conferred, shall be construed accordingly. 2 If any question arises whether subsection (1) above applies to any power conferred by, or referred to in, any enactment, the decision of the Treasury shall be final. Application of this Part to the London Fire Commissioner 244A This Part shall have effect as if any reference to a joint authority included a reference to the London Fire Commissioner. Part XII Miscellaneous and General Status, etc. Status of certain districts, parishes and communities. 245 1 If, on a petition presented to Her Majesty by the council of a district praying for the grant of a charter under this subsection, Her Majesty by the advice of Her Privy Council thinks fit so to do, She may by the charter confer on that district the status of a borough, and thereupon— a the council of the district shall bear the name of the council of the borough; b the chairman and vice-chairman of the council shall respectively be entitled to the style of mayor and deputy mayor of the borough. 1A Subsection (1)(b) above does not apply where the council are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive ... 2 A petition for a charter under subsection (1) above shall not be presented except on a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon at a meeting of the council specially convened for the purpose with notice of the object. 3 No charter under subsection (1) above shall take effect before 1st April 1974. 4 Where a petition is presented to Her Majesty before 1st April 1974 by the council of a district praying for the grant of a charter under subsection (1) above and it is signified on behalf of Her Majesty before that date that She proposes to accede to the petition and that She approves— a the use for the district of any style previously belonging to an existing borough which on that date will become wholly or partly comprised in the district; and b the use for the chairman and vice-chairman of the council of the district of any style previously belonging to the mayor or deputy mayor of that borough; those styles may be so used as from 1st April 1974. 4A Where— a a council are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive ...; and b the chairman or vice-chairman of the council has previously used the style of mayor or deputy mayor by virtue of subsection (4)(b), the chairman or vice-chairman, as the case may be, shall no longer use that style. 5 A district which has the status of a borough, or for which the style of borough may be used, by virtue of the foregoing provisions of this section and the council of any such district shall not be treated as a borough or the council of a borough for the purposes of any Act passed before 1st April 1974. 6 The council of a parish . . . which is not grouped with any other parish . . . may resolve that the parish . . . shall have the status of a town and thereupon— a the council of the parish . . . shall bear the name of the council of the town; b the chairman and vice-chairman of the council shall be respectively entitled to the style of town mayor and deputy town mayor; c the parish meeting . . . shall have the style of town meeting. 7 A resolution under subsection (6) above shall cease to have effect if the parish . . . to which it relates ceases to exist. 7A A resolution under subsection (6) shall cease to have effect if the parish has an alternative style (within the meaning of section 17A) by virtue of any of the following— a an order under section 11; b a resolution under section 12A; c an order under section 86 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. 8 If a parish . . . council which has passed a resolution under subsection (6) above is dissolved without the parish . . . ceasing to exist, the dissolution shall not affect the status of the parish . . . or the application to it of paragraph (c) of that subsection and in England the parish trustees shall have the style of town trustees. 9 A parish . . . council by whom a resolution under subsection (6) above has been passed or, if the council has been dissolved, the parish meeting in England . . . may resolve that the parish . . . shall cease to have the status of a town and thereupon subsection (6)(a) to (c) above and subsection (8) above shall cease to apply to the parish . . .. 10 The foregoing provisions of this section shall have effect subject to any provision made by a grant under Her Majesty’s prerogative and, in particular, to any such provision granting the status of a city or royal borough or conferring the style of lord mayor, deputy lord mayor or right honourable. Change of status of Welsh county to county borough. 245A 1 Where a petition is presented to Her Majesty by the council of a county in Wales praying for the grant of a charter under this section, Her Majesty, on the advice of Her Privy Council, may by charter confer on that county the status of a county borough. 2 No such petition shall be presented unless a resolution of the council has been passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting at a meeting of the council specially convened for the purpose. 3 No charter under this section shall take effect before 1st April 1996. 4 A county borough which has acquired that status by a charter under this section— a shall be a county borough; but b shall not be treated as a borough for the purposes of any Act passed before 1st April 1974. 5 This section shall have effect subject to any provision made by a grant under Her Majesty’s prerogative and, in particular, to any provision granting the status of a royal borough or conferring any style on any person. Community having the status of a town. 245B 1 The council of a community which is not grouped with any other community may, subject to subsection (3) below, resolve that the community shall have the status of a town. 2 Where a community has the status of a town— a the town council shall have the name of the community with the addition— i in English, of the words “Town Council”; and ii in Welsh, of the words “Cyngor Tref”; b the chairman of the town council shall be entitled to the style of “town mayor” or “maer y dref”; and c the vice-chairman of the town council shall be entitled to the style of “deputy town mayor” or “dirprwy faer y dref”. 3 Where the provisions of section 27(4) above apply in relation to a community, the council of that community shall not pass a resolution under subsection (1) above unless it is satisfied that those provisions have been complied with in relation to the community. 4 Any such resolution shall cease to have effect if the community to which it relates ceases to exist. 5 If a community council which has passed such a resolution is dissolved without the community ceasing to exist, the dissolution shall not affect the status of the community. 6 A community council by whom a resolution has been passed under subsection (1) above or, if the council has been dissolved, a community meeting of the community may resolve that the resolution shall cease to have effect. 7 On the passing of a resolution under subsection (6) above, the community shall cease to have the status of a town. 7A The community council must give notice electronically in writing of any resolution passed under subsection (1) or (6) to the following bodies— a the Welsh Ministers, b the principal council for the area in which the community is situated, and c the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru. 8 This section shall have effect subject to any provision made by a grant under Her Majesty’s prerogative and, in particular, to any provision conferring any style on any person. Preservation of powers, privileges and rights of existing cities or boroughs. 246 1 Any privileges or rights belonging immediately before 1st April 1974 to the citizens or burgesses of an existing city or borough shall belong on and after that date to the inhabitants of the area of the existing city or borough. 2 A charter granted by Her Majesty under section 245 above with respect to a district may— a provide that any powers to appoint local officers of dignity exercisable immediately before 1st April 1974 by the corporation of an existing city or borough, the area of which becomes wholly or partly comprised by virtue of Part I or II of this Act in the district being powers which are not exercised pursuant to subsection (4) or (5) below by charter trustees , shall be exercisable on the coming into force of the charter by the council of the district in relation to the whole or any part of the district; b provide that any privileges or rights belonging immediately before 1st April 1974 to the citizens or burgesses of any such city or borough for which charter trustees are not constituted pursuant to subsection (4) or (5) below shall belong on the coming into force of the charter to the inhabitants of the whole or any part of the district; c contain such incidental, consequential or supplementary provision as may appear to Her Majesty to be necessary or proper in connection with the aforesaid matters. 2A Any powers to appoint local officers of dignity exercisable immediately before 1st April 1996 in relation to any area by the council of a district in Wales by virtue of a charter granted under section 245 above shall, on and after that date, be exercisable in relation to that area by the council of the principal area in which, on that date, that area becomes comprised. 2B Where on 1st April 1996 that area becomes comprised partly in each of two or more principal areas, those powers shall be exercised on and after that date by such of the councils of those principal areas as may be agreed between them, or, in default of agreement, as the Secretary of State may designate. 3 Where by virtue of Part I or II of this Act, the area of an existing city or borough on 1st April 1974 becomes a parish in England or becomes a community in Wales having a separate community council, any powers to appoint local officers of dignity exercisable immediately before that date by the corporation of the city or borough shall be exercisable on and after that date by the parish or community council. 4 Where by virtue of Part I or II of this Act the area of an existing city or borough on 1st April 1974 becomes wholly comprised in a district not having the status, or entitled to the style, of a borough by virtue of subsection (1) or (4) of section 245 above and that city or borough does not on that date become a parish in England or a community in Wales having a separate community council— a there shall as from that date be a body corporate by the name of “the Charter Trustees of the City” or “the Charter Trustees of the Town”, as the case may be, with the addition of the name of the existing city or borough, consisting of the district councillors for the wards wholly or partly comprising the area of the city or borough or, if the number of those councillors is less than three, consisting of those councillors and such number of local government electors for that area appointed by the district council as will make the number of charter trustees up to three; b the charter trustees may in every year elect one of their number to be city or town mayor and another to be deputy city or town mayor; and c any powers to appoint local officers of dignity exercisable immediately before that date by the corporation of the city or borough shall be exercisable on and after that date by the charter trustees. 5 Where by virtue of Part I of this Act part of the area of an existing city or borough in England on 1st April 1974— a becomes a parish; or b becomes comprised in a district not having the status, or entitled to the style, of a borough by virtue of subsection (1) or (4) of section 245 above and does not become a parish; the Secretary of State may by order provide that subsection (3) or (4) above, as the case may be, shall apply to that part of that area, but if the order so provides with the substitution for the name of the existing city or borough in question of a name specified in the order. 6 Subsections (1), and (3) above and any order applying subsection (3) made pursuant to subsection (5) above shall have effect subject to subsection (2A) above, any provision made by a grant under Her Majesty’s prerogative or any provision of a charter granted by Her Majesty under section 245 above and any other provision of this Act or an instrument thereunder, and a charter under subsection (2) above shall have effect subject to any provision made by any such grant or any other provision of this Act or an instrument thereunder. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 If an area or part of an area for which charter trustees have been constituted under subsection (4) above becomes, or becomes comprised in, a parish or a separate community council is established for a community consisting of such an area, that subsection shall cease to apply to the area or part and accordingly the charter trustees shall cease to act therefor. 9 Where charter trustees have been constituted for an area which is altered by an order under Part 3 of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013 and subsection (8) does not apply in relation to the alteration, the order may make such provision with respect to the charter trustees as may appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate. 10 The sums required to meet the expenses of charter trustees shall be chargeable on, but only on, the area for which the charter trustees act, and for the purpose of obtaining those sums the charter trustees shall issue precepts to the council of the district in which that area is situated. 11 Where the amount of the income received by charter trustees in any year from their property exceeds any expenditure incurred in connection with that property, they shall pay the excess to the rating authority for the rating area in which the area for which the charter trustees act is situated to be credited to the last-mentioned area. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Charter trustees shall keep such accounts as may be prescribed of their receipts and payments. 14 Sections 15(5) and 34(5) above shall apply in relation to a city or town mayor holding office by virtue of this section as they apply to the chairman of a parish or community council. 15 Section 168 above , except subsection (5), shall apply in relaton to charter trustees as if the charter trustees were the council of a parish or community consisting of the area for which they act. 16 Sections 173 to 178 above and (in relation to Wales) Part 5A of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013 shall apply in relation to charter trustees as if the charter trustees were the members of the council of a parish or community consisting of the area for which they act. Transfer of armorial bearings from old to new authorities. 247 1 Subject to subsection (2) below, Her Majesty may by Order in Council authorise any new local authority specified in the Order to bear and use any armorial bearings which may be so specified and which, immediately before 1st April 1974, were lawfully borne and used by an existing local authority which ceases to exist by virtue of section 1 of section 20 above. 2 An Order in Council under this section shall provide that before any armorial bearings of an existing local authority may be borne and used by a new local authority in accordance with the Order, they shall be exemplified according to the laws of arms and recorded in the College of Arms. 3 Subsections (1) and (2) above also apply in relation to new principal councils in Wales and authorities which ceased to exist as a result of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 but as if the reference to April 1, 1974 were a reference to 1st April 1996. Freemen and inhabitants of existing boroughs. 248 1 Subject to the following provisions of this section and Schedule 28A , nothing in this Act shall affect any person’s status, or the right of any person to be admitted, as a freeman of a place which is an existing borough; and in this section and Schedule 28A any such place is referred to as a city or town. 1A Where the son of a freeman of a city or town may claim to be admitted as a freeman of that place, the daughter of a freeman may likewise claim to be so admitted. 1B The son or daughter of a freeman of a city or town shall be admitted as a freeman whether born before or after the admission, as a freeman, of his or her freeman parent and wherever he or she was born. 1C In subsections (1A) and (1B) “ freeman ” excludes a freeman of the City of London. 1D Schedule 28A (amendment of laws relating to freedom of city or town) shall have effect. 2 On and after 1st April 1974 the roll of persons admitted to the freedom of a city or town shall be kept by the proper officer of the relevant district council, that is to say, the council of the district which comprises the whole or the greater part of the city or town. 3 If at any time on or after 1st April 1974 any person claims to be admitted to the freedom of a city or town, the person's claim for admission shall be examined by the chairman of the relevant district council, as defined in subsection (2) above, and, if the person’s claim is established, the person's name shall be entered on the roll of persons admitted to the freedom of that city or town. 4 After 31st March 1974— a a person admitted to the freedom of a city or town, b any person who by marriage, descent, employment or otherwise is or has been related to or associated with a person admitted to the freedom of a city or town, and c any person who is or has been related by marriage to the widow or a child of a person admitted to the freedom of a city or town, shall have and enjoy the same rights, whether in respect of property or otherwise, as were held and enjoyed on that date by a freeman of that city or town, by a person correspondingly related to or associated with such a freeman or, as the case may be, by a person correspondingly related by marriage to the widow or a child of such a freeman. 5 A person who is on 1st April 1974, or becomes thereafter, an inhabitant of a city or town shall, as such, have and enjoy the same rights, whether in respect of property or otherwise, as were held and enjoyed immediately before that date by an inhabitant of that city or town. 6 This section shall have effect in relation to Wales as if— a in subsections (2) and (3) the references to the relevant district council were references to the relevant principal council; and b in subsection (2) the reference to the council of the district were a reference to the council of the principal area. Honorary titles . 249 1 A principal council may, by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon at a meeting of the council specially convened for the purpose with notice of the object, confer the title of honorary aldermen or honorary alderwomen on persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the council as past members of that council, but who are not then members of the council. 2 No honorary alderman or honorary alderwoman shall, while serving as a member of the council, be entitled to be addressed as alderman or alderwoman or to attend or take part in any civic ceremonies of the council as an alderman or alderwoman . 3 Services rendered to the council of an existing county, county borough, borough or urban or rural district the area of which becomes wholly or partly included in a new county or district shall be treated for the purposes of subsection (1) above as services rendered to the council of the new county or district, as the case may be. 4 An honorary alderman or honorary alderwoman of a principal council may attend and take part in such civic ceremonies as the council may from time to time decide, but shall not, as such, have the right— a to attend meetings of the council or a committee of the council (including a joint committee upon which they are represented); or b to receive any such allowances or other payments as are payable under sections 173 to 176 above or Part 5A of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013 . 4A A principal council may spend such reasonable sum as they think fit for the purpose of presenting an address, or a casket containing an address, to a person on whom they have conferred the title of honorary alderman or honorary alderwoman. 5 Subject as follows, a relevant authority may admit to be honorary freemen or honorary freewomen of the place or area for which it is the authority— a persons of distinction, and b persons who have, in the opinion of the authority, rendered eminent services to that place or area. 6 In this section “ relevant authority ” means— a a principal council; b a parish or community council; c charter trustees in England constituted— i under section 246 of the Local Government Act 1972, ii by the Charter Trustees Regulations 1996 ( SI 1996/263), or iii under Part 1 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. 7 The power in subsection (5) above is exercisable by resolution of the relevant authority. 8 A resolution under subsection (7) above must be passed— a at a meeting of the relevant authority which is specially convened for the purpose and where notice of the object of the meeting has been given; and b by not less than two-thirds of the members of the relevant authority (or, in the case of charter trustees, of the trustees) who vote on it. 9 A relevant authority may spend such reasonable sum as it thinks fit for the purpose of presenting an address or a casket containing an address to a person on whom the authority has conferred the title of honorary freeman or honorary freewoman under subsection (5) above. 10 The admission of a person as honorary freeman or honorary freewoman does not confer on that person any of the rights referred to in section 248(4) above. Inquiries Power to direct inquiries. 250 1 Where any Minister is authorised by this Act to determine any difference, to make or confirm any order, to frame any scheme, or to give any consent, confirmation, sanction or approval to any matter, or otherwise to act under this Act, and where the Secretary of State is authorised to hold an inquiry, either under this Act or under any other enactment relating to the functions of a local authority, he may cause a local inquiry to be held. 2 For the purpose of any such local inquiry, the person appointed to hold the inquiry may by summons require any person to attend, at a time and place stated in the summons, to give evidence or to produce any documents in his custody or under his control which relate to any matter in question at the inquiry, and may take evidence on oath, and for that purpose administer oaths, . . . : Provided that— a no person shall be required, in obedience to such summons, to attend to give evidence or to produce any such documents, unless the necessary expenses of his attendance are paid or tendered to him; and b nothing in this section shall empower the person holding the inquiry to require the production of the title, or of any instrument relating to the title, of any land not being the property of a local authority. 3 Every person who refuses or deliberately fails to attend in obedience to a summons issued under this section, or to give evidence, or who deliberately alters, suppresses, conceals, destroys, or refuses to produce any book or other document which he is required or is liable to be required to produce for the purposes of this section, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both. 4 Where a Minister causes an inquiry to be held under this section, the costs incurred by him in relation to the inquiry . . . shall be paid by such local authority or party to the inquiry as he may direct, and the Minister may cause the amount of the costs so incurred to be certified, and any amount so certified and directed to be paid by any authority or person shall be recoverable from that authority or person by the Minister summarily as a civil debt. 5 The Minister causing an inquiry to be held under this section may make orders as to the costs of the parties at the inquiry and as to the parties by whom the costs are to be paid, and every such order may be made a rule of the High Court on the application of any party named in the order. 6 This section shall extend to local inquiries held by the Secretary of State under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1929 or the Ferries (Acquisition by Local Authorities) Act 1919. General Consequential and minor modifications and amendments. 251 1 Part I of Schedule 29 to this Act shall have effect for the purpose of making general adaptations of enactments, being adaptations which are consequential on the foregoing provisions of this Act. 2 The enactments specified in Part II of that Schedule shall have effect subject to the modifications and amendments set out in that Part, being modifications and amendments which are consequential on the foregoing provisions of this Act and minor amendments. General power to adapt Acts and instruments. 252 1 Her Majesty may at any time, in any case where it appears to Her appropriate in consequence of the provisions of this Act, by Order in Council coming into force not earlier than 1st April 1974 make modifications of any enactments contained in any other public general Act passed before that date or any instrument made before that date under any such Act, being an instrument of a legislative character and not being an instrument in the nature of a local enactment, as may appear to Her to be necessary to make that enactment or instrument apply in relation to any particular class of new authority as it applies in relation to any particular class of local authority existing immediately before that date. 2 The modifications which may be made by an Order in Council under this section shall be in addition to those made by any other provision of this Act, but shall have effect subject to any such other modification, except those made by section 179 above. 3 No Order in Council shall be made under this section unless a draft of the Order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. Transfer of powers of certain public bodies. 253 1 Any functions of any such public body as is specified in subsection (2) below may with their approval be transferred by an order made by the Secretary of State to any local authority whose area comprises the district of that body, or jointly to two or more local authorities whose areas together comprise that district. 2 This section applies to the following public bodies, that is to say, any trustees, commissioners or other persons who, for public purposes and not for their own profit, act under any enactment or instrument for the improvement of any place, or for providing or maintaining a cemetery or market in any place. 3 Any order under this section may contain such incidental, consequential, transitional and supplementary provision as may appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or proper; and a statutory instrument containing an order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 4 In this section “ local authority ” includes the Common Council. Consequential and supplementary provision. 254 1 The Secretary of State or any appropriate Minister may at any time by order make such incidental, consequential, transitional or supplementary provision as may appear to him— a to be necessary or proper for the general or any particular purposes of this Act or in consequence of any of the provisions thereof or for giving full effect thereto; or b to be necessary or proper in consequence of such of the provisions of any other Act passed in the same session as this Act as apply to any area or authority affected by this Act; and nothing in any other provision of this Act shall be construed as prejudicing the generality of this subsection. 2 An order under this section may in particular include provision— a with respect to the transfer and management or custody of property (whether real or personal) and the transfer of rights and liabilities; b with respect to the membership of any body so far as that membership consists of persons elected by, or appointed by or on the nomination of, any authority affected by this Act or any two or more bodies who include such an authority; c for applying with or without modifications, or amending, repealing, or revoking, with or without savings, any provision of an Act passed or an instrument under an Act made before 1st April 1974 and for making savings or additional savings from the effect of any repeal made by this Act; d for any of the matters specified in section 67 above; e without prejudice to paragraph (d) above, for dissolving any body corporate established by any Act passed or by any instrument under an Act made before 1st April 1974; f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . h for treating anything duly done before 1st April 1974 by any authority in the exercise of functions which on and after that date become functions of some other authority as having, from that date, been duly done by that other authority and for treating any instrument made before that date, if or so far as it was made in the exercise of those functions, as continuing in force on and after that date until varied or revoked in the exercise of those functions by that other authority; i for securing the continued discharge of functions in relation to the Confederation of the Cinque Ports and its courts (including so far as is necessary for that purpose, provision for the constitution of a body to replace any existing corporation), for appropriating property or providing funds for the discharge of functions as aforesaid, and otherwise for securing that anything required or authorised to be done by, to or in relation to the Confederation or any of its courts may continue to be done. 3 Subject to subsection (5) below any of the following things done or treated by virtue of any enactment as having been done by or to or in relation to an existing local authority outside Greater London in connection with the discharge of any of their functions, that is to say— any written agreement or other instrument in writing or any determination or declaration made or treated as made by such an authority, any notice or direction given or treated as given by or to such an authority, any licence, permission, consent, approval, exemption, dispensation or relaxation granted or treated as granted by or to such an authority, any application, proposal or objection made or treated as made by or to such an authority, any condition or requirement imposed or treated as imposed by or on such an authority, or any appeal allowed by or in favour of or against such an authority, shall, as from 1st April 1974, be treated as having been done by, to or in relation to the new local authority by whom those functions become exercisable on and after that date by or by virtue of this Act, and any such thing shall as from that date have effect as if any reference therein to a specified existing local authority outside Greater London by whom those functions were exercisable before that date were a reference to the new local authority by whom those functions become exercisable. 4 If there is any doubt as to the identity of a local authority to whom any particular functions are so transferred, that authority shall be taken to be such authority as may be specified in a direction given by a Minister of the Crown concerned with the discharge of those functions. 5 Subsection (3) above is without prejudice to any express provision made by, or by any instrument made under, this Act, but has effect subject to any provision to the contrary so made and in particular may be excluded from applying, either wholly or to any specified extent, in any particular case by an order made by the Secretary of State by statutory instrument. 6 Section 68 above shall apply for the purposes of Parts I and II, section 214(1)(b) and this Part of this Act as if any reference to an order under Part IV of this Act included a reference to any provision of Part I or II of this Act or to section 214(1)(b) of this Act or to any provision of any instrument made under Part I or II or this Part of this Act. 7 A local authority to whom any charters or insignia of a borough abolished by Part I or II of this Act have been transferred by virtue of subsection (2)(a) above shall if practicable preserve them in the area of the borough as it existed immediately before 1st April 1974. 8 An order under this section which extends the area for which any local statutory provision is in force shall be provisional only. 9 Any statutory instrument containing any other order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Transfer of officers. 255 1 Any of the following instruments under any of the provisions of this Act, that is to say an order under section 9, 10, 11, 27B, 27D, 27F, 27H, 27J or 27L , regulations or an order under section 67 or an order under section 198, 200, 201 or 254 may contain provisions as to the transfer of any person who is, on such date as may be specified in relation to him in the order or by or under the regulations, the holder of any office or employment and who is affected by any provision of, or of any instrument made under, this Act and shall contain provision for the protection of the interests of such persons. 2 In the case of any person who on 31st March 1974 is in the employment of one or more local authorities who are or include a council or municipal corporation which ceases to exist by virtue of section 1 or 20 above, the Secretary of State shall by order make such provision as is necessary to ensure that, to the extent, if any, to which, by reason only of the said section 1 or 20, that person would apart from the order cease on 1st April 1974 to be in such employment, that person is transferred on 1st April 1974 to the employment of such local authority as may be specified in or determined under the order. 3 Any such order or regulations as is or are referred to in subsection (1) or (2) above shall include such provision with respect to any person who is transferred by or under the order or regulations from the employment of one authority to that of another so as to secure that— a so long as he continues in the employment of that other authority by virtue of the transfer and until he is served with a statement in writing referring to the order or regulations and specifying new terms and conditions of employment, he enjoys terms and conditions of employment not less favourable than those which he enjoyed immediately before the date of transfer; and b the said new terms and conditions are such that— i so long as he is engaged in duties reasonably comparable to those in which he was engaged immediately before the date of transfer, the scale of his salary or remuneration, and ii the other terms and conditions of his employment, are not less favourable than those which he enjoyed immediately before the date of transfer. 4 Subsections (2) and (3) above shall apply in relation to— a a police authority, b a burial board, joint burial board or joint committee which ceases to exist by virtue of section 214 above, c any prescribed association of local authorities the constituent members of which include councils falling within subsection (2) above, and d any prescribed association of committees of local authorities the constituent members of which include committees of councils falling within subsection (2) above, as they apply in relation to a local authority who are a council which ceases to exist by virtue of section 1 or 20 above, but in their application to police authorities shall have effect as if any reference to a person in the employment of an authority were a reference to the civilian employees of a police authority. 5 A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (2) above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Continuity of employment in cases of voluntary transfer. 256 1 This section applies to a person if— a at some time before 1st April 1974, or on that date but otherwise than by virtue of provision made by an order under section 255 above, he enters the employment of a new local authority (in this section referred to as “ his new employment ”), and b had he continued until 1st April 1974 in the employment (in this section referred to as “ his previous employment ”) which he last held before he entered his new employment or (if he did so continue) had he then ceased to be in that employment by reason only of section 1 or 20 above, provision would have been made by an order under section 255(2) above for his transfer on that date to the employment of a specified local authority. 2 Where this section applies to a person, then for the purposes of section 28 of the Industrial Relations Act 1971 (qualifying period for protection from unfair dismissal) and section 1 of the Contracts of Employment Act 1972 (minimum periods of notice)— a the period of employment in his previous employment shall count as a period of employment in his new employment, and b the change of employment shall not break the continuity of the period of employment. Staff commission for England. 257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff commission for Wales. 258 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compensation for loss of office. 259 1 The appropriate Minister shall by regulations provide for the payment by such body or such Minister as may be prescribed by or determined under the regulations of compensation to or in respect of persons who are, or who but for any such service by them as may be so prescribed would be, the holders of any such office or employment as may be so prescribed and who suffer loss of employment or loss or diminution of emoluments which is attributable to any provision of this Act or of any instrument made under this Act. 2 Regulations under this section may— a include provision as to the manner in which and the person to whom any claim for compensation is to be made, and for the determination of all questions arising under the regulations, b make different provision for different classes of persons and for other different circumstances and make or authorise the appropriate Minister to make exceptions and conditions, c be framed so as to have effect from a date earlier than the making of the regulations, but so that regulations having effect from a date earlier than the date of their making shall not place any individual in a worse position than he would have been in if the regulations had been so framed as to have effect only from the date of their making. 3 Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, regulations under this section may make provision in relation to persons who suffer loss of employment or loss or diminution of emoluments which is attributable to— a the provisions of any such order as is referred to in section 326(1) of the Public Health Act 1936; b an existing local authority ceasing, as respects the whole or any part of their area, to be a food authority within the meaning of the Food Safety Act 1990 ; c any transfer or relinquishment of functions under any of the provisions of the Public Health Act 1936— which are incorporated or reproduced in the Slaughterhouses Act 1974 or the Food Safety Act 1990 ; d the provisions of an order under section 46 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969; and, without prejudice to the repeal of any enactment by this Act, regulations making provision for any of the cases specified in paragraphs (a) to (d) above may provide that the provisions, as to compensation made for that case by section 326 of the Public Health Act 1936, . . . or, as the case may be, paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 shall not apply in relation to persons to whom the provisions of the regulations apply. 4 Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, regulations under this section may make provision in relation to persons who are or, but for any such service by them as may be prescribed, would be employees of any such association of local authorities or of committees of local authorities as may be prescribed and who suffer loss of employment or loss or diminution of emoluments which is attributable to the reorganisation of local government effected by this Act; and, without prejudice to subsection (2) above, regulations under this section making any such provision may provide that any compensation paid under the regulations by the appropriate Minister shall be recoverable by him in accordance with the regulations from such association or other body as may be prescribed by or determined under the regulations. 5 Any statutory instrument containing regulations under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Provision for early retirement in lieu of compensation for loss of office. 260 1 In order to facilitate the early retirement of certain persons who might otherwise suffer such loss of employment or loss or diminution of emoluments as is referred to in section 259(1) above, any person who— a is the holder of any such office or is in any such employment as may be prescribed for the purposes of this subsection, and b attains or has attained the age of fifty on or before 31st March 1974, and c fulfils such other conditions as may be prescribed, may by notice given before the prescribed date and in the prescribed manner elect that this section shall, and that section 259 above shall not, apply to him. 2 Where any person has made an election under subsection (1) above, then unless, within the period of one month beginning on the day on which the notice of election is given, notice of objection to that election has been given to him by the body under whom he holds office or by whom he is employed, this section shall, and section 259 above shall not, apply to him on his retirement within the prescribed period and before attaining the normal retiring age. 3 Subject to subsection (4) below, the Secretary of State shall by regulations provide for the payment by such body or such Minister as may be prescribed by or determined under the regulations to or in respect of a person to whom this section applies of benefits corresponding, as near as may be, to those which would have been paid to or in respect of that person under the relevant superannuation scheme if— a at the date of his retirement he had attained the normal retiring age; and b the actual period of his reckonable service were increased by such period as may be prescribed, being a period not exceeding the period beginning on the date of his retirement and ending on the date on which he would attain the normal retiring age. 4 Regulations under subsection (3) above shall be so framed as to secure that the sums which would otherwise be payable under the regulations in accordance with that subsection to or in respect of any person are reduced to take account of any benefits payable to or in respect of him under the relevant superannuation scheme. 5 Any sums payable under regulations made under subsection (3) above shall be treated for the purposes of section 73 of the Finance Act 1972 (compensation for loss of office or employment chargeable to tax as a payment made on retirement or removal from office or employment) in like manner as compensation paid under section 259 above. 6 In this section— “ normal retiring age ” means— a in relation to any person to whom an age of compulsory retirement applies by virtue of the relevant superannuation scheme, that age, and b in relation to any other person, the age of sixty-five in the case of a man and sixty in the case of a woman or, in either case, such other age as may be prescribed; “ reckonable service ”, in relation to any person, means service in respect of which benefits are payable under the relevant superannuation scheme; and “ relevant superannuation scheme ”, in relation to any person, means the instrument which is applicable in the case of his office or employment and which makes provision with respect to the pensions, allowances or gratuities which, subject to the fulfilment of certain requirements and conditions, are to be, or may be, paid to or in respect of persons in that office or employment. 7 A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. Remuneration of employees of existing local authorities outside Greater London. 261 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local Acts and instruments. 262 1 Subject to subsection (2) below, any local statutory provision to which this section applies and which is not continued in force by any other provision of this Act shall— a notwithstanding the changes of administrative areas and local authorities effected by or under this Act and, in the case of an instrument made under any enactment, notwithstanding the repeal of that enactment, continue to apply on and after 1st April 1974 to, but only to, the area, things or persons to which or to whom it applies before that date; b have effect subject to any necessary modifications and to the modifications made by subsections (3) to (5) below; but the continuation by this subsection of an instrument made under any enactment shall not be construed as prejudicing any power to vary or revoke the instrument which is exercisable apart from this subsection. 2 Subsection (1) above shall have effect subject to the provisions of— a this Act, other than Part I of Schedule 29; b any Act passed after this Act and before 1st April 1974; and c any order made under section 254 above or the following provisions of this section. 3 Any local statutory provision to which this section applies and which relates to functions exercisable by a local authority of any description by virtue of any public general enactment shall have effect as if for any reference to the authority by whom the functions are exercised immediately before 1st April 1974 or to their area there were substituted a reference to the authority by whom those functions are exercisable on and after that date or, as the case may be, to so much of the area of the latter authority as comprises the area of the former authority or any part thereof. 4 In any local statutory provision to which this section applies and which does not fall within subsection (3) above— a for any reference to an existing county or its council there shall be substituted a reference to so much of the new county or counties as comprises the area of the existing county or any part thereof or, as the case may be, the council of that new county or the councils of those new counties; b for any reference to an existing county borough or county district or the council of either there shall be substituted a reference to so much of the new district or districts as comprises the area of the existing borough or district or any part thereof or, as the case may be, the council of that new district or the councils of those new districts. 5 In any local statutory provision to which this section applies which has effect in an area in Wales and which does not fall within subsection (3) above— a for any reference to a rural parish there shall be substituted a reference to the corresponding community; b for any reference to the council of any such parish which has a council, whether separate or common, there shall be substituted a reference to the council of the corresponding community; and c for any reference to the parish meeting of any such parish which has no council there shall be substituted a reference to the council of the new district which comprises the corresponding community. 6 Subsections (3) to (5) above shall have effect subject to any provision to the contrary made by, or by any instrument made under, this Act and, without prejudice to the foregoing, the Secretary of State may by order provide for the exercise of functions conferred by any local statutory provision to which this section applies and exclude the operation of any of those subsections where it would otherwise conflict with any provision of the order. 7 So much of any local statutory provision— a as confers functions on the Secretary of State with respect to the determination of tolls or other charges with respect to any fair, or b as requires the submission to the Secretary of State of, or of proposals relating to, any scale of tolls or other charges with respect to any fair, shall cease to have effect. 8 Where any local statutory provision is continued in force in any area by subsection (1) above or is amended or modified in its application to any area by an order under section 254 above, the Secretary of State or any appropriate Minister may by that order, or in the case of a provision continued as aforesaid, by an order under this subsection— a extend the provision throughout the new local government area in which it is continued in force; b provide that that provision as so continued, amended, modified or extended shall have effect in that area to the exclusion of any enactment for corresponding purposes, including any enactment contained in or applied by this Act; c make such modifications of any such enactment in its application to that area as will secure that the enactment will operate harmoniously with the said provision in that area; d repeal or revoke any local statutory provision to which this section applies and which appears to the Secretary of State or that Minister to have become spent, obsolete or unnecessary or to have been substantially superseded by any enactment or instrument which applies or may be applied to the area, persons or things to which or to whom that provision applies; e transfer to any authority appearing to the Secretary of State or that Minister to be appropriate any functions of an existing local authority under a local statutory provision to which this section applies which are not to become functions of some other authority under any provision of this Act except section 254 above and this section, or under any other instrument made under this Act, being functions exercisable by any existing local authority abolished by this Act; f without prejudice to paragraph (e) above, make such modifications of any local statutory provision to which this section applies in its application to any new local government area as appear to the Secretary of State or that Minister to be expedient. 9 All local statutory provisions to which this subsection applies shall cease to have effect in metropolitan counties at the end of 1979 and elsewhere at the end of 1984, but— a the Secretary of State or any appropriate Minister may by order exempt any such provision from the foregoing provision of this subsection; b the Secretary of State may from time to time by order postpone the date on which all the local statutory provisions applying to the whole or part of any local government area, so far as they so apply, are to cease to have effect under this subsection. 10 An order under subsection (8) above which extends the area for which any local statutory provision is in force shall be provisional only. 11 An instrument containing any other order under subsection (8) above or an order under subsection (9) above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 12 This section applies to any local statutory provision which is in force wholly outside Greater London (except in the Isles of Scilly) and so much of any local statutory provision which is in force partly in Greater London as is in force outside Greater London, being in either case a provision in force immediately before 1st April 1974 and not expressly repealed or revoked by this Act, and subsection (9) above applies to any such local statutory provision of the following descriptions— a a provision of a local Act, the Bill for which was promoted by a local authority; b a provision of an Act confirming a provisional order made on the application of a local authority; c a provision of an order made on such an application which was subject to special parliamentary procedure; not being— i a provision by virtue of which functions are exercisable by a joint board continued in existence by virtue of section 263 below, ii a provision relating to a statutory undertaking, iii a provision relating to any person’s status, or the right of any person to be admitted, as a freeman of any place or the rights of any person by virtue of any relationship or association with such a freeman, iv a protective provision for the benefit of any person, or v a provision contained in the Green Belt (London and Home Counties) Act 1938. 13 In subsection (12) above “ local authority ” means— a the council of an administrative county, urban district or rural district; b the municipal corporation of a borough acting by the council of that borough; c any commissioners, trustees or other persons invested by any local Act with powers of town government or rating; d any local board constituted in pursuance of the Public Health Act 1848, the Local Government Act 1858, the Local Government (1858) Amendment Act 1861 or the Local Government Amendment Act 1863; or e without prejudice to the foregoing any body of persons constituted or designated as an urban or rural sanitary authority under the Public Health Act 1875; and “ statutory undertaking ” means any railway, light railway, tramway, road transport, water transport, canal, inland navigation, ferry, dock, harbour, pier or lighthouse undertaking, any telephone undertaking, any market undertaking or any undertaking for the supply of electricity, gas, hydraulic power, . . . or district heating. Existing joint boards and committees and port health districts. 263 1 Subject to the following provisions of this section, where an existing joint board, every constituent member of which is a local authority, was constituted by or under any enactment for exercising functions for any united district or other area (not being a port health district), then, notwithstanding the change of areas and authorities effected by Parts I and II of this Act, the board shall continue to exist on and after 1st April 1974 and to exercise for that area the same functions as before that date (to the exclusion of new local authorities). 2 Subsection (1) above shall not apply to a joint board constituted for an area which on 1st April 1974 will be wholly within the area of a single new local authority if the board was constituted for the purpose of exercising functions which on and after that date would (apart from the existence of the board) be exercisable by that local authority, whether or not the board has additional functions which, apart from this section, would not be so exercisable; and accordingly in any such case— a the functions of the board shall on 1st April 1974 become functions of that new local authority; and b the joint board shall cease to exist on that date. 3 Subject to the following provisions of this section, where a port health district was constituted by an order under Part I of the Public Health Act 1936 or an enactment replaced by that Part and an existing local authority or an existing joint board, every constituent member of which is a local authority, is the port health authority for that district, then, notwithstanding the change of areas and authorities effected by Parts I and II of this Act, the district shall continue to exist as a port health district on and after 1st April 1974 and— a if on that date a single new local authority will become the riparian authority in relation to that district, then on that date that authority shall become the port health authority for that district and any existing joint board constituted for that district shall cease to exist; and b if on that date two or more new local authorities will become riparian authorities in relation to that district then, if the existing port health authority is a joint board, that board shall continue to exist and to be the port health authority for that district, but otherwise the new local authority whose area comprises or, as the case may be, abuts on the greater part of that district shall be the port health authority for that district. 4 Any question as to which authority’s area comprises or abuts on the greater part of a port health district shall be resolved by the Secretary of State. 5 Any existing joint committee constituted under section 91 of the 1933 Act or by or under any other enactment for the purpose of exercising functions for an area which on 1st April 1974 will lie within the areas of two or more new local authorities by whom those functions would apart from this subsection become exercisable on that date shall, notwithstanding the change of areas and authorities effected by Parts I and II of this Act, continue to exist on and after that date as if appointed under Part VI of this Act by those new authorities and shall exercise those functions for the area for which the committee exercised them before that date, without prejudice, however, to the power of those new authorities to make different arrangements for the discharge of those functions under that Part. 6 The continuation in existence of any area or body by this section shall not prejudice any power conferred by any enactment to amend or revoke the order constituting the area or body or the power to make provision with respect to the body conferred by section 254 above. 7 Subsections (1) and (2) above shall not apply to any area wholly situated in Greater London or to a joint board for such an area, or to a joint planning board for a National Park, and subsections (3) and (4) above shall not apply to the Port of London. 8 The following provisions shall have effect for the construction of references to a local statutory provision to which section 262 above applies:— a any reference to an existing joint board which ceases to exist by virtue of this section, or any reference which is to be construed as such a reference, shall be construed as a reference to the local authority by whom the functions of that board will become exercisable by virtue of this section; b any reference to a united district or other area the existing joint board for which ceases to exist by virtue of subsection (2) above, or any reference which is to be construed as such a reference, shall be construed as a reference to so much of the area of the new local authority by whom the functions formerly exercisable by the existing joint board become exercisable on 1st April 1974 as comprises the united district or other area for which the board acted; and c any reference to an existing local authority whose functions as port health authority become exercisable on 1st April 1974 by virtue of subsection (3) above by a new local authority, or any reference which is to be construed as such a reference, shall be construed as a reference to that new local authority. 9 The foregoing provisions of this section shall have effect subject to any provision to the contrary made by, or by any instrument made under, this Act and shall be without prejudice to any express provision so made. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Application of Act to Isles of Scilly. 265 1 There shall continue to be a council for the Isles of Scilly to be known as the Council of the Isles of Scilly. 2 The Secretary of State may make an order providing for the constitution of the Council of the Isles of Scilly and otherwise for regulating the application of this Act to the Isles of Scilly and may on the application of the Council make an order providing for the exercise and performance there of any functions which are for the time being conferred or imposed on local authorities. 3 Any order made under this section may— a apply to the Isles of Scilly any other public general Act relating to local government; b provide for the contribution by the Isles of Scilly to Cornwall County Council in respect of costs incurred by the county council on matters specified in the order as benefiting the Isles of Scilly; c provide for all matters which appear to the Secretary of State necessary or proper for carrying the order into effect. 4 Any order in force immediately before 1st April 1974 under section 292 of the 1933 Act (application of that Act to the Isles of Scilly) shall have effect as if made under this section and may be varied or revoked accordingly. Application in relation to the Broads Authority. 265A 1 Subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, the following provisions of this Act shall have effect as if the Broads Authority were a local authority and the Broads were its local government area— a section 70; b sections 80(1)(a) and (2), 85, 92, ... 99 and 100; c sections 101 to 106; d sections 111 to 119; e sections 120 to 123 and 128 to 131; f sections 135, 136, 138A, 138B, 139, 140, 140A, 140C, 143 and 144; g sections 153 and 173 to 177; and h sections 222, 223, 225, 228 to 234 and 239. 2 The Navigation Committee of the Broads Authority shall be treated, for the purposes of this Act and of any other enactment relating to the committees of local authorities (but subject to section 9 of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988), as a committee of the Authority appointed under section 102 of this Act. 3 Sections 120 to 123, 128 and 224 shall have effect as if the Authority were a principal council. Orders, rules and regulations. 266 1 Any power to make orders, rules or regulations conferred on any Minister or the Treasury by any provision of this Act other than section 261 above or paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 or paragraph 2 of Schedule 5 to this Act shall be exercisable by statutory instrument. 2 Any power to make an Order in Council or other order under any provision of this Act shall include power to make an order varying or revoking any order previously made under that provision. Expenses. 267 There shall be defrayed out of moneys provided by Parliament— a any expenses incurred by any Minister under this Act; and b any increase attributable to the provisions of this Act in the sums payable out of moneys so provided under any other enactment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Meaning of “England” and “Wales”. 269 In this Act “ Wales ” means the combined area of the preserved counties and “ England ” does not include any area which is included in any of the preserved counties. General provisions as to interpretation. 270 1 In this Act, except where the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the following meanings respectively, that is to say— ... “ appropriate Minister ”, in relation to the making of an order or regulation or the giving of a direction with respect to any matter, means the Minister in charge of any Government department concerned with that matter; but the validity of any order, regulation or direction purporting to be made or given by any Minister by virtue of a power conferred on the appropriate Minister by this Act shall not be affected by any question as to whether or not that Minister was the appropriate Minister for the purpose; “ assistant to the executive ”, in relation to a principal council in Wales, has the same meaning as in Schedule 1 to the Local Government Act 2000 (see paragraph 3A of that Schedule); “ bank holiday break ” means any bank holiday not included in the Christmas break or the Easter break and the period beginning with the last week day before that bank holiday and ending with the next week day which is not a bank holiday; “ the Broads ” has the same meaning as in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. “ Christmas break ” means the period beginning with the last week day before Christmas Day and ending with the first week day after Christmas Day which is not a bank holiday; “ the City ” means the City of London; “ combined authority ” means a combined authority established under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;”; “ combined county authority ” means a combined county authority established under section 9(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023; . . . “ Common Council ” means the Common Council of the City; “corporate joint committee” means a corporate joint committee established by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021; “ county ”, without more, means, in relation to England, a metropolitan county or a non-metropolitan county , but in the expression “ county council ”, “ council of a county ”, “ county councillor ” and “ councillor of a county ” means, in relation to England, a non-metropolitan county only: ; “ district ”, without more, means, in relation to England, a metropolitan district or a non-metropolitan district; “ Easter break ” means the period beginning with the Thursday before and ending with the Tuesday after Easter Day; “ economic prosperity board ” means an economic prosperity board established under section 88 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009; “ elected mayor ” has — in relation to England, the same meaning as in Part 1A of the Local Government Act 2000, and in relation to Wales, the same meaning as in Part II of the Local Government Act 2000; “ electoral area ” means any area for which councillors are elected to any local authority; “ executive ”, “ executive arrangements ” and “ executive leader ” have — in relation to England, the same meaning as in Part 1A of the Local Government Act 2000, and in relation to Wales, the same meaning as in Part II of the Local Government Act 2000; . . . “ existing ”, in relation to a local government or other area or a local authority or other body, except in sections 1 and 20 above, means that area or body as it existed immediately before the passing of this Act; “ financial year ” means the period of twelve months ending with 31st March in any year; “ grouped ”, in relation to a parish or community, means grouped by or by virtue of any provision of this Act or any previous corresponding enactment under a common parish or community council, and “ grouping order ” shall be construed accordingly; “ joint authority ” means an authority established by Part IV of the Local Government Act 1985; “ land ” includes any interest in land and any easement or right in, to or over land; ... “leader and cabinet executive means”— in relation to England: a leader and cabinet executive (England); in relation to Wales: a leader and cabinet executive (Wales); “ leader and cabinet executive (England) ” has the same meaning as in Part 1A of the Local Government Act 2000; “ leader and cabinet executive (Wales) ” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Local Government Act 2000; “ local authority ” means a county council, . . . a district council, a London borough council or a parish council but, in relation to Wales, means a county council, county borough council or community council; “ local government area ” means— in relation to England, a county, Greater London, a district, a London borough or a parish; in relation to Wales, a county, county borough or community; “ local government elector ” means a person registered as a local government elector in the register of electors in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Acts; “ local statutory provision ” means a provision of a local Act (including an Act confirming a provisional order) or a provision of a public general Act passed with respect only to the whole or part of an existing local government area or a provision of an instrument made under any such local or public general Act or of an instrument in the nature of a local enactment made under any other Act; “ mayor and cabinet executive ” ... has— in relation to England, the same meaning as in Part 1A of the Local Government Act 2000, and in relation to Wales, the same meaning as in Part II of the Local Government Act 2000; “ new ”, in relation to any area or authority, means an area or authority established by or under this Act including one established by virtue of any provision of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 ; “ 1933 Act ” means the Local Government Act 1933; “ 1963 Act ” means the London Government Act 1963; “ open space ” has the meaning assigned to it by section 336(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 ; “ prescribed ” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State; “ preserved county ” means any county created by this Act as a county in Wales, as it stood immediately before the passing of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 but subject to any provision of the Act of 1994, or any provision made under this Act, redrawing its boundaries; “ principal area ” means a non-metropolitan county , a district or a London borough but, in relation to Wales, means a county or county borough. ; “ principal council ” means a council elected for a principal area; “ public body ” includes— a local authority and a joint board on which, and a joint committee on which, a local authority or parish meeting are represented; any trustees, commissioners or other persons who, for public purposes and not for their own profit, act under any enactment or instrument for the improvement of any place, for the supply of water to any place, or for providing or maintaining a cemetery or market in any place; and any other authority having powers of levying or issuing a precept for any rate for public purposes; and “ district ” means, in relation to a public body other than a local authority, the area for which the public body acts; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ specified papers ”, in relation to a parish or community, means the public books, writings and papers of the parish or community (including any photographic copies thereof) and all documents directed by law to be kept therewith; “ sub-national transport body ” means a sub-national transport body established under section 102E of the Local Transport Act 2008; “ the Temples ” means the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple; ... 1A A requirement to publish a notice or document electronically, imposed by— a this Act on a local authority in Wales, or b Part 5A on a body or authority in Wales (other than a principal council), is, where such an authority has its own website, a requirement to publish on that website. 2 In this Act and in any other enactment, whether passed before, at the same time as, or after this Act, the expression “ non-metropolitan county ” means any county other than a metropolitan county, and the expression “ non-metropolitan district ” means any district other than a metropolitan district. 3 Any reference in this Act to a proper officer , corporate joint committee and any reference which by virtue of this Act is to be construed as such a reference shall, in relation to any purpose and any local authority or other body or any area, be construed as a reference to an officer appointed for that purpose by that body or for that area, as the case may be. 4 In any provision of this Act which applies to a London borough, except Schedule 2 to this Act,— a any reference to the chairman of the council or of any class of councils comprising the council or to a member of a local authority shall be construed as or, as the case may be, as including a reference to the mayor of the borough; b any reference to the vice-chairman of the council or any such class of councils shall be construed as a reference to the deputy mayor of the borough; and c any reference to the proper officer of the council or any such class of councils shall be construed as a reference to the proper officer of the borough. 4A Where a London borough council are operating executive arrangements which involve a mayor and cabinet executive . . . , subsection (4) above shall have effect with the omission of paragraphs (a) and (b). 5 In this Act, except where the context otherwise requires, references to any enactment shall be construed as references to that enactment as amended, extended or applied by or under any other enactment, including any enactment contained in this Act. Savings. 271 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Nothing contained in, or done by virtue of, any provision of this Act other than section 253 or section 254(2)(b) shall affect the functions of the conservators of any common. 3 The provisions of Part I of this Act shall not affect the continuance of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports. 4 Any enabling provision contained in this Act shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any powers exercisable by Her Majesty by virtue of Her Royal Prerogative. 5 Except as provided by Part X of this Act, nothing in this Act shall prejudice any right, duty or privilege of Her Majesty in right of the Duchy of Lancaster. Repeals. 272 1 The enactments specified in Schedule 30 to this Act (which include enactments that were obsolete or unnecessary before the passing of this Act) are hereby repealed to the extent mentioned in the third column of that Schedule. 2 Without prejudice to section 38(1) of the Interpretation Act 1889, where this Act repeals any enactment making provision with respect to a particular matter or particular matters and either makes or applies some other enactment making corresponding or different provision with respect to that matter or those matters, then, unless the contrary intention appears and in particular subject to any instrument under section 252, 254, 255, 259, or 262 of this Act, references in any enactment other than this Act, or in any instrument made under any enactment other than this Act, to the repealed enactment shall be construed as references to the enactment contained in or applied by this Act which makes the corresponding or different provision. Commencement. 273 1 The provisions of this Act to which this subsection applies shall, except so far as brought into force earlier by an order under subsection (2) below, come into force on 1st April 1974. 2 The Secretary of State may by order appoint an earlier date for the coming into force of any provision to which subsection (1) above applies and different days may be appointed under this subsection for different purposes and, in particular, different days may be so appointed for the coming into force of the same provision in different areas. 3 Subsection (1) above applies to the following provisions of this Act, that is to say— sections 13, 16(1) and (3) and 17; section 40; section 48(8) and (9); section 50(4) to (7); sections 53 to 59 and Schedule 8; section 62; section 75; section 89(6); section 100; Parts VI to XI , except as provided by subsections (4) and (5) below; section 251 and Schedule 29; section 262(3) to (7); section 272 and Schedule 30; paragraphs 5 to 9 and 10(2) of Schedule 6; in Schedule 12, Parts II and III , and Part VI so far as applicable to parish councils. 4 Subsection (1) above shall not apply to the following provisions of Parts VI to XI of this Act, that is to say— sections 104 and 106; section 110; section 117; section 138; section 169; section 181(3) to (9) and (11); so much of section 183 as confers a power to make or direct the making or amendment of development plan schemes and so much of section 182 as applies to the interpretation of the provisions relating to such schemes; section 186(6) and (7); section 190(4); section 192(3); section 196(6) to (9); section 197(2) and (3); section 198(3) and (4); section 200; section 201(3) and (4); section 202(4) to (8); section 205; section 207(2) to (8); section 215(4); section 220(4); section 232; section 242; section 243; paragraph 27(2) of Schedule 13 and so much of section 172 as relates thereto. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short title and extent. 274 1 This Act may be cited as the Local Government Act 1972. 2 . . . this Act shall not extend to Scotland. 3 . . ., this Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland.