Cut red tape during the coronation picnic, Michael Gove calls for advice

Michael Gove wrote to the councils, again urging them to loosen restrictions on coronation celebrations as much as possible. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA

Michael Gove demanded City Hall cut post-coronation red tape after it emerged people were being told to apply for picnic permits.

Leveling Secretary said that too many councils seemed to be pushing for «disrupting the celebration».< /p>

It was reported over the weekend that North Somerset Council had banned locals from picnicking in the park with their neighbors unless they applied for a permit, not fill out a nine-page form and fail to conduct a risk assessment.

Wiltshire, Ealing and Warwick Councils have also banned barbecuing.

The local government association said the councils simply want residents to be able to «enjoy parties safely». help his communities prepare, including making processes free for residents and reducing red tape.

On Monday, he told The Telegraph: “The coronation of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen will be a great event for this nation — and people should be able to celebrate without fear of ridiculous red tape.”

< p>“However, some local bureaucrats seem intent on disrupting the celebration – to the point of telling people they won’t be able to sit in the park and eat sandwiches with their neighbors unless they apply for permission. This is clearly absurd and not in line with the spirit of community that makes these national moments so special.

“I have already written to the councils and again urge them to ease restrictions as much as possible so that people can come together to celebrate this momentous occasion” .

'Permit granted where possible'

North Somerset Council said residents cannot sit in a local park and eat sandwiches with their neighbors unless they apply for a permit.

Officers said they would allow a small number of «approved picnics» on the 500-acre property owned by the local government. parks.

The Council also warned residents that it was banning barbecues and large gazebos and required them to fill out a nine-page form and risk assessment.

A spokesman for North Somerset Council said: “We will be able to allow a small number of coronation picnics. Applications for the picnic must be made on the council website.

“All applications will be considered. No more than 50 people can participate in each event. Permission will be granted where possible.

“Parks are for the enjoyment of all, so allowing picnics requires that others can continue to use the park. BBQ is not allowed.”