Extremist groups will not ‘have a convincing case for setting up a parish council', according to Ruth Kelly.

Writing in the current issue of First Tier enclosed inside The MJ this week, the communities and local government secretary said: ‘Anyone will be able to request the setting up of a parish council, but it will be up to the local reviewing authority to decide whether the request meets the criteria for effective community governance. This will be set out in statutory guidance. Extremist groups who threaten community cohesion will not have a convincing case.'