Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his Department’s letter to Essex councils dated 26 March 2026, whether nomination to be the Essex County Council representative on the Joint Committee will be determined by (a) the full council, (b) the local county councillors, (c) the district council, or (d) someone else.

The Department’s letter of 26 March set out the Secretary of State’s decisions for inclusion in the proposed Structural Change Order, including the intended total number of councillors for each new council, based on the proposals submitted. Those figures will inform the Order, subject to the Parliamentary process. Interim warding arrangements are required to support first elections to new councils. They differ from a full electoral review, reflecting the need to put transitional arrangements in place within the available timetable for reorganisation. This is the usual process for reorganisation. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is responsible for delivering fair electoral and boundary arrangements for English councils. It is an independent body accountable to Parliament that reviews the electoral and boundary arrangements of councils and is responsible for calculating the appropriate number of Councillors per authority and assessing the appropriate ward boundaries, taking into account local issues. The Commission intend to undertake a full electoral review of all new councils after their first election and before their second. As set out in the letter, Joint Committees will be established for each new council area and will comprise members drawn from the relevant predecessor authorities. The process for nominating members will be determined by those councils within the framework provided by the Order.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his Department’s letter to Essex councils dated 26 March 2026, whether shadow councils will be permitted to decide whether to retain the all out election frequency, or move to elections by thirds or halves after the 2027 election.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, new unitary councils are expected to take on full council functions from 1 April 2028, with elections to new shadow councils in May 2027. The scheme of elections for the new councils will be set out in the Structural Changes Order, with all‑out elections expected, in line with previous reorganisations. Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, only certain types of councils may resolve to move from whole‑council elections to elections by thirds, and these provisions do not apply to newly established councils. As set out in the Secretary of State’s letter of 26 March 2026, it is anticipated that the Structural Changes Order will be brought forward in the Autumn. No decisions have yet been taken on the warding arrangements, including how many wards there will be and how many councillors will serve each ward. As set out in the Department’s letter of 26 March, councils in Essex have been asked to submit their suggested interim warding arrangements, based on existing wards, divisions and parish boundaries, by 29 May for inclusion in the Structural Changes Order.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made regarding the expected effectiveness of the delivery of council-run services under the proposed five-council model of Essex compared to its current council structure.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether he had any discussions with the leader of Basildon council before deciding to cancel Basildon’s 2027 local election.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, when the legislation to cancel Basildon’s 2027 local election will be brought before Parliament.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he has made the progress of local authorities’ local plans before deciding on the five-council model for Essex.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made before his decision of how long it would take for efficiency savings as a result of restructuring local authorities in Essex to exceed any costs of restructuring.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2026 to Question 123457 on Local Government and Voluntary Organisations: Social Impact Bonds, whether his Department consulted the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport on whether cancelling Essex's inaugural 2026 mayoral election would lead to less funding opportunities for Essex with regards to the Better Futures Fund.

The Government has decided to delay – not cancel – inaugural mayoral elections in places like Essex, which are undertaking local government reorganisation, to allow that process to conclude and ensure there are firm institutional foundations in place before the mayor takes office. We are nevertheless seeking to establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities in these areas ahead of this and as quickly as possible. The Government is committed to ensuring the Better Futures Fund provides adequate coverage across England and we expect this will include appropriate opportunities for local authorities not currently covered by a Mayoral Strategic Authority, as well as Mayoral Strategic Authorities that are yet to hold inaugural mayoral elections, to apply for funding.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether by-elections will continue to take place to Basildon council, in light of his decision to cancel the 2027 Basildon council election.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what estimate he has made of the debt projected to be acquired by Thurrock council by 2028.

All proposals for local government reorganisation were considered carefully, on a case‑by‑case basis, against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance, alongside responses to the consultation, representations made, and all other relevant information. This included evidence on the estimated costs and benefits of each proposal. The five unitary model met the criteria on being the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.The Government has committed to repay in-principle £200m of debt repayment support to Thurrock Council in 2026-27. This is a significant and unprecedented commitment given the historic capital practices at the Council and is a decision that has not been taken lightly, reflecting the value for money case for protecting taxpayers from the spiralling costs of ever-increasing debt. This is a first tranche of debt repayment support, and we will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the press release entitled Ministers rip up consultation culture, published on 26 March 2026, what research his Department have conducted of the efficiencies that will be gained by replacing Environmental Impact Assessments with Environmental Outcomes Reports; and whether this will be published.

I refer the hon. Member to the Environmental Outcomes Reports: Roadmap to reform published on 13 March 2026, which can be found on gov.uk here, and the response to the previous government’s March 2023 consultation on Environmental Outcomes Reports, which can be found on gov.uk here.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the press release entitled Ministers rip up consultation culture, published on 26 March 2026, what differences will exist between Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Outcomes Reports in terms of scope and scrutiny.

I refer the hon. Member to the Environmental Outcomes Reports: Roadmap to reform published on 13 March 2026, which can be found on gov.uk here, and the response to the previous government’s March 2023 consultation on Environmental Outcomes Reports, which can be found on gov.uk here.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether he sought legal advice before deciding to cancel the 2027 Basildon election.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, if he will list who he consulted before deciding to cancel the 2027 Basildon council election.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether the debt acquired by Basildon council over the last two years was considered when deciding it should merge with Thurrock.

All proposals for local government reorganisation were considered carefully, on a case‑by‑case basis, against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance, alongside responses to the consultation, representations made, and all other relevant information. This included evidence on the estimated costs and benefits of each proposal. The five unitary model met the criteria on being the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.The Government has committed to repay in-principle £200m of debt repayment support to Thurrock Council in 2026-27. This is a significant and unprecedented commitment given the historic capital practices at the Council and is a decision that has not been taken lightly, reflecting the value for money case for protecting taxpayers from the spiralling costs of ever-increasing debt. This is a first tranche of debt repayment support, and we will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made of the expected level of debt of Basildon Council by 2028 in determining the creation of South West Essex Council.

All proposals for local government reorganisation were considered carefully, on a case‑by‑case basis, against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance, alongside responses to the consultation, representations made, and all other relevant information. This included evidence on the estimated costs and benefits of each proposal. The five unitary model met the criteria on being the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.The Government has committed to repay in-principle £200m of debt repayment support to Thurrock Council in 2026-27. This is a significant and unprecedented commitment given the historic capital practices at the Council and is a decision that has not been taken lightly, reflecting the value for money case for protecting taxpayers from the spiralling costs of ever-increasing debt. This is a first tranche of debt repayment support, and we will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether he made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing the 2027 Basildon council elections forward to 2026.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what were the reasons for his decision to cancel the 2027 local elections in Basildon.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether there will be any public consultation on what the names of the five new Essex councils should be.

A statutory consultation has already been undertaken on the proposal for five new unitary councils, which will now be implemented.It is intended that the secondary legislation establishing the new councils will name them in line with that proposal.Once established, new councils will have the same powers as other local authorities to change their name if they choose to do so. It will be for the councils themselves to determine whether they wish to pursue a different name and whether to engage the public as part of that process.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made of the potential merits of the three-council model advocated by Essex County Council.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.