Shapps to axe need for consultations on choice between elected mayor or council leader

The government is to scrap the requirement that councils consult their residents before choosing whether to have a locally elected mayor or a council leader.

The provision was included in the Local Government Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

Local Government Minister Grant Shapps has also written to district councils to explain that – until the relevant changes to the legislation are made – they can take a “light touch” approach to consultations, at minimal cost to the taxpayers.

Councils can use a newspaper article, press release or their websites to get residents’ views, the Department for Communities and Local Government said.

Shapps said: “The path to change is too often littered with hoops, hurdles, form filling and cost. I want us to cut out the paperwork and get on with making a difference.

“Of course it is important that local people have a say over how their council is run. But as council taxpayers they will not expect their councils to spend a fortune trying to ask for their opinions.”