Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to update the guidance issued by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 12 September 2016 concerning submitting proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, in particular regarding the email address local authorities can use to submit proposals.

Answered by Lord Lemos - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Government has no plans to update the guidance issued on 12 September 2016 concerning the submission of proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. The email address has been updated.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether it will be for new unitary authorities to decide whether to apply for the creation of a Foundation Strategic Authority.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government has been clear that it wants to see devolution extended across the whole of England, with more areas benefiting from the powers and funding available to Strategic Authorities.

We have therefore written to leaders of councils in areas without devolution agreements, inviting them to work with neighbouring authorities to agree a suitable geography and submit proposals.

These proposals must meet the criteria set out in the English Devolution White Paper, in particular that they command the support of the proposed constituent councils and support effective delivery for communities. For areas undergoing local government reorganisation, we will continue to work closely with local partners, including any new unitary authorities, on potential future devolution arrangements.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will legislate to amend section 245 of the Local Government Act 1972 to extend the right to petition for borough status to new unitary authorities.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government has no current plans to amend section 245 of the Local Government Act 1972. Where local government reorganisation takes place, newly established unitary authorities will be district councils, who are already able to petition for borough status under the existing provisions of the Act, provided the statutory criteria are met, including a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of members at a meeting specifically convened for that purpose.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance they have provided to existing principal local authorities and shadow unitary authorities about the distribution of assets.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

During the local government reorganisation process, councils are expected to continue to operate on a business-as-usual basis. Assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils until reorganisation is complete. Decisions about the disposal or transfer of assets are matters for individual local authorities to determine.

The Government has issued explanatory guidance to councils undergoing local government reorganisation covering financial and asset‑related decision making. This makes clear that councils should take a responsible approach and avoid actions that could jeopardise the financial sustainability of successor authorities.

The Government plans to release further non-statutory guidance in the coming months, to assist councils undergoing reorganisation in determining a sustainable and equitable division of assets held by existing councils between new unitary authorities.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many proposals they have received from local authorities under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 relating to the promotion of sustainability in local government since 2015.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

We have not identified any proposals received from local authorities under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 relating to the promotion of sustainability in local government since 2015.