Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, with refence to his Department's oral statement of 18 December 2025 on Local Government Reorganisation, Official Report col 1132, what measures will be in place to ensure that council areas undergoing reorganisation do not overspend due to their debts being inherited by a new council area.

On the management of debt, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 77936 on 13 October 2025. It is the responsibility of councils to manage their budgets, and it is standard for councils to borrow and to hold debt, which they will do in the normal course of business. Local government reorganisation does not change this.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his Department's oral statement of 18 December 2025 on Local Government Reorganisation, whether his Department plans to change rules for the establishment and disestablishment of parish councils.

The government recognises that local authorities undergoing Local Government Reorganisation may wish to establish new town and parish councils through the separate Community Governance Review process. In doing so, they should show how these will contribute to reorganisation’s overall goal of creating simpler structures that deliver high quality and sustainable public services to citizens. The government views the existing Community Governance Review process as suitable in ensuring that parishing arrangements reflect the needs and wishes of local communities.

Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions his Department have had with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on the process of public consultation on new boundary wards.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body, accountable to Parliament, responsible for delivering fair electoral and boundary arrangements for English councils. As an independent body, decisions about the process of public consultation on new ward boundaries are a matter for the Commission in line with its statutory duties. The Department has had no recent discussions with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on this process.

Communities and Local Government, how many commercial buildings contain reinforced concrete transfer slabs constructed using unsafe historic design methods in South Basildon & East Thurrock constituency.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) only holds information related to Higher-Risk Buildings with at least two residential units and cannot provide a response to questions related to commercial premises. For Higher-Risk Buildings, the BSR does not hold specific Key Building Information in relation to reinforced concrete transfer slabs which includes those constructed using prior design methods.

Communities and Local Government, how many residential and mixed‑use buildings in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) England contain reinforced concrete transfer slabs constructed using unsafe historic design methods.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) only holds information related to Higher-Risk Buildings with at least two residential units and cannot provide a response to questions related to commercial premises. For Higher-Risk Buildings, the BSR does not hold specific Key Building Information in relation to reinforced concrete transfer slabs which includes those constructed using prior design methods.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of accessibility requirements for Changing Places toilets in private sector developments.

Through our £30.5 million Changing Places Toilet programme, we have supported the installation of 483 new disabled toilet facilities across 220 local authority areas in England. This targeted investment helped address gaps where provision was limited or non-existent. Although this programme closed on 31 March 2025, changes to the statutory guidance which accompanies the Building Regulations (Approved Document M, Volume 2), made in January 2021, make provision for Changing Places facilities in new buildings other than dwellings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) that fall above a certain size threshold. This aims to significantly increase the availability of these vital facilities over time and makes accessibility a mainstream consideration in how we plan and build our public spaces.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer to Question 99603 on Local Government: Essex, what discussions he had Cabinet colleagues prior to informing councils that multiple mayoral elections would not proceed in 2026.

I spoke to leaders in Greater Essex following the announcement of funding and next steps for the devolution agreements that are being developed through the Devolution Priority Programme. The Department has continued to engage closely with them since the announcement, jointly discussing the benefits devolution will bring to these areas. As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer to Question 99612 on Local Government: Essex, if he will publish the minutes of any meetings held discussing the interim voting arrangements of the combined authority for Greater Essex.

I spoke to leaders in Greater Essex following the announcement of funding and next steps for the devolution agreements that are being developed through the Devolution Priority Programme. The Department has continued to engage closely with them since the announcement, jointly discussing the benefits devolution will bring to these areas. As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer to Question 99604 on Local Government: Essex, if he will publish the minutes of any meetings held with councils whose mayoral elections are not proceeding in 2026.

I spoke to leaders in Greater Essex following the announcement of funding and next steps for the devolution agreements that are being developed through the Devolution Priority Programme. The Department has continued to engage closely with them since the announcement, jointly discussing the benefits devolution will bring to these areas. As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer to Question 99603 on Local Government: Essex, if he will publish any meeting minutes for meetings held regarding the decision to delay multiple mayoral elections.

I spoke to leaders in Greater Essex following the announcement of funding and next steps for the devolution agreements that are being developed through the Devolution Priority Programme. The Department has continued to engage closely with them since the announcement, jointly discussing the benefits devolution will bring to these areas. As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer to Questions 99609, 99610, and 99611 on Local Government: Essex, whether financial support will be provided to (a) Thurrock, (b) Essex and its lower authorities and (c) Southend councils to compensate them for preparations made for the 2026 mayoral elections.

I spoke to leaders in Greater Essex following the announcement of funding and next steps for the devolution agreements that are being developed through the Devolution Priority Programme. The Department has continued to engage closely with them since the announcement, jointly discussing the benefits devolution will bring to these areas. As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.

Communities and Local Government, whether shadow elections for Greater Essex will proceed as previously planned for 2027.

The Government received four reorganisation proposals from Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock councils on 26 September 2025. On 19 November 2025, we launched a consultation on these proposals which will run for seven weeks until 11 January 2026. A decision, on which, if any, proposal to implement will follow the closure of the consultation The Government will work with areas to hold elections for new unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement for local government reorganisation. Our desire is that elections will be held to new councils in May 2027 ahead of “go live” for the new structures in 2028.

Communities and Local Government, if he will publish the minutes for any meetings held on Greater Essex's shadow elections scheduled for 2027.

The Government received four reorganisation proposals from Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock councils on 26 September 2025. On 19 November 2025, we launched a consultation on these proposals which will run for seven weeks until 11 January 2026. A decision, on which, if any, proposal to implement will follow the closure of the consultation The Government will work with areas to hold elections for new unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement for local government reorganisation. Our desire is that elections will be held to new councils in May 2027 ahead of “go live” for the new structures in 2028.

Communities and Local Government, if he will confirm the timeline for the boundary review for the 2027 Greater Essex shadow elections.

The Government received four reorganisation proposals from Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock councils on 26 September 2025. On 19 November 2025, we launched a consultation on these proposals which will run for seven weeks until 11 January 2026. A decision, on which, if any, proposal to implement will follow the closure of the consultation The Government will work with areas to hold elections for new unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement for local government reorganisation. Our desire is that elections will be held to new councils in May 2027 ahead of “go live” for the new structures in 2028.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97401 on Local Government: Essex, what discussions his Department had with Thurrock Council regarding the costs incurred by their preparations for the 2026 mayoral election in Greater Essex.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97401 on Local Government: Essex, what discussions he has had with Essex County Council on the costs incurred by their preparations for the 2026 mayoral election in Greater Essex.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97397 on Local Government: Essex, what discussions were had on the option of holding Greater Essex's mayoral election in 2027.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97401 on Local Government: Essex, what discussions were had with Southend Council regarding the costs incurred by their preparations for the 2026 mayoral election in Greater Essex.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97387 on Local Government: Essex, when discussions began on whether to no longer proceed with the mayoral elections in 2026.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97447 on Local Government: Essex, whether the planned interim voting arrangements for the mayoral strategic authority were considered prior to the decision to move the mayoral election date to 2028.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground, ahead of the mayors taking office.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.