To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether district and unitary councils will have powers to direct parish councils to change their names under her proposals for reform of local government. (129745)

Under the terms of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill there are no powers available to principle authorities to change the geographical name of a parish council. However, the principle authority is able to direct a parish council to change the way they refer to their area. The alternative terms of reference are “community”, “neighbourhood” or “village”.