Explanatory note

The main transfer of staff from the local authorities abolished by the Local Government Act 1972 to the new authorities set up under that Act or under the Water Act 1973 will be effected by Order in accordance with general principles which have already been published.

Local circumstances vary so much, however, that general rules cannot in all instances result in a satisfactory distribution of staff and this Order requires the making of local arrangements or “schemes” in the particular circumstances set out in paragraphs (1) to (4) of Article 3. Additionally power is given in paragraph (5) of that Article for any existing council to make a scheme in respect of all or any of its staff if it is felt to be appropriate to do so.

Article 4 contains provision as to consultation with relevant authorities and staff representatives and also requires councils making schemes to take into consideration preferences expressed by individual officers.

Provision is made in Article 5 for disputes about schemes to be determined by the Secretary of State in default of agreement between the authorities concerned and in Article 6 for the application to local schemes of the general arrangements for appeals by individual officers which are to be established shortly.