VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Unitary Councils

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 22 May 2026UIN 2013

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what powers (a) shadow unitary authorities and (b) new unitary authorities have to change their formal new name without recourse to the Secretary of State.

Answered by Alison McGovern

The formal names of new unitary councils are set out in the secondary legislation that establishes them. Once the new councils are vested, they have the same powers as other local authorities and can change their name under Section 74 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim