A survey carried out by law firm Simpson Grierson and the Local Authority Property Association has indicated that the respondents felt the Reserves Act 1977 is not totally effective in enabling local authorities to administer land held for public and community purposes.

The survey, How effectively does it work? - Report on a survey of the Reserves Act 1977, was carried out to find our what local government employees and LAPA members thought about the Act.

There were 37 responses to the survey questions. The survey was carried out in September 2016.

"Does the Reserves Act effectively enable local authorities to administer land held for public and community purposes?"

In another question respondents were asked which aspects of the Act needed to be reformed the most. Leasing powers stood out, with 68% of respondents selecting this. Other major aspects were management plans (40%), classifications (38%) and delegation powers (38%) (respondents could select more than one aspect).