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 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.