Written question asked by Baroness O'Neill of Bexley (Conservative) 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.

Local Government: Lincoln

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has given consideration to the interim warding arrangements submission by Lincoln City Council where a councillor representing the proposed Witham St Hughs ward would represent approximately 4,354 electors, whereas a councillor representing the proposed Minster ward would represent approximately 1,849 electors; and if so, what consideration have they given to the tolerance levels of this proposal.

Answer: The Government has withdrawn the March 2026 decisions for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and paused activity in the other 14 areas, including Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, while a full review of the local government reorganisation programme is undertaken. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible.

Secondary information