Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced today that he is cutting Whitehall red tape in order to make it easier for local communities to hold street parties to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

The Government was concerned that DfT guidance, which was intended to cover all types of special event, not specifically street parties, was sometimes being misinterpreted by councils causing them to impose extra bureaucracy and costs on residents.

Philip Hammond will write to all local councils in England next week informing them that he is scrapping the guidance to avoid any confusion. The letter also reminds councils that providing information about closures need not mean unnecessary burdens on communities.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: 

"The Royal Wedding will be a day of celebration for communities up and down the country and street parties are a great way for people to get together and share this happy occasion.

"In the past our guidance to councils on road closures has sometimes been misinterpreted and led to residents facing escalating costs and unnecessary bureaucracy. 

"I hope that withdrawing this guidance will make it easier for councils to let street parties go ahead and allow local communities to celebrate without being bogged down by paperwork."

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “Whitehall has cut back the red tape which holds local community groups back.

“Councils should now do their bit to support this national day of celebration.”

Department for Communities and Local Government is also updating the Government’s practical guide to organising street parties and fetes to help community groups organise these events in their local areas.

(BMcN/GK)