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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce the reforms to parish polls, as proposed in 2017 following public consultation, (1) to extend the hours during which the poll takes place, and (2) to ensure that (a) the request was supported by the majority of electors present at the relevant meeting, (b) that the subject matter of the poll was discussed at the relevant meeting and directly affects those who live and/or work in the community served by the parish, (c) that the parish council is capable of making a decision on the subject matter of the poll, and (d) that no further poll on the subject matter be held within 12 months.

The Government acknowledge that town and parish councils have a significant role in improving the quality of life and wellbeing of their communities and creating places where people are proud to live.

The Government will provide an update on its plans to modernise parish polls in due course. The Department does not hold information about the overall cost of parish polls as these are local matters.