Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the geographic coverage of Local Access Forums under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; and what steps she is taking to ensure that areas with limited coverage, such as the North West, have access to a functioning LAF.

The Department has not made a formal assessment of the adequacy of the geographic coverage of Local Access Forums (LAFs). Under sections 94 and 95 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, local highway authorities and National Park authorities are responsible for establishing LAFs in their areas. The Government expects authorities, including newly created unitary authorities, to consider any implications of local government reorganisation for LAF coverage and operation. While responsibility for the effective functioning of LAFs rests locally, the Department keeps arrangements under review and engages with relevant local government stakeholders as appropriate.