Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, in whom the power to decide whether to abolish a town or parish council resides; and on what basis that authority or organisation may choose to exercise those powers.

Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, the community governance review is the mechanism through which principal authorities can alter, create or abolish parish councils. Local electors can petition their principal council to undertake a community governance review.

The 2007 Act provisions require the principal council to consider local opinion, including parish councillors and local electors, to help inform their judgement in exercising those powers.