Local Government: Reorganisation
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which unitary local authority areas she is considering restructuring.
Answered by Jim McMahon
On 5th February I formally invited proposals from councils in all two-tier areas and their neighbouring small unitary authorities. The full list of councils who received an invitation is available on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-reorganisation-invitation-to-local-authorities-in-two-tier-areas.
In the English Devolution White Paper we made 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. While some of these councils are included in the invitations for reorganisation in two-tier areas given their geographical boundaries, there will be a different legal process for mergers of existing unitaries. The Government is open to discussions with all areas where structural change will help them get onto a more sustainable footing.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →