Section 76 Appointed councillorsI1

The Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) is amended as follows.

In section 15 (chairman and vice-chairman of parish council)—

In section 16 (parish councillors), in subsection (1) after “number of” insert “ elected ”.

After section 16 insert—

“Appointed councillors

16A

(1)

A parish council may appoint persons to be councillors of the council.

(2)

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—

(a)

the appointment of persons under this section;

(b)

the holding of office after appointment under this section.

(3)

The regulations may, in particular, make provision about any of the following matters—

(a)

persons who may be appointed;

(b)

the number of persons who may be appointed;

(c)

the term of office of persons appointed;

(d)

the right of persons appointed to participate in decision-making by the council (including voting);

(e)

purposes for which a person appointed is to be treated as an elected councillor;

(f)

the filling of vacancies.

(4)

In exercising a function under or by virtue of this section a parish council must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State about the exercise of that function.

(5)

A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”