AM Calls for democracy in National Parks

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Apr 2008

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon & Radnorshire will this week hold an Assembly debate on National Parks: Delivering on their duty and their democratic deficit.

Kirsty said: "Many residents come into direct contact with the park over planning issues and the park's decisions in this area can affect their own homes as well as the public services they use. With such a powerful role it is all the more scandalous that we continue to see an absence of directly elected members on Park Authority boards and yet do see councillors whose wards are outside Park boundaries.

"Those sitting on the boards have a huge influence upon the lives of those living within the Park - they have a statutory duty to foster the economic and social well-being of the communities living within the National Park whilst protecting the local environment and promoting it to visitors.

"I will be calling upon the Minister to address this democratic deficit on Wednesday."

Kirsty Williams AM has submitted a proposed Legislative Competence Order calling for the Assembly to seek powers to amend Schedule 7 of the Environment Act 1995, which deals with the membership, status and constitution of National Park Authorities.

Notes:

The short debate is tabled for Wednesday 30th April.