The Local Government (Parishes and Parish Councils) Regulations 1999
Part II of the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 (“the 1997 Act”) authorises district councils and unitary county councils to review their areas and make recommendations to the Secretary of State for the abolition or alteration of any existing parish, or the creation of a new parish, in their area. It also requires a district council or unitary county council which has received a valid petition for the creation as a parish of an unparished area and for the establishment of a parish council to pass the petition to the Secretary of State for his consideration. Section 14 of the 1997 Act enables the Secretary of State to make orders by statutory instrument giving effect to such recommendations and petitions (and with or without modification).