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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when she plans to next visit the New Forest and Waterside to assess their (a) societal, (b) cultural, (c) economic and (d) historical ties and interdependence.

The Government recognises the New Forest’s distinct identity and the importance of its cultural, economic and historic ties, including with the Waterside. Ministers regularly visit local areas to engage with communities and stakeholders and would be happy to consider a future visit at an appropriate time.

With regard to local government reorganisation, the Government has withdrawn the decision in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton and is undertaking a rapid review of the programme, including the withdrawn decision. The Government will set out next steps as soon as possible.