Chapter 1: Parishes
Section 75: Parishes: alternative styles
182.This section amends the Local Government Act 1972 by inserting new provisions and making other amendments to existing sections.
183.Section 11A provides that new groups of parishes which are created by order under section 11(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 must use the same alternative style. A grouping containing a mixture of styles will not be permitted. The new style will be reflected in the name of the council and its meetings and also in the titles of trustees, chairman, vice-chairman and councillors.
184.Section 11B requires a de-grouping order to provide for the style of a parish to be preserved when it is de-grouped.
185.Section 12A allows a parish council or a parish meeting to resolve have a style.
186.Section 12B allows a common parish council of an existing group of parishes to change the style of the group.
187.Section 17A sets out the alternative styles. A parish will continue to be able to have the status of a town although it may not also have an alternative style.
Section 76: Appointed councillors
188.This section amends sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government Act 1972 to ensure chairman and vice-chairman of parish councils are chosen from among the elected councillors rather than those who have been appointed. The section also inserts a new section 16A into that Act.
189.Section 16A allows a parish council to appoint individuals to be councillors. The new section allows the Secretary of State to make provision in regulations about appointed councillors. It is expected that this power will be used to specify the kinds of individual who may be appointed as councillors - for example representatives of key community groups or young people. In exercising a function under or by virtue of this section, parish councils must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State about the exercise of that function.
