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 correspondence entitled Local government reorganisation: invitation to local authorities in two-tier areas, published on 6 February 2025, whether members of the public can respond to the invitation letters; and what weight will be given to representations from organisations other than the (a) principal authorities and (b) town and parish councils.

The formal invitations to submit unitary proposals were sent to the leaders of all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. These letters have been published on gov.uk. The letters set out the criteria for the development of unitary proposals, as well as the process that will be followed.

The letter asks areas to provide an interim plan to Government on or before 21 March 2025, and provides guidance as to what areas should include in their interim plans.

The letters set out expectations that areas jointly develop and submit a single proposal however there will be some cases when it is not possible for all councils in an area to jointly develop and submit a proposal and Government will consider any suitable proposals submitted by the relevant local authorities.

It is for councils to respond to the invitation letters, having developed robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. They should engage their Members of Parliament, and ensure there is wide engagement with local partners and stakeholders, residents, workforce and their representatives, and businesses in working up their proposals.

The letter sets out that once a proposal has been submitted, it will be for the Secretary of State to decide on taking a proposal forward and will consult on proposals, as required by statute.