Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Unitary Councils

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85787 on Combined Authorities and Unitary Councils, whether it remains the case that new unitary councils should have a population size of 500,000 or more.

Answer

The 500,000 population figure has always been a guiding principle, not a fixed threshold. There may need to be exceptions to ensure new structures make sense for an area, including to support devolution, and that decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. The population size of proposed new unitary councils therefore varies between areas.

Where any new council is below 500,000, the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is appropriate on the basis it produces the most coherent and effective outcome for that area.

As standard, the Secretary of State had discussions on new unitary councils with relevant colleagues in Government and decisions were collectively agreed through the normal and well-established processes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 124676
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Combined Authorities and Unitary Councils
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons; Unitary Councils
Monday, 29 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Unitary councils
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Unitary Councils

Secondary information

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