Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour) on Monday, 14 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 September 2026. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Monday, 28 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Rural Areas: Public Appointments

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide for the appointment of commissioners in rural areas within strategic authorities that meet a defined rural population threshold such as 20 per cent; and what assessment they have made of the powers to be made available for that purpose under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

Answer

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 enables mayors to appoint commissioners to support delivery within areas of competence set out in the Act. These appointments are discretionary and mayors are not required to appoint commissioners in relation to any specific issue or geography.

The Act includes rural affairs and coastal communities as an area of competence. Where a mayor considers it appropriate, they may appoint a commissioner whose work relates to that area and provide them with a locally appropriate brief reflecting the needs and priorities of their communities. The Government has no plans to require the appointment of commissioners in authorities that meet a specified rural population threshold.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL3461
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Devolution Public appointments Rural areas Mayors
Legislation: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Rural Areas: Public Appointments

Secondary information

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