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Written question asked by Blake Stephenson (Conservative) on Monday, 27 January 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 January 2025. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 February 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, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, whether she plans to require local consultations to be carried out ahead of local government reorganisation.

Answer

For local government reorganisation, it will be essential for councils to work with local partners, stakeholders, and MPs, to develop plans for sustainable unitary structures capable of delivering the high-quality public services that residents need and deserve. It is for councils to decide how best to engage locally, including with residents, in a meaningful and constructive way when developing their proposals.

We will consult a range of stakeholders in areas where we receive proposals for reorganisation, as required by statute. I will write to local authorities in further detail, inviting proposals for local government reorganisation and setting out the criteria to be used to assess proposals, in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26692
Session
2024-26
Related items
Registered interest declared
Yes
Subjects
Local government Public consultation Reorganisation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk