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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, 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 discussed the proposed models of local government reorganisation with the leaders of (a) Thurrock Council, (b) Basildon Council and (c) Essex County Council before making his final decision.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.