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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the written statement on 19 November 2025, HCWS1071, on Local Government Reorganisation, by when legislation is needed to cancel local elections that were scheduled to take place in May 2026.

As set out in my statement of 18 December, councils are in the best position to judge their local capacity and the impact of potential postponements of local elections in their area. In the spirit of devolution and trusting local leaders, this government will listen to them.

We have therefore written to council leaders in the councils going through reorganisation with elections scheduled for May 2026, inviting them to set out their views by 15 January.

If any legislation is required, it will be brought forward as soon as possible.