Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the timescale for the proposed changes to local government structures in Buckinghamshire.

In his written statement (HCWS535) the Secretary of State explained that before he takes his final decision on the Buckinghamshire unitary proposals, there is a period until 25 May 2018 during which those interested may make further representations. Thereafter having regard to all relevant information then available to him, he intends as soon as practicable to take his final decision, and if that decision is to implement one of the proposals, to seek Parliamentary approval to the necessary secondary legislation. If Parliament were to approve any such legislation, the expectation is that the earliest any new unitary authorities could be established is April 2020.