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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, what ratio of Councillors to electors she expects new unitary authorities to be created with.

Answer

As set out in the White Paper, we want to see stronger community arrangements when reorganisation happens in the way councils engage at a neighbourhood or area level. My department is liaising closely with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) so that they are involved at the appropriate time to ensure fair electoral arrangements across the area of any new unitary local authorities.

The LGBCE’s approach during electoral reviews is that there are no set ratios of the number of electors each councillor should represent. The ratio flows from the number of councillors an authority should have. An authority has a unique set of characteristics which determines this and the LGBCE’s approach is outlined in its electoral review guidance. There are no set limits on the number of councillors although the guidance indicates that a compelling case would be needed for a council size of more than 100 members or less than 30.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26697
Session
2024-26
Related items
Unitary Councils
Friday, 7 March 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Local Government: Reform
Monday, 14 July 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Councillors Local government Reorganisation
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk