- Residents and business owners will
be given the final say on whether their street name should be
changed
- Follows a public consultation on
the changes – with almost 90% of people supporting plans for the
community to make the decision
- Councils will have to get agreement
from two-thirds of people before they can change the name
Residents and business owners will have the final say over
whether their street name can be changed, the Department of
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced today, Tuesday 5
July.
Under the plans, all councils in England will need to get
agreement from two thirds of people who live or run businesses on
a street before changing its name, subject to parliamentary
approval.
The Government set out plans to give local people more powers
over proposed name changes earlier this year. Today’s
announcement follows a public consultation – with over 90% of
those responding backing the plans.
The move will improve local democracy and make sure that names
that are valued by the community and form a key part of an area’s
identity are not erased without proper consideration.
Consent to change street names has been a legal requirement in
the past, but currently many councils can change names without
consulting residents. The Government wants to make sure that the
law is consistent across England.
Housing Minister said:
“Street names are often central to an area’s identity and hold
cherished memories for those that have lived in the community
past and present.
“It is right that we put the decision to change a street’s name
in the hands of the people who would be most directly affected –
and the feedback we’ve received through our consultation shows
that people strongly agree with this.
“The changes we are bringing forward will strengthen local
democracy and make sure councils can’t push through changes that
residents do not want.”
These changes will also give residents the opportunity to oppose
changes to street names, on the basis that they often cause
additional costs and time for residents, who have to change their
personal details with the bank and utility providers.
The changes will be introduced following the passage of the
Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which is currently making its
way through Parliament.
