Councils told to help not hinder royal wedding street parties

11 Apr 11
Prime Minister David Cameron has urged councils to adopt a ‘common sense’ approach to the organisation of street parties to celebrate the upcoming royal wedding.
By Vivienne Russell


11 April 2011

Prime Minister David Cameron has urged councils to adopt a ‘common sense’ approach to the organisation of street parties to celebrate the upcoming royal wedding.

Cameron said he wanted to bust the myth that organising any kind of community event meant dealing with acres of red tape.

He said: ‘To those councils that are asking small groups of neighbours for licences, insurance and other bureaucracy, my message is clear: don’t interfere, don’t get in the way, and don’t make problems where there are none. Let people get on and have fun.’

Other senior ministers joined Cameron in reinforcing this message. Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles said the April 29 wedding between Prince William, second in line to the British throne, and Kate Middleton, represented a ‘real opportunity for councils to help local residents from all backgrounds to come together and reinforce our shared sense of Britishness’.

He added: ‘Of course we want people to be safe and sound but common sense has to prevail and people should use their rights as citizens and challenge councils if red tape rules are being used against them.’

In February, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond scrapped Whitehall guidance on road closures following concerns that councils were misinterpreting it and imposing extra bureaucracy and costs on residents.

Speaking today, Hammond said: ‘There should be a strong presumption in favour of allowing road closures in residential areas where appropriate alternative routes for traffic are available.

‘Councils should apply the lightest possible touch to administration and always think twice before charging fees.’

According to figures published by the Local Government Association last week, about 4,000 road closure applications have been received in England and Wales, with the vast majority approved or about to be approved.

Chris White, chair of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport programme board, said: ‘Many authorities have waived road closure and insurance fees and other have put money aside to support communities in other ways to mark the special occasion. Some have also put together part packs for organisers, including free bunting and flags.’

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