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Local Government: Elections

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 26 February 2026UIN 114033

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the cost to the public purse is of a) reinstating and b) holding previously cancelled local elections in May 2026.

Answered by Alison McGovern

I refer the Rt hon. and hon. Members to the Secretary of State’s Written Ministerial Statement of 23 February 2026 (HCWS1349).

It is a longstanding principle that Government does not comment on or publish legal advice. The Government has no plans to publish individual correspondence from councils.

Councils are being supported to deliver elections. The administration and cost of running local elections remain matters for local authorities, with wider costs handled in the usual way.

We are also making available up to £63 million in new capacity funding for reorganisation areas.

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