Local Government: Reorganisation
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether (a) initial and (b) final proposals on local government restructuring should be agreed by consensus between local authorities within the two-tier area; and what steps she plans to take if proposals differ.
Answered by Jim McMahon
We expect local leaders to engage their MPs and to ensure there is wide engagement with local partners and stakeholders, residents and businesses. This engagement should both inform the development of robust proposals and build a shared understanding of the improvements they expect to deliver through reorganisation. However, we understand that there will be some cases when it is not possible for all councils to jointly develop and submit a proposal, and this will not be a barrier to progress. Government will consider any suitable proposals submitted by the relevant local authorities.
My department will continue to work closely with the Local Government Association (LGA), the District Councils Network, the County Councils Network and other local government partners to plan how best to support councils through this process.
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