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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has assessed the potential impact of the extended transition period on the ability of councils to recruit and retain experienced senior officers and elected members.

The Government recognises the impact of uncertainty during the Local Government Reorganisation review on council staff and councillors. The Government has committed to giving colleagues in councils and local people clarity on their future as soon as possible. Practical support and guidance continue to be available to councils to help them with their workforce planning and leadership support during reorganisation.