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

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many cities have single member electoral wards; what are the criteria for establishing a single member electoral ward; and in such wards, what contingency measures can be taken if the single representative is unable to undertake their duties.

In England, warding arrangements and reviews of them are a matter for the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, an independent body accountable to Parliament. When undertaking reviews, the Commission consults with the councils themselves and local communities. All of the Commission’s recommendations as to warding arrangements are subject to Parliamentary approval. Any contingency measures are a matter for the relevant council itself to arrange.