Written statement on Local Government Reorganisation - Nov 19
|
Minister for Local Government (Alison McGovern): This Government is
determined to streamline local government by replacing the current
two-tier system with new single-tier unitary councils. This
landmark reform is at the heart of our vision: councils that are
close enough to care, but strong enough to reform public services,
drive economic growth, and empower their communities. Empowered
local government, based on unitary councils and strategic
authorities, is the foundation for...Request free trial
Minister for Local Government (Alison McGovern): This Government is determined to streamline local government by replacing the current two-tier system with new single-tier unitary councils. This landmark reform is at the heart of our vision: councils that are close enough to care, but strong enough to reform public services, drive economic growth, and empower their communities. Empowered local government, based on unitary councils and strategic authorities, is the foundation for growth across the country – the government's number one mission. Following the decision on reorganisation in Surrey, we are now looking forward to making progress across the rest of the country. With single councils in charge over sensible geographies, we will see quicker decisions to build homes, grow our towns and cities and connect people to jobs. Cities such as Colchester, Portsmouth and Norwich can drive growth at the national scale, but we need to make sure the structures around them support, rather than hinder, their ambitions. Strong local government is also key to tackling deprivation and poverty. People living in neighbourhoods high on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, such as in Hastings, Tendring, and Great Yarmouth, deserve responsive and joined up services that help them reach their full potential. In place of multiple levels of confusing and inefficient structures, one council will take responsibility for what a place needs. On 26 September, my department received final proposals from councils in six invitation areas. I would like to thank all councils in these areas for their work in bringing these 17 proposals forward. As per the invitation, these proposals include the areas of existing neighbouring small unitary councils. Some proposals were accompanied by requests for boundary change, whereby existing districts would be split; these will require careful consideration. Today I am launching consultations on all the below proposals, available on gov.uk, and I will deposit a copy of each in the House Library. Two proposals from councils in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove:
Wealden District Council did not submit a proposal. Four proposals from councils in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock:
Four proposals from councils in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton:
All four proposals leave the Isle of Wight unchanged as an existing unitary council. Gosport Borough Council and Isle of Wight Council did not submit a proposal. Three proposals from councils in Norfolk:
Two proposals from councils in Suffolk:
Two proposals from councils in West Sussex:
The consultations will run for seven weeks until Sunday 11 January 2026. The consultation documents are available on the Department's online platform “Citizen Space” and those responding to the consultations can use this online platform, email or post to submit their views. I welcome views from all councils in these areas as well as neighbouring councils, and specified public service providers, including health providers and the police, and other business, voluntary and community sector and educational bodies. Where boundary changes are requested, we consider it appropriate to consult the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. I would also welcome responses from any other persons or organisations interested in these proposals, including residents, town and parish councils, businesses and the voluntary and community sector. Once the consultations have concluded, the Government will assess the proposals against the criteria in the invitation and decide, subject to parliamentary approval, which, if any, proposals are to be implemented, with or without modification. In taking these decisions, we will have regard to all the representations received, including those from the consultation, and all other relevant information available. I will continue to update the House as further milestones are reached in the delivery of this landmark reform. |