This Order gives effect to recommendations by the Local Government Commission for England in respect of the structure of local government in the county of Cheshire (“Cheshire”).

Article 3 effects two structural changes by providing for the transfer, on 1st April 1998, of the functions (other than structure plan functions) of Cheshire County Council in relation to the borough of Halton (“Halton”) and the borough of Warrington (“Warrington”) to their respective councils.

Article 4 provides that the councils of Halton and Warrington, as local planning authorities, shall each prepare a unitary development plan for its area instead of separate structure and local plans. It also makes consequential modifications of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Article 5 makes provision for the purposes of subordinate legislation which may be made under the Fire Services Act 1947 in respect of fire services.

Article 6 provides for Halton and Warrington to cease to form part of Cheshire on 1st April 1998 and for new counties of Halton and Warrington to be constituted on that date (but without county councils).

Article 7 makes provision for whole council elections in Halton and Warrington in 1997. It also provides for councillors so elected for Halton to revert to retirement by thirds and for councillors elected for Warrington in 1997 to retire in 2000 and for those so elected in 2000 to retire in 2003.

Article 8 makes provision for the suspension of county council elections in 1997 in electoral divisions in Halton and Warrington and extends the term of office of councillors for such divisions until 1st April 1998. It also makes provision in respect of casual vacancies in the office of councillor of the local authorities affected by this order.