Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980

Part II E+W+S Publication of Information by Local Authorities

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. II (ss. 2-4) applied (6.4.1995) (temp. until 1.4.1996) by S.I. 1995/789, art. 2, Sch. para. 6

2 Duty of authorities to publish information. E+W

(1) The authorities to whom this section applies are—

(a) a county council;

[F1 (aa) a county borough council;]

(b) a district council;

[F2 (ba) a parish council;

(bb) a parish meeting of a parish which does not have a separate parish council;

(bc) a community council;]

F3 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) a London borough council;

(e) the Common Council of the City of London;

(f) the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

(g) in Scotland, a [F4 council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994];

[F5 (h) a fire and rescue authority constituted by a scheme under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 or a scheme to which section 4 of that Act applies;]

(j) [F6 a police committee constituted under section 2 of the Police Act 1964 or in Scotland] a police authority constituted under section 2 of the M1 Police (Scotland) Act 1967;

(k) [F6 a combined police authority constituted in accordance with the provisions of an amalgamation scheme under section 21 of the Police Act 1964 or in Scotland], a joint police [F7 board] constituted in accordance with the provisions of an amalgamation scheme under section 19 [F7 , 20 or 21B] of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967; F8 . . .

[F9 (ka) a joint authority established by Part IV of the M2 Local Government Act 1985;]

[F10 (kaa) an authority established for an area in England by an order under section 207 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (joint waste authorities);]

[F11 (kab) an economic prosperity board established under section 88 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;

(kac) a combined authority established under section 103 of that Act;]

[F12 (kb) the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority;]

F13 (l) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F14 ; and any other authority which is a best value authority for the purposes of Part I of the Local Government Act 1999 (best value) [F15 or a Welsh improvement authority for the purposes of Part 1 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009].]

[F16 (1A) This section also applies to an authority which—

(a) is not within subsection (1) above;

(b) is not within section 4(4) below; and

(c) is, or is treated as, a smaller authority for the purposes of section 5 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (modification of that Act in relation to smaller authorities).]

(2) The Secretary of State may issue for the purposes of this section a code of recommended practice as to the publication of information by such authorities about the discharge of their functions and other matters (including forecasts) which he considers to be related.

F17 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) A code may be prepared either by the Secretary of State or by some other person at his request.

(5) The Secretary of State may from time to time revise or request some other person to revise the whole or any part of a code.

(6) A code may specify—

(a) that publication be made in periodical reports or in any other specified manner;

(b) the occasions on which such publication is to made; and

(c) the form which such publication is to take.

(7) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (6) above, a code may specify, as a manner of publishing information—

F18 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F19 (b) its inclusion in a statement of accounts prepared by an authority to which this section applies in accordance with regulations under section 27 of the Audit Commission Act 1998 [F20 or section 39 of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004] or in an abstract of accounts prepared by such an authority in accordance with regulations under section 105 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973; or]

(c) its being made available for inspection by members of the public at an authority’s office or elsewhere.

(8) A code may specify steps which authorities are to take to inform the public of the availability of the information.

(9) Where a code specifies information as to the cost of the discharge of any of the functions of authorities, it may specify how the cost is to be determined.

(10) More than one code may be issued under this section, and different codes may deal with—

(a) different classes of information;

(b) different kinds of authority or the same kind of authority in different circumstances or different areas ;

(c) different manners, forms or occasions of publication.

[F21 (11) A code issued under this section applies to an authority within subsection (1A) above only in respect of information relating to a financial year during which the authority was within that subsection.

(12) A function under this section or section 3 below that is expressed to be exercisable by the Secretary of State is exercisable by the Secretary of State (and not the Welsh Ministers) in relation to a person or body that—

(a) is within subsection (1A), and

(b) exercises functions in relation to an area that is partly in England and partly in Wales.]

Extent Information

E1 This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 2(1)(aa) inserted (3.4.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 57(1) (with ss. 55, 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/852, art. 9(1), Sch. 5

F2 S. 2(1)(ba)-(bc) inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 7 para. 1; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(a)

F3 S. 2(1)(c) repealed by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 102, Sch. 17

F4 Words in s. 2(1)(g) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 120(2)(a); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(c)

F5 S. 2(1)(h) substituted (1.10.2004 except in relation to W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), s. 61, Sch. 1 para. 49(2); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2

F6 Words in s. 2(1)(j)(k) repealed (1.10.1994 for certain purposes only and 1.4.1995 otherwise) by 1994 c. 29, ss. 43, 93, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 19, Sch. 9 Pt. I; S.I. 1994/2025, art. 6(1)(2)(6); S.I. 1994/3262, art. 4(1), Sch.

F7 Words in s. 2(1)(k) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 120(2)(c); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(c)

F8 Word repealed by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 Pt. II para. 59(1)(a)

F9 S. 2(1)(ka) inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 para. 59(1)(a)

F10 S. 2(1)(kaa) inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 13 para. 36(2); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(p)

F11 S. 2(1)(kab)(kac) inserted (17.12.2009) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), s. 148(6), Sch. 6 para. 49; S.I. 2009/3318, art. 2(c)

F12 S. 2(1)(kb) inserted (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 328(8), Sch. 29 Pt. I para. 28 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/1094, art. 4(a)(h)

F13 S. 2(1)(l) repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), s. 237, Sch. 13 Pt. I

F14 Words in s. 2(1) inserted (27.9.1999 in relation to E. and for specified purposes only in relation to W. on 27.9.1999 and otherwise in force in relation to W. on 1.10.1999) by 1999 c. 27, s. 20; S.I. 1999/2169, art. 3(2), Sch. 2; S.I. 1999/2815, art. 2

F15 Words in s. 2(1) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2010) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 (nawm 2), s. 53(2), Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2009/3272, art. 3(1), Sch. 2

F16 S. 2(1A) inserted (4.4.2014 for specified purposes) by Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), ss. 38(a), 49(1); S.I. 2014/900, art. 2(f)

F17 S. 2(3) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt. I (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)

F18 S. 2(7)(a) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 10 Group 3

F19 S. 2(7)(b) substituted (11.9.1998) by 1998 c. 18, ss. 54(1), 55(2), Sch. 3 para. 5(1)

F20 Words in s. 2(7)(b) inserted (1.4.2005) by Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), s. 73, Sch. 2 para. 3; S.I. 2005/558, art. 2, Sch. 1

F21 S. 2(11)(12) inserted (4.4.2014 for specified purposes) by Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), ss. 38(b), 49(1); S.I. 2014/900, art. 2(f)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 2(7)(ka) extended by S.I. 1985/1884, art. 10, Sch. 3 para. 4(s) and S.I. 1987/2110, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 8(n)

Marginal Citations

M1 1967 c. 77.

M2 1985 c. 51 (81:1).

2 Duty of authorities to publish information. S

(1) The authorities to whom this section applies are—

(a) a county council;

F35 [(aa) a county borough council;]

(b) a district council;

[F2 (ba) a parish council;

(bb) a parish meeting of a parish which does not have a separate parish council;

(bc) a community council;]

(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F36

(d) a London borough council;

(e) the Common Council of the City of London;

(f) the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

(g) in Scotland, a [F37 council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994];

F38 (h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F39 (j) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F39 (k) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F40 (ka) a joint authority established by Part IV of the M5 Local Government Act 1985;]

[F10 (kaa) an authority established for an area in England by an order under section 207 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (joint waste authorities);]

[F11 (kab) an economic prosperity board established under section 88 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;

(kac) a combined authority established under section 103 of that Act;]

(l) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F41

F42 ; and any other authority which is a best value authority for the purposes of Part I of the Local Government Act 1999 (best value).

[F16 (1A) This section also applies to an authority which—

(a) is not within subsection (1) above;

(b) is not within section 4(4) below; and

(c) is, or is treated as, a smaller authority for the purposes of section 5 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (modification of that Act in relation to smaller authorities).]

(2) The Secretary of State may issue for the purposes of this section a code of recommended practice as to the publication of information by such authorities about the discharge of their functions and other matters (including forecasts) which he considers to be related.

F43 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) A code may be prepared either by the Secretary of State or by some other person at his request.

(5) The Secretary of State may from time to time revise or request some other person to revise the whole or any part of a code.

(6) A code may specify—

(a) that publication be made in periodical reports or in any other specified manner;

(b) the occasions on which such publication is to made; and

(c) the form which such publication is to take.

(7) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (6) above, a code may specify, as a manner of publishing information—

F18 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F44 (aa) its dispatch with, or inclusion in—

(i) a demand note for payment of rates issued under section 237(1) of the M6 Local Government (Scotland) Act 1947 ; or

[F45 (ii) a notice given by virtue of regulations made under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Local Government Finance Act 1992]]

(b) its inclusion in an abstract of accounts prepared by an authority to whom this section applies in accordance with regulations under section 166 of the M7 Local Government Act 1972 or section 105 of the M8 Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973; or

(c) its being made available for inspection by members of the public at an authority’s office or elsewhere.

(8) A code may specify steps which authorities are to take to inform the public of the availability of the information.

(9) Where a code specifies information as to the cost of the discharge of any of the functions of authorities, it may specify how the cost is to be determined.

(10) More than one code may be issued under this section, and different codes may deal with—

(a) different classes of information;

(b) different kinds of authority or the same kind of authority in different circumstances or different areas ;

(c) different manners, forms or occasions of publication.

[F21 (11) A code issued under this section applies to an authority within subsection (1A) above only in respect of information relating to a financial year during which the authority was within that subsection.

(12) A function under this section or section 3 below that is expressed to be exercisable by the Secretary of State is exercisable by the Secretary of State (and not the Welsh Ministers) in relation to a person or body that—

(a) is within subsection (1A), and

(b) exercises functions in relation to an area that is partly in England and partly in Wales.]

Extent Information

E2 This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only.

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 2(1)(ba)-(bc) inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 7 para. 1; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(a)

F10 S. 2(1)(kaa) inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 13 para. 36(2); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(p)

F11 S. 2(1)(kab)(kac) inserted (17.12.2009) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), s. 148(6), Sch. 6 para. 49; S.I. 2009/3318, art. 2(c)

F16 S. 2(1A) inserted (4.4.2014 for specified purposes) by Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), ss. 38(a), 49(1); S.I. 2014/900, art. 2(f)

F18 S. 2(7)(a) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 10 Group 3

F21 S. 2(11)(12) inserted (4.4.2014 for specified purposes) by Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), ss. 38(b), 49(1); S.I. 2014/900, art. 2(f)

F35 S. 2(1)(aa) inserted (3.4.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 57(1) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/852, art. 9(1), Sch. 5

F36 S. 2(1)(c) repealed by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 102, Sch. 17

F37 Words in s. 2(1)(g)(h)(k) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 120(2); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(c)

F38 S. 2(1)(h) repealed (S.) (1.4.2013) by Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (asp 8), s. 129(2), sch. 8 Pt. 2; S.S.I. 2013/51, art. 2 (with transitional provisions and savings in S.S.I. 2013/121)

F39 S. 2(1)(j)(k) omitted (S.) (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 7

F40 S. 2(1)(ka) inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 para. 59(1)(a)

F41 S. 2(1)(l) repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), s. 237, Sch. 13 Pt. I

F42 Words in s. 2(1) inserted (27.7.2000) by 1999 c. 27, ss. 20, 27(1)

F43 S. 2(3) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt. I (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)

F44 S. 2(7)(aa) inserted by Local Government Finance Act 1988 (c. 41, SIF 103:2), s. 137, Sch. 12 Pt. II para. 14

F45 S. 2(7)(aa)(ii) substituted (1.10.1992) by Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c. 14), s. 117(1), Sch. 13 para. 49 (with s. 118(1)(2)(4)); S.I. 1992/2183, art. 2(c).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 2(7)(ka) extended by S.I. 1985/1884, art. 10, Sch. 3 para 4(s) and S.I. 1987/2110, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 8(n)

Marginal Citations

M5 1985 c. 51 (81:1).

M6 1947 c. 43(103:2).

M7 1972 c. 70 (81:1.

M8 1973 c. 65 (81:2.

3 Supplementary provisions relating to codes of practice on publication of information. E+W+S

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations requiring authorities to whom section 2 above applies to publish any description of information specified in a code issued under that section if in his opinion it is necesary to make such regulations in order to ensure that authorities publish information of that description.

(2) The Secretary of State may make regulations requiring such authorities to publish any description of information specified in a code issued under section 2 above in the manner and form specified in the code, if in his opinion it is necessary to make such regulations in order to ensure that authorities publish information of that description in that manner and from.

(3) Where the occasions specified in a code for the publication of any description of information recur not more ofter than once a year, the Secretary of State may make regulations requiring authorities to publish information of that description on the occasions specified in the code, if in his opinion it is necessary to make such regulations in order to ensure that authorities publish information of that description on those occasions.

(4) Where the occasions specified in a code for the publication of any description of information recur more often than once a year, the Secretary of State may make regulations requiring authorities to publish information on the occasions specified in the code if—

(a) the information is of a description to which this subsection applies; and

(b) in his opinion it is necessary to make such regulations in order to ensure that authorities publish information of that description on the occasions specified in the code.

(5) The descriptions of information to which subsection (4) above applies are—

(a) information about the discharge of authorities’ functions relating to housing or land;

(b) information about the number of their employees or the number of any description of their employees; and

(c) information about the determination of applications for planning permission under [F22 the Town and Country Planning Act 1990] or [F23 the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997].

(6) The Secretary of State may by order direct that subsection (4) above shall apply to descriptions of information other than those specified in subsection (5) above.

(7) Any regulations under this section and any order under subsection (6) above may make different provision in relation to authorities in England, authorities in Scotland and authorities in Wales.

(8) The power to make any such regulations or order shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

(9) A statutory instrument containing any such regulations shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(10) No order under subsection (6) above shall have effect until approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(11) Before issuing a code under section 2 above or making regulations under this section or an order under subsection (6) above the Secretary of State shall consult such associations of authorities to whom section 2 above applies as appear to him to be concerned and any such authority with whom consultation appears to him to be desirable.

(12) A code may specify and regulations under subsection (2) above may require that any description of information shall be published to the public in general or to any section of it.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words substituted by Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 (c. 11, SIF 123: 1, 2), s. 4, Sch. 2 para. 44(1)

F23 Words in s. 3(5)(c) substituted (S.) (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 11, ss. 4, 6(2), Sch. 2 para. 31(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 3(4) applied (E.) (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Government (Transparency) (Descriptions of Information) (England) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2060), arts. 1(1), 2

4 Power to direct bodies to publish information. E+W+S

(1) The relevant Minister may direct that a body or description of bodies specified in any of the paragraph of subsection (4) below shall publish information about the discharge of their functions and other matters (including forecasts) which he considers to be related.

(2) Different directions may be given to bodies of the same description in different areas.

(3) A direction under this section may specify—

(a) the manner in which information is to be published;

(b) the occasions on which such publication is to be made; and

(c) the form which such publication is to take.

(4) The bodies and descriptions of bodies mentioned in subsection (1) above are—

(a) development corporations established under the M3 [F24 New Towns Act 1981] or the M4 New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968;

F25 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F26 (c) water authorities;]

(d) urban development corporations within the meaning of Part XVI of this Act;

(e) Passenger Transport Executives . . . F27

(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F28

(g) district councils [F29 or Welsh county councils or county borough councils] carrying on road passenger transport undertakings.

F30 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F31 (5A) In this section “the relevant Minister ” means, in relation to the National Rivers Authority, the Secretary of State or the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food]

(6) Subject to [F32 [F33 subsection](5A)] above, in this section “the relevant Minister " means the Secretary of State.

(7) A direction given to a F34 . . .council under this section may only relate to its road passenger transport undertaking.

Textual Amendments

F24 Words substituted by New Towns Act 1981 (c. 64, SIF 123:3), s. 81, Sch. 12 para. 28(a)

F25 S. 4(4)(b) repealed (1.12.2008) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 8 para. 26, Sch. 16; S.I. 2008/3068, arts. 2(1)(w)(3), 5, Sch. (with arts. 6-13)

F26 S. 4(4)(c) commencing “water " substituted for s. 4(4)(c) commencing “the National " by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 61(1)(a), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58

F27 Words repealed by Transport Act 1985 (c. 67, SIF 126), s. 139(3), Sch. 8

F28 S. 4(4)(f)repealed by London Regional Transport Act 1984 (c. 32, SIF 126), s. 71(3)(b), Sch. 7

F29 Words in s. 4(4)(g) inserted (3.4.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 57(2)(a) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/852, art. 9(1), Sch. 5

F30 S. 4(5) repealed (25.11.2002) by S.I. 2002/2626, art. 20, Sch. 2 para. 9(b)

F31 S. 4(5A) inserted by Water Act 1989 (c.15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1) Sch. 25 para. 61(1)(b), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58

F32 Words “subsections (5) and (5A) " substituted for “subsection (5) " by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 61(1)(c), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 41(1), 57(6), 58

F33 Word in s. 4(6) substituted (25.11.2002) by S.I. 2002/2626, art. 20, Sch. 2 para. 9(a)

F34 Word in s. 4(7) repealed (3.4.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6)(8), Sch. 16 para. 57(2)(b), Sch. 18 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/852, art. 9(1), Sch. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 4: Functions transferred (25.11.2002) by S.I. 2002/26260, arts. 4(a), 7, 8

Marginal Citations

M3 1981 c. 64 (123:3).

M4 1968 c. 16 (123:4).