National review of the governance arrangements of National Parks

In the Coalition Government’s ‘Programme for Government’, there was a commitment to “review the governance arrangements of National Parks in order to increase local accountability.”

Public Consultation

This commitment was honoured by a 12 week public consultation which ran from 9 November 2010 to 1 February 2011. The Government’s consultation document, letter and list of consultees can be viewed below. In the consultation document the Government made it clear that (i) they did not intend to remove or replace National Park Authorities; and (ii) National Park Authorities should continue to be the local planning authority for their areas.

• Governance Review Consultation Document (168 KB)
  
• Governance Review consultation letter (60 KB)
• Governance Review list of Defra consultees (50 KB)

During the 12 week public consultation, the Government received over 360 responses from around the country. In the New Forest, the National Park Authority undertook an extensive awareness-raising exercise for the review, including four public meetings. Over 60 responses were made during the national consultation specific to the New Forest National Park and these are summarised below. The New Forest National Park Authority’s own response to the Government was considered at a full Authority meeting in February 2011 and this can also be viewed below.

• Summary of consultation responses specific to the New Forest National Park (270 KB)
• New Forest National Park Authority’s response to Defra (65 KB)

Government’s announcement of the outcome of the review

Following consideration of the consultation responses received, including those submitted by the individual National Park Authorities, the Government formally announced its response to the consultation on 13 September 2011. The New Forest National Park, alongside the Peak District, will pilot direct elections for a proportion of the Authority's membership. A consistent maximum time limit for all categories of membership is proposed, and the Secretary of State will no longer have role in formally appointing the Parish nominated members. The following documents provide more information on this announcement.

• Government summary of consultation responses (327 KB)
• Written Ministerial Statement issued 13 September 2011 (63 KB)
• Defra press release on the governance arrangements of the New Forest National Park (103 KB).

The Government’s national press release announcing the outcome of the review can be viewed here

The changes are expected to come into effect from April 2013, following consultation and pending legislative approval.