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Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 25 February 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 March 2021. It was answered by Lord Greenhalgh (Conservative) on Friday, 5 March 2021 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Parish and Town Councils: Facilities

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that in the case of specific funding schemes for (1) parks, (2) play areas, (3) leisure facilities, (4) town centres, (5) high streets, (6) community centres, and (7) other facilities for which town and parish councils commonly exercise powers that are concurrent with those of principal councils, town and parish councils are able to apply or compete for funding on the same basis as principal councils.

Answer

Whilst the Government does not have the necessary powers to pay parish and town councils directly, the Secretary of State has written to principal authorities to urge them to discuss appropriate funding support for parish and town councils from within the support we have provided to them. The Government has allocated over £8 billion directly to principal authorities since the start of the pandemic and has committed to provide a further £3 billion for 2021/22.

Therefore, I would encourage parish and town councils to continue to liaise with the relevant principal authorities on how this money is allocated in their area.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13700
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Finance Facilities Parish and town councils
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk