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Local Government: Reorganisation

Asked by Blake StephensonConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 19 February 2025UIN 30735

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she expects her reforms to local government to abolish the office of the elected Mayor of Bedford.

Answered by Jim McMahon

On the 5 February I invited unitary proposals from all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitaries and while Bedford Borough Council have not received this invitation, the White Paper is clear that Government will also facilitate reorganisation for those unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries are impacting on their responsibilities. The Government is open to discussions with all areas where structural change will help them get onto a more sustainable footing.

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