Road Signs and Markings
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her Department's policy is on the renaming of street signs to remove colonial or imperialist references; and what guidance her Department issues local authorities on the rights of local residents to approve or veto such changes.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook
Changes to street names are a local matter. Section 81 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 replaced the previously inconsistent arrangements for the renaming of streets. It enables local authorities to make changes to street names if they determine they command ‘sufficient local support’ and sets an expectation of local engagement prior to any change. At present the Government does not consider there is a need for further guidance to support Local Authorities in doing so. The Government intends to monitor the operation of these arrangements.
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