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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who is leading the review of the local government reorganisation programme announced on 7 September 2026; and whether any external advisers have been appointed to support that review.

I am undertaking a rapid review of the local government reorganisation programme. We are working at pace and will report back to Parliament at the earliest opportunity. We recognise the need for clarity and will set out next steps as soon as possible, including any plans for stakeholder engagement.