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Written question asked by Mike Wood (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Thursday, 17 September 2026 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 30 June 2026 to Question 11665 on Local Government: Reorganisation, whether (a) borough and (b) city status can be transferred to (i) a (A) town and (B) parish council and (ii) Charter Trustees in the absence of a parished body; and whether the geographical areas must be the same as the predecessor local authority with that status.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring ceremonial rights and privileges are maintained where local government reorganisation proposals are taken forward, and there are established mechanisms for doing so.

Many ceremonial matters can be preserved through existing general regulations, including arrangements for the transfer of aldermanic rights and privileges and historic borough status, where appropriate, from predecessor to successor councils. This is distinct from new unitary councils seeking borough status, which would require a resolution supported by not less than two thirds of members voting before a petition for a Royal Charter is submitted to the Privy Council. City status is more complex, as it is granted by Royal Prerogative, and arrangements to preserve it will depend on the circumstances of each area. The Government has committed to work with local leaders to ensure all ceremonial rights, including city status, are maintained through reorganisation.

The position on armorial bearings requires separate consideration. The Department is engaging with the College of Arms, which is considering options for arrangements following local government reorganisation. The Department will consider the College’s advice as this work progresses.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21065
Session
2026-27
Related items
Local Government: Reorganisation
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Local government Reorganisation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk