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 the ​​English Devolution White Paper​, published on 16 December 2024, whether local authorities may submit more than one proposed model of suggested re-organisation in their area when responding to the Government's correspondence on this matter.

As set out in the invitation letters sent to all two-tier areas and neighbouring small unitary councils, it is the Government’s expectation that local leaders work collaboratively and proactively, including by sharing information, to develop robust and sustainable unitary proposals that are in the best interests of the whole area to which this invitation is issued, rather than developing competing proposals. This will mean making every effort to work together to develop and jointly submit one proposal for unitary local government across the whole of their area.

I also set out that there will be some cases when it is not possible for all councils in an area to jointly develop and submit a proposal, despite their best efforts. This will not be a barrier to progress, and the government will consider any suitable proposals submitted by the relevant local authorities.