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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's letter to Leaders of all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitary authorities of 16 December 2024, what is the (a) process and (b) timetable for secondary legislation to postpone local council elections from May 2025 to May 2026.

A number of councils have responded to my letter of 16 December, making requests involving postponement of their May 2025 elections. A list of those councils can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-reorganisation-letter-to-two-tier-areas

In my letter I set out that requests will only be considered where it is clear that postponement will help the area to deliver both reorganisation and devolution to the most ambitious timeframe. A decision will be made in due course, recognising the need to give confirmation as soon as practically possible. If I decide to make secondary legislation to postpone elections from May 2025 to 2026, such legislation would be subject to the negative resolution procedure.