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The number of uncontested seats at some local elections has reached "epidemic proportions", the head of the UK's returning officers' organisation says.
John Turner, of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said it showed the electorate's "apathy or disinterest" with local government.
In Eden District Council in Cumbria, 21 out of 38 councillors will be returned unopposed on 7 May.
More than 9,000 councillors will be elected across 279 local authorities.
Local government responsibilities include providing bin services, libraries, some schools and social services.
When the same seats across England were up for election in 2011, about 3% of councillors were returned unopposed.
This year Mr Turner expects that figure to rise.
John Turner, of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said it showed the electorate's "apathy or disinterest" with local government.
In Eden District Council in Cumbria, 21 out of 38 councillors will be returned unopposed on 7 May.
More than 9,000 councillors will be elected across 279 local authorities.
Local government responsibilities include providing bin services, libraries, some schools and social services.
When the same seats across England were up for election in 2011, about 3% of councillors were returned unopposed.
This year Mr Turner expects that figure to rise.
