Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the reasons for Bolton Council declining to participate in the voter ID pilot for the May 2018 local elections.

We are currently considering a request, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, for related information.

On the one hand, the Government needs to take account of the public interest of making its decisions as transparently as possible. But on the other hand, we must also ensure policy decisions are informed by a free and frank exchange of views about all available options, and a clear understanding of their implications.

I will ask officials to write to the Hon member when a decision has been made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.