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Written question asked by Alicia Kearns (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2025 (named day). It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Monday, 24 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 local authorities may submit more than one proposed model of suggested re-organisation in their area when responding to the Government's correspondence on this matter.

Answer

As set out in the invitation letters sent to all two-tier areas and neighbouring small unitary councils, it is the Government’s expectation that local leaders work collaboratively and proactively, including by sharing information, to develop robust and sustainable unitary proposals that are in the best interests of the whole area to which this invitation is issued, rather than developing competing proposals. This will mean making every effort to work together to develop and jointly submit one proposal for unitary local government across the whole of their area.

I also set out that there will be some cases when it is not possible for all councils in an area to jointly develop and submit a proposal, despite their best efforts. This will not be a barrier to progress, and the government will consider any suitable proposals submitted by the relevant local authorities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
31121
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Devolution Local government Reorganisation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk