Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 September 2026. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 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, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of withdrawing the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock on the financial resilience of (a) Basildon Council and (b) Thurrock Council.

Answer: As set out by the Secretary of State in her oral statement of 7 September, the government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused decisions for the other 14 areas while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is conducted. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible. We also recognise that areas will have committed resources to reorganisation and ministers will consider this matter alongside the review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 28588
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Local Government Reorganisation
Monday, 7 September 2026
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Finance Local government Reorganisation Thurrock Council Basildon Council
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk