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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure that Local Government Reorganisation take account of the needs of rural businesses.

Strong local government will help grow the economy and drive up living standards – the government’s number one mission.

We understand communities, including rural businesses, should be able to have their say on the future of their local public services so we have been clear on the importance of councils engaging with local residents and organisations as they developed their proposals. Proposals should show how councils in the area have sought to work together in coming to a view that meets local needs and is informed by local views.

Local businesses are also able to respond to the statutory consultation on proposals for their area. Following the consultation, proposals will be considered carefully alongside the responses received and all other relevant information.