7Implementation of proposals by orderE+W
(1)Where the Secretary of State has received a proposal in response to an invitation or direction under section 2 [F1or 2A], he may—
(a)by order implement the proposal, with or without modification;
(b)if he has received an alternative proposal from the [F2Local Government Boundary Commission] under section 5, by order implement that alternative proposal with or without modification; or
(c)decide to take no action.
(2)But where the Secretary of State has made a request under section 4 in relation to the proposal received in response to the invitation or direction, he may not make an order or decision under this section before the end of six weeks beginning with the relevant date (as defined by section 6(7)).
(3)The Secretary of State may not in any case make an order under subsection (1)(a) implementing a proposal unless he has consulted the following about the proposal—
(a)every authority affected by the proposal (except the authority or authorities which made it); and
(b)such other persons as he considers appropriate.
(4)For the purposes of this section an authority is “affected by” a proposal [F3in response to an invitation or direction under section 2] if it is a principal authority for an area which is, or any part of which is, in an area that the proposal suggests should have a single tier of local government.
[F4(4A)For the purposes of this section an authority is “affected by” a proposal in response to an invitation or direction under section 2A if—
(a)it is the district or county council for an area for which there is currently a single tier of local government, and
(b)that area would fall within the proposed new single tier of local government.]
(5)Subsection (3) does not apply if the proposal was made jointly by every authority affected by it, and in that case the Secretary of State may before making an order under subsection (1)(a) (or deciding not to) consult such other persons as he considers appropriate.
(6)In any case where he has received an alternative proposal from the [F5Local Government Boundary Commission] under section 5, the Secretary of State may request the [F6Commission] to provide him with information or advice on any matter relating to the proposal.
(7)Where they receive such a request the [F7Local Government Boundary Commission] may provide the information or advice requested.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 7(1) inserted (29.4.2026 for specified purposes, 29.6.2026 in so far as not already in force) by English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (c. 23), s. 108(1)(5), Sch. 28 para. 1(6)(a)
F2Words in s. 7(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2010) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), s. 148(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 15(2); S.I. 2009/3318, art. 4(ff)
F3Words in s. 7(4) inserted (29.4.2026 for specified purposes, 29.6.2026 in so far as not already in force) by English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (c. 23), s. 108(1)(5), Sch. 28 para. 1(6)(b)
F4S. 7(4A) inserted (29.4.2026 for specified purposes, 29.6.2026 in so far as not already in force) by English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (c. 23), s. 108(1)(5), Sch. 28 para. 1(6)(c)
F5Words in s. 7(6) substituted (1.4.2010) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), s. 148(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 15(3)(a); S.I. 2009/3318, art. 4(ff)
F6Word in s. 7(6) substituted (1.4.2010) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), s. 148(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 15(3)(b); S.I. 2009/3318, art. 4(ff)
F7Words in s. 7(7) substituted (1.4.2010) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), s. 148(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 15(4); S.I. 2009/3318, art. 4(ff)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 7 restricted (16.12.2010) by Local Government Act 2010 (c. 35), ss. 1(1), 2(2)
Commencement Information
I1S. 7 in force at 1.11.2007 for E. by S.I. 2007/3136, art. 2(a)