The application of section 140 of the Local Government Act 2001 is wholly a matter for local authorities, and my Department does not compile comprehensive data in relation to resolutions by authorities under this section of the Act. However, information is obtained from planning authorities regarding the use of section 140 procedures in relation to planning applications and this information is included in the annual planning statistics published by my Department.
In 2002, 27 resolutions were tabled under this procedure and the related section 4 provisions of the City and County Management (Amendment) Act 1955, of which 23 were passed. In 2003, 130 section 140 resolutions were tabled of which 101 were passed.