Rural Affairs Minister Jim Knight today announced a reduction in the size of English National Park Authority boards, as recommended by the Review of English National Park Authorities.

From 1 April 2007, all the English National Park Authorities will have 22 members, except for the Peak District, which will have 30. The reduction, which has also been endorsed through public consultation, is subject to Parliamentary approval.

Jim Knight said:

"Smaller National Park Authorities will make and implement decisions more efficiently. Local and national interests will continue to be well-represented.

"The National Parks include some of our finest landscapes and rarest species. Visits to them improve our health and well-being and bring income to the communities that live and work there, enabling them to survive. The Parks' protected status ensures that they are conserved and enhanced. If we are to hand them on in good shape to future generations, we need to balance these economic, social and environmental considerations and ensure that the Park Authorities remain fit for the future.

"This decision is in line with the commitment in our Rural Strategy to reform delivery of rural policy to give a better deal for customers, the environment and the taxpayer, whilst ensuring a living, working, protected and vibrant countryside."