Written question asked by Baroness Eaton (Conservative) on Monday, 10 March 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 March 2025. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Monday, 24 March 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Local Government: Devolution

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the publication on 16 December 2024 of the English Devolution White Paper, whether they intend to retain ceremonial counties for the purposes of appointing Lord Lieutenants and High Sheriffs.

Answer: There is no intention that the priorities set out in the English Devolution White Paper will impact on the ceremonial counties or the important roles that Lord Lieutenants and High Sheriffs play as the Monarch’s representatives in those counties, and ceremonial counties will be retained. The government recognises and values the work they do in relation to civic, business, social and community life in the ceremonial counties, and will ensure that the ceremonial rights and privileges of an area will be maintained after any reorganisation of local government.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL5592
Session: 2024-26
Related items: English Devolution White Paper: Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth
Monday, 16 December 2024
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Constituencies Devolution Local government Lord-Lieutenants High sheriffs
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk