Local Government Act 1992

5 (1) In paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to that Act (obligation to hold public inquiry before making amalgamation scheme if an objection is made), at the beginning there shall be inserted the words “Subject to paragraph 3A below”.

(2) After that paragraph there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“3A If, in a case where a notice of objection with respect to any proposed scheme is received by the Secretary of State as mentioned in paragraph 3 above—

(a) it appears to the Secretary of State that the proposed scheme contains only such provision as is appropriate in consequence of an order under Part II of the Local Government Act 1992 containing provision for giving effect to a structural change (within the meaning of that Part); and

(b) the period (if any) that has elapsed between the making of that order and the giving of the notice which is required to be given under paragraph 1 above in relation to that scheme does not exceed twelve months,

the Secretary of State shall be under a duty to consider that objection but shall not be required to cause a local inquiry to be held in respect of it.”