The Act allows for the implementation of many provisions outlined in the Government white paper Strong and Prosperous Communities including changes to local government in England.

One provision is that civil parishes may now be established in the London boroughs.

This Part came into force on 1 November 2007,[2] subject to certain savings.

[3] Orders made under this section: Schedule 17 of the Act amends Schedule 5 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 therefore giving the National Assembly for Wales legislative competence in the sphere of local government.

These powers will allow the Assembly to pass Assembly Measures that can change the structure, boundaries and composition of local councils in Wales.