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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what representations his Department has received from local authorities on creating charter trustees, in the context of local government restructuring.

No formal representations have yet been received from local authorities on creating charter trustees.

The government will ensure that the ceremonial rights and privileges of an area will be maintained after any reorganisation. As part of the statutory invitation for reorganisation, all areas were asked to consider any impact on ceremonial rights as part of their proposals. Officials have been supporting councils as they develop proposals ready for submission to government in the coming weeks and months.