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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department will consider the potential merits of providing funding to borough councils in Surrey to meet the costs of operating as shadow authorities during local government reorganisation.

Earlier this year, the government provided funding to support councils preparing proposals, the first time that such funding was made available in partnership with the sector, we continue to provide practical support advice on preparing for reorganisation.

We expect councils to be able to meet transition costs from existing budgets, including from the flexible use of capital receipts. However, we are open to discussions with any council that may have concerns about its financial position.