A parish council may appoint persons to be councillors of the council.
The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—
the appointment of persons under this section;
the holding of office after appointment under this section.
The regulations may, in particular, make provision about any of the following matters—
persons who may be appointed;
the number of persons who may be appointed;
the term of office of persons appointed;
the right of persons appointed to participate in decision-making by the council (including voting);
purposes for which a person appointed is to be treated as an elected councillor;
the filling of vacancies.
In exercising a function under or by virtue of this section a parish council must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State about the exercise of that function.
A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.