The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in participative local democracy and underpins generally the programme of local government renewal. The Act also facilitates improved access, interaction, linkages and service provision for all towns and areas with their respective county councils. Local authorities, as part of the local government modernisation programme, have extensive capacity to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances and local demands, including those of economic and population growth.
I am continuing to keep the matter of new town councils under review, while consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.