Written question asked by Alicia Kearns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 January 2025. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 January 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Local Government: Reorganisation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 9 January 2025 to Question 22092 on Local Government: Reform, whether local council mergers will be required under the English Devolution White Paper.

Answer: On 16 December, I wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and to neighbouring small unitaries alongside the English Devolution White Paper, to set out our plans. I intend to formally invite unitary proposals in January 2025 from all these councils and I will ask for interim plans in March. I am open to hearing from other councils who consider reorganisation will put them on a more sustainable footing. As set out in the White Paper, I will take a phased approach to delivery, taking into account where reorganisation can unlock devolution, where areas are keen to move quickly or where it can help address wider failings.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 24126
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Local Government: Reform
Thursday, 9 January 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Local government Reorganisation
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk