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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will arrange local referenda before proceeding with local government reorganisation in Lancashire.

There are no plans to require local referendums on proposed local government reorganisations. Proposals for local government must meet local needs and be informed by local views. It is for councils to decide how best to engage locally in a meaningful and constructive way and this engagement activity should be evidenced in a proposal.

Once a proposal has been submitted it will be for the Government to decide on taking a proposal forward and to consult as required by statute.