Part I Promotion of economic, social or environmental well-being etc

Interpretation

1 Meaning of “local authority” in Part I

In this Part “local authority” means—

(a) in relation to England—

(i) a county council,

(ii) a district council,

(iii) a London borough council,

(iv) the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local authority,

(v) the Council of the Isles of Scilly,

(b) in relation to Wales, a county council or a county borough council.

Promotion of well-being

2 Promotion of well-being

(1) Every local authority are to have power to do anything which they consider is likely to achieve any one or more of the following objects—

(a) the promotion or improvement of the economic well-being of their area,

(b) the promotion or improvement of the social well-being of their area, and

(c) the promotion or improvement of the environmental well-being of their area.

(2) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to or for the benefit of—

(a) the whole or any part of a local authority’s area, or

(b) all or any persons resident or present in a local authority’s area.

(3) In determining whether or how to exercise the power under subsection (1), a local authority must have regard to their strategy under section 4.

(4) The power under subsection (1) includes power for a local authority to—

(a) incur expenditure,

(b) give financial assistance to any person,

(c) enter into arrangements or agreements with any person,

(d) co-operate with, or facilitate or co-ordinate the activities of, any person,

(e) exercise on behalf of any person any functions of that person, and

(f) provide staff, goods, services or accommodation to any person.

(5) The power under subsection (1) includes power for a local authority to do anything in relation to, or for the benefit of, any person or area situated outside their area if they consider that it is likely to achieve any one or more of the objects in that subsection.

(6) Nothing in subsection (4) or (5) affects the generality of the power under subsection (1).

3 Limits on power to promote well-being

(1) The power under section 2(1) does not enable a local authority to do anything which they are unable to do by virtue of any prohibition, restriction or limitation on their powers which is contained in any enactment (whenever passed or made).

(2) The power under section 2(1) does not enable a local authority to raise money (whether by precepts, borrowing or otherwise).

(3) The Secretary of State may by order make provision preventing local authorities from doing, by virtue of section 2(1), anything which is specified, or is of a description specified, in the order.

(4) Before making an order under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must consult such representatives of local government and such other persons (if any) as he considers appropriate.

(5) Before exercising the power under section 2(1), a local authority must have regard to any guidance for the time being issued by the Secretary of State about the exercise of that power.

(6) Before issuing any guidance under subsection (5), the Secretary of State must consult such representatives of local government and such other persons (if any) as he considers appropriate.

(7) In its application to Wales, this section has effect as if for any reference to the Secretary of State there were substituted a reference to the National Assembly for Wales.

(8) In this section “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the [1978 c. 30.] Interpretation Act 1978).

4 Strategies for promoting well-being

(1) Every local authority must prepare a strategy (referred to in this section as a community strategy) for promoting or improving the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom.

(2) A local authority may from time to time modify their community strategy.

(3) In preparing or modifying their community strategy, a local authority—

(a) must consult and seek the participation of such persons as they consider appropriate, and

(b) must have regard to any guidance for the time being issued by the Secretary of State.

(4) Before issuing any guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult such representatives of local government and such other persons (if any) as he considers appropriate.

(5) In its application to Wales, this section has effect as if for any reference to the Secretary of State there were substituted a reference to the National Assembly for Wales.

5 Power to amend or repeal enactments

(1) If the Secretary of State thinks that an enactment (whenever passed or made) prevents or obstructs local authorities from exercising their power under section 2(1) he may by order amend, repeal, revoke or disapply that enactment.

(2) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to—

(a) all local authorities,

(b) particular local authorities, or

(c) particular descriptions of local authority.

(3) The power under subsection (1) to amend or disapply an enactment includes a power to amend or disapply an enactment for a particular period.

(4) In exercising the power under subsection (1), the Secretary of State—

(a) must not make any provision which has effect in relation to Wales unless he has consulted the National Assembly for Wales, and

(b) must not make any provision in relation to legislation made by the National Assembly for Wales without the consent of the Assembly.

(5) The National Assembly for Wales may submit proposals to the Secretary of State that the power under subsection (1) should be exercised in relation to Wales in accordance with those proposals.

(6) In this section “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the [1978 c. 30.] Interpretation Act 1978).

Modification of certain enactments

6 Power to modify enactments concerning plans etc

(1) Subject to subsection (3), the Secretary of State may by order amend, repeal, revoke or disapply any enactment (whenever passed or made) which requires a local authority to prepare, produce or publish any plan or strategy relating to any particular matter.

(2) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to—

(a) all local authorities,

(b) particular local authorities, or

(c) particular descriptions of local authority.

(3) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to a local authority only if the Secretary of State considers—

(a) that it is not appropriate for any such enactment as is mentioned in that subsection to apply to the authority, or

(b) that any such enactment should be amended so that it operates more effectively in relation to the authority.

(4) The power under subsection (1) to amend or disapply an enactment includes a power to amend or disapply an enactment for a particular period.

(5) In exercising the power under subsection (1), the Secretary of State—

(a) must not make any provision which has effect in relation to Wales unless he has consulted the National Assembly for Wales, and

(b) must not make any provision—

(i) in relation to legislation made by the National Assembly for Wales, or

(ii) which has effect both in relation to Wales and in relation to any enactment to which section 7(2) applies,

without the consent of the Assembly.

(6) The National Assembly for Wales may submit proposals to the Secretary of State that the power under subsection (1) should be exercised in relation to Wales in accordance with those proposals.

(7) An order under this section which would, apart from this subsection, be treated for the purposes of the standing orders of either House of Parliament as a hybrid instrument shall proceed in that House as if it were not such an instrument.

(8) In this section “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978).

7 Power to modify enactments concerning plans etc: Wales

(1) Subject to subsections (4) and (6), the National Assembly for Wales may by order amend, repeal, revoke or disapply any enactment to which subsection (2) applies so far as that enactment has effect in relation to a local authority in Wales.

(2) This subsection applies to—

(a) section 49(1)(c) of the [1990 c. 43.] Environmental Protection Act 1990,

(b) section 2 of the [1995 c. 10.] Home Energy Conservation Act 1995,

(c) section 84(2)(b) of the [1995 c. 25.] Environment Act 1995,

(d) any other enactment (whenever passed or made) which—

(i) requires a local authority to prepare, produce or publish any plan or strategy relating to any particular matter, and

(ii) is specified in an order made by the Secretary of State under this subsection.

(3) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to—

(a) all local authorities in Wales,

(b) particular local authorities in Wales, or

(c) particular descriptions of local authority in Wales.

(4) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to a local authority only if the National Assembly for Wales considers—

(a) that it is not appropriate for any such enactment as is mentioned in that subsection to apply to the authority, or

(b) that any such enactment should be amended so that it operates more effectively in relation to the authority.

(5) The power under subsection (1) to amend or disapply an enactment includes a power to amend or disapply an enactment for a particular period.

(6) An order under subsection (2)(d)(ii) which specifies any enactment may provide that the power under subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to that enactment only if the National Assembly for Wales complies with any conditions specified in the order.

(7) In this section “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the [1978 c. 30.] Interpretation Act 1978).

8 Modification of section 137 of the 1972 Act

In section 137 of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972 (power of local authorities to incur expenditure for certain purposes not otherwise authorised), for subsection (9) there is substituted—

“(9) Subject to subsection (10) below, in this section “local authority” means a parish or community council.

(10) In subsection (3) above “local authority” means—

(a) in relation to England, a county council, a district council, a London borough council, the Common Council or a parish council,

(b) in relation to Wales, a county council, a county borough council or a community council.”

Procedure for orders under section 5 or 6

9 Procedure for orders under section 5 or 6

(1) Before the Secretary of State makes an order under section 5 or 6 he must consult—

(a) such local authorities,

(b) such representatives of local government, and

(c) such other persons (if any),

as appear to him to be likely to be affected by his proposals.

(2) Where those proposals affect any local authorities in Wales, the Secretary of State must also consult the National Assembly for Wales.

(3) If, following consultation under the preceding provisions of this section, the Secretary of State proposes to make an order under section 5 or 6 he must lay before each House of Parliament a document which—

(a) explains his proposals,

(b) sets them out in the form of a draft order,

(c) gives details of consultation under subsection (1), and

(d) where consultation has taken place under subsection (2), sets out the views of the National Assembly for Wales.

(4) Where a document relating to proposals is laid before Parliament under subsection (3), no draft of an order under section 5 or 6 to give effect to the proposals (with or without modifications) is to be laid before Parliament in accordance with section 105(6) until after the expiry of the period of sixty days beginning with the day on which the document was laid.

(5) In calculating the period mentioned in subsection (4) no account is to be taken of any time during which—

(a) Parliament is dissolved or prorogued, or

(b) either House is adjourned for more than four days.

(6) In preparing a draft order under section 5 or 6 the Secretary of State must consider any representations made during the period mentioned in subsection (4).

(7) A draft order under section 5 or 6 which is laid before Parliament in accordance with section 105(6) must be accompanied by a statement of the Secretary of State giving details of—

(a) any representations considered in accordance with subsection (6), and

(b) any changes made to the proposals contained in the document laid before Parliament under subsection (3).

Part II Arrangements with respect to executives etc.

Executive arrangements

10 Executive arrangements

(1) In this Part “executive arrangements” means arrangements by a local authority—

(a) for and in connection with the creation and operation of an executive of the authority, and

(b) under which certain functions of the authority are the responsibility of the executive.

(2) Executive arrangements by a local authority must conform with any provisions made by or under this Part which relate to such arrangements.

Local authority executives

11 Local authority executives

(1) The executive of a local authority must take one of the forms specified in subsections (2) to (5).

(2) It may consist of—

(a) an elected mayor of the authority, and

(b) two or more councillors of the authority appointed to the executive by the elected mayor.

• Such an executive is referred to in this Part as a mayor and cabinet executive.

(3) It may consist of—

(a) a councillor of the authority (referred to in this Part as the executive leader) elected as leader of the executive by the authority, and

(b) two or more councillors of the authority appointed to the executive by one of the following—

(i) the executive leader, or

(ii) the authority.

• Such an executive is referred to in this Part as a leader and cabinet executive.

(4) It may consist of—

(a) an elected mayor of the authority, and

(b) an officer of the authority (referred to in this Part as the council manager) appointed to the executive by the authority.

• Such an executive is referred to in this Part as a mayor and council manager executive.

(5) It may take any such form as may be prescribed in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(6) Regulations under subsection (5) may, in particular, provide for—

(a) a form of executive some or all of the members of which are elected by the local government electors for the authority’s area to a specified post in the executive associated with the discharge of particular functions,

(b) a form of executive some or all of the members of which are elected by those electors but not to any such post,

(c) the system of voting that will be used for elections under paragraph (a) or (b).

(7) A local authority executive may not include the chairman or vice-chairman of the authority.

(8) The number of members of a mayor and cabinet executive or a leader and cabinet executive may not exceed 10.

(9) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend subsection (8) so as to provide for a different maximum number of members of an executive to which that subsection applies, but the power under this subsection may not be exercised so as to provide for a maximum number which exceeds 10.

(10) Section 101 of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972 (arrangements for discharge of functions by local authorities) does not apply to the function of electing a leader under subsection (3)(a) or appointing councillors or an officer to the executive under subsection (3)(b)(ii) or (4)(b).

12 Additional forms of executive

(1) In deciding whether to make regulations under section 11(5) prescribing a particular form of executive, or which provision to make under section 17 in relation to that form of executive, the Secretary of State must have regard to—

(a) any proposals made to him under subsection (2),

(b) the extent to which he considers that the operation by a local authority of executive arrangements involving that form of executive would be likely to ensure that decisions of the authority are taken in an efficient, transparent and accountable way,

(c) the extent to which that form of executive differs from the forms of executive for the time being permitted by or under section 11,

(d) the number and description of authorities for which he considers that that form of executive, if prescribed in regulations made under section 11(5), would be an appropriate form of executive to consider.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a local authority may propose to the Secretary of State a form of executive in relation to which the authority consider that the conditions mentioned in subsection (3) are satisfied.

(3) Those conditions are—

(a) that the operation by the authority of executive arrangements involving that form of executive would be an improvement on the arrangements which the authority have in place for the discharge of their functions at the time that the proposal is made to the Secretary of State,

(b) that the operation by the authority of executive arrangements involving that form of executive would be likely to ensure that decisions of the authority are taken in an efficient, transparent and accountable way, and

(c) that that form of executive, if prescribed in regulations made under section 11(5), would be an appropriate form of executive for all local authorities, or for any particular description of local authority, to consider.

(4) A proposal under subsection (2)—

(a) must describe the form of executive to which it relates,

(b) must describe the provision which the authority consider should be made under section 17 in relation to that form of executive, and

(c) must explain why the authority consider that the conditions mentioned in subsection (3) are satisfied in relation to that form of executive.

Executive functions

13 Functions which are the responsibility of an executive

(1) This section has effect for the purposes of determining the functions of a local authority which are the responsibility of an executive of the authority under executive arrangements.

(2) Subject to any provision made by this Act or by any enactment which is passed or made after the day on which this Act is passed, any function of a local authority which is not specified in regulations under subsection (3) is to be the responsibility of an executive of the authority under executive arrangements.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for any function of a local authority specified in the regulations—

(a) to be a function which is not to be the responsibility of an executive of the authority under executive arrangements,

(b) to be a function which may be the responsibility of such an executive under such arrangements, or

(c) to be a function which—

(i) to the extent provided by the regulations is to be the responsibility of such an executive under such arrangements, and

(ii) to the extent provided by the regulations is not to be the responsibility of such an executive under such arrangements.

(4) Executive arrangements must make provision for any function of a local authority falling within subsection (3)(b)—

(a) to be a function which is to be the responsibility of an executive of the authority,

(b) to be a function which is not to be the responsibility of such an executive, or

(c) to be a function which—

(i) to the extent provided by the arrangements is to be the responsibility of such an executive, and

(ii) to the extent provided by the arrangements is not to be the responsibility of such an executive.

(5) The power under subsection (3)(c) or (4)(c) includes power in relation to any function of a local authority—

(a) to designate any action in connection with the discharge of that function which is to be the responsibility of an executive of a local authority, and

(b) to designate any action in connection with the discharge of that function which is not to be the responsibility of such an executive.

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations specify cases or circumstances in which any function of a local authority which, by virtue of the preceding provisions of this section, would otherwise be the responsibility of an executive of the authority to any extent is not to be the responsibility of such an executive to that or any particular extent.

(7) A function of a local authority may, by virtue of this section, be the responsibility of an executive of the authority to any extent notwithstanding that section 101 of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972, or any provision of that section, does not apply to that function.

(8) Any reference in the following provisions of this Part to any functions which are, or are not, the responsibility of an executive of a local authority under executive arrangements is a reference to the functions of the authority to the extent to which they are or (as the case may be) are not, by virtue of this section, the responsibility of the executive under such arrangements.

(9) Any function which is the responsibility of an executive of a local authority under executive arrangements—

(a) is to be regarded as exercisable by the executive on behalf of the authority, and

(b) may be discharged only in accordance with any provisions made by or under this Part which apply to the discharge of any such function by that form of executive.

(10) Accordingly any function which is the responsibility of an executive of a local authority under executive arrangements—

(a) may not be discharged by the authority,

(b) is not to be a function to which section 101(1) of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972 applies, and

(c) may be the subject of arrangements made under section 101(5) of that Act only if permitted by any provision made under section 20.

(11) Subject to any provision made under subsection (12), any function which, under executive arrangements, is not the responsibility of an executive of a local authority is to be discharged in any way which would be permitted or required apart from the provisions made by or under this Part.

(12) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision with respect to the discharge of any function which, under executive arrangements, is not the responsibility of an executive of a local authority (including provision disapplying section 101 of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972 or any provision of that section).

(13) Any reference in this section to a function specified in regulations includes a reference to a function of a description specified in regulations.

(14) In this section—

• “action” in relation to any function includes any action (of whatever nature and whether or not separately identified by any enactment) involving—

  (a)

  the taking of any step in the course of, or otherwise for the purposes of or in connection with, the discharge of the function,

  (b)

  the doing of anything incidental or conducive to the discharge of the function, or

  (c)

  the doing of anything expedient in connection with the discharge of the function or any action falling within paragraph (a) or (b),

• “function” means a function of any nature, whether conferred or otherwise arising before, on or after the passing of this Act.

Provisions with respect to executive arrangements

14 Discharge of functions: mayor and cabinet executive

(1) Subject to any provision made under section 18, 19 or 20, any functions which, under executive arrangements, are the responsibility of a mayor and cabinet executive are to be discharged in accordance with this section.

(2) The elected mayor—

(a) may discharge any of those functions, or

(b) may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions—

(i) by the executive,

(ii) by another member of the executive,

(iii) by a committee of the executive, or

(iv) by an officer of the authority.

(3) Where by virtue of this section any functions may be discharged by a local authority executive, then, unless the elected mayor otherwise directs, the executive may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions—

(a) by a committee of the executive, or

(b) by an officer of the authority.

(4) Where by virtue of this section any functions may be discharged by a member of a local authority executive, then, unless the elected mayor otherwise directs, that member may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions by an officer of the authority.

(5) Where by virtue of this section any functions may be discharged by a committee of a local authority executive, then, unless the elected mayor otherwise directs, the committee may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions by an officer of the authority.

(6) Any arrangements made by virtue of this section by an elected mayor, executive, member or committee for the discharge of any functions by an executive, member, committee or officer are not to prevent the elected mayor, executive, member or committee by whom the arrangements are made from exercising those functions.

15 Discharge of functions: leader and cabinet executive

(1) Subject to any provision made under section 18, 19 or 20, any functions which, under executive arrangements, are the responsibility of a leader and cabinet executive are to be discharged in accordance with this section.

(2) The executive arrangements may make provision with respect to the allocation of any functions which are the responsibility of the executive among the following persons—

(a) the executive,

(b) any members of the executive,

(c) any committees of the executive, and

(d) any officers of the authority.

(3) If the executive arrangements make such provision as is mentioned in subsection (2), any person to whom a function is allocated in accordance with that provision may discharge the function.

(4) If or to the extent that the functions which are the responsibility of the executive are not allocated in accordance with such provision as is mentioned in subsection (2), the executive leader—

(a) may discharge any of those functions, or

(b) may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions—

(i) by the executive,

(ii) by another member of the executive,

(iii) by a committee of the executive, or

(iv) by an officer of the authority.

(5) Where by virtue of this section any functions may be discharged by a local authority executive, the executive may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions—

(a) by a committee of the executive, or

(b) by an officer of the authority.

(6) Where by virtue of this section any functions may be discharged by a member of a local authority executive, that member may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions by an officer of the authority.

(7) Where by virtue of this section any functions may be discharged by a committee of a local authority executive, the committee may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions by an officer of the authority.

(8) Where the executive leader makes or has made any arrangements under subsection (4)(b)(i), (ii) or (iii), he may direct that subsection (5), (6) or (7) (as the case may be) is not to apply to any of the functions which are the subject of those arrangements or is not to apply to any of those functions in such cases or circumstances as he may direct.

(9) Any arrangements made by virtue of this section by an executive leader, executive, member or committee for the discharge of any functions by an executive, member, committee or officer are not to prevent the executive leader, executive, member or committee by whom the arrangements are made from exercising those functions.

(10) The reference in subsection (2)(b) to the members of the executive includes a reference to the executive leader, and subsection (6) in its application for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) is to be construed accordingly.

16 Discharge of functions: mayor and council manager executive

(1) Subject to any provision made under section 18, 19 or 20, the functions which, under executive arrangements, are the responsibility of a mayor and council manager executive are to be discharged in accordance with this section.

(2) The council manager—

(a) may discharge any of those functions, or

(b) may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions—

(i) by the executive, or

(ii) by an officer of the authority.

(3) In deciding—

(a) whether or how to discharge any functions, or

(b) whether to arrange for any functions to be discharged by the executive or an officer of the authority,

the council manager must have regard to any advice given by the elected mayor.

(4) Where by virtue of this section any functions may be discharged by the executive of a local authority, the executive may arrange for the discharge of any of those functions by an officer of the authority.

(5) Any arrangements made by virtue of this section by a council manager or executive for the discharge of any functions by an executive or officer are not to prevent the council manager or executive by whom the arrangements are made from exercising those functions.

17 Discharge of functions: s. 11(5) executive

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision with respect to the ways in which any functions which, under executive arrangements, are the responsibility of an executive which takes a form prescribed in regulations under section 11(5) are to be discharged.

(2) The provision which may be made by regulations under this section includes provision which applies or reproduces (with or without modifications) any provisions of section 14, 15 or 16.

(3) Nothing in subsection (2) affects the generality of the power under subsection (1).

(4) Any provision made by regulations under this section is subject to any provision made under section 18, 19 or 20.

18 Discharge of functions by area committees

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for or in connection with enabling an executive of a local authority, or a committee or specified member of such an executive, to arrange for the discharge of any functions which, under executive arrangements, are the responsibility of the executive by an area committee of that authority.

(2) Regulations under this section may impose limitations or restrictions on the arrangements which may be made by virtue of the regulations (including limitations or restrictions on the functions which may be the subject of such arrangements).

(3) In this section—

• “area committee”, in relation to a local authority, means a committee or sub-committee of the authority which satisfies the conditions in subsection (4),

• “specified” means specified in regulations under this section.

(4) A committee or sub-committee of a local authority satisfies the conditions in this subsection if—

(a) the committee or sub-committee is established to discharge functions in respect of part of the area of the authority,

(b) the members of the committee or sub-committee who are members of the authority are elected for electoral divisions or wards which fall wholly or partly within that part, and

(c) either or both of the conditions in subsection (5) are satisfied in relation to that part.

(5) Those conditions are—

(a) that the area of that part does not exceed two-fifths of the total area of the authority,

(b) that the population of that part, as estimated by the authority, does not exceed two-fifths of the total population of the area of the authority as so estimated.

19 Discharge of functions of and by another local authority

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for or in connection with enabling an executive of a local authority (within the meaning of this Part), or a committee or specified member of such an executive, to arrange for the discharge of any functions which, under executive arrangements, are the responsibility of the executive—

(a) by another local authority (within the meaning of section 101 of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972), or

(b) by an executive of another local authority (within the meaning of this Part) or a committee or specified member of such an executive.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for or in connection with enabling a local authority (within the meaning of section 101 of that Act) to arrange for the discharge of any of their function