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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will publish the (a) evidence, (b) analysis and (c) financial modelling underpinning the decision to create four unitary authorities in Hertfordshire.

The proposals and supporting evidence submitted by councils formed the primary basis for assessment, alongside official analysis. Officials drew on sector benchmarking data, evidence from previous reorganisations, Government appraisal guidance and departmental modelling based on published sources. The former Secretary of State considered this material in the round, having regard to all the criteria set out in the invitation and all other relevant information available when reaching his decision on local government reorganisation in Hertfordshire. The Government does not intend to publish the advice and analysis provided to Ministers as part of the decision-making process.

On local government reorganisation more broadly, I refer the Hon. Lady to the Secretary of State’s oral statement on 7 September.