Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the amount of available brownfield land to meet local housing needs.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 84470 on 30 October 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of speeding up local plan adoption on annual housing supply in each of the next five years.

My Department has made no such assessment as we do not forecast or project housing delivery for individual local planning authorities. We expect the new plan-making system to have a positive impact on housing supply by helping ensure there is a more sustainable pipeline of land for development.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the new local plan-making system on protections for Green Belt land.

The new plan-making system is designed to ensure that local plans are faster to prepare and simpler for end users to access and understand. The government's approach to Green Belt in England, including the circumstances in which it should be reviewed, is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It is for local planning authorities to set out policies for Green Belt in their local plans in accordance with national policy in the NPPF. This remains unchanged in the new local plan-making system. When local planning authorities submit their local plan for examination, they are required to submit any supporting documents that they consider are relevant and necessary to support the examination of their plan. This might include supporting documents that form part of their evidence base. In order to deliver the homes and growth the country needs, we expect all local planning authorities to make every effort to get up-to-date local plans in place as soon as possible. As a government, we have made a clear commitment to achieving universal local plan coverage. To that end, we have been clear that we intend to drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible. The government is committed to taking tough action to ensure local authorities have up-to-date local plans in place. The law provides intervention powers for the government to take action to ensure that plans are progressed. Any decisions taken in relation to intervention in plan-making are considered on a case-by-case basis and take into account local circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, whether local planning authorities will be required to publish assessments of Green Belt and Grey Belt release as part of their evidence base during plan preparation.

The new plan-making system is designed to ensure that local plans are faster to prepare and simpler for end users to access and understand. The government's approach to Green Belt in England, including the circumstances in which it should be reviewed, is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It is for local planning authorities to set out policies for Green Belt in their local plans in accordance with national policy in the NPPF. This remains unchanged in the new local plan-making system. When local planning authorities submit their local plan for examination, they are required to submit any supporting documents that they consider are relevant and necessary to support the examination of their plan. This might include supporting documents that form part of their evidence base. In order to deliver the homes and growth the country needs, we expect all local planning authorities to make every effort to get up-to-date local plans in place as soon as possible. As a government, we have made a clear commitment to achieving universal local plan coverage. To that end, we have been clear that we intend to drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible. The government is committed to taking tough action to ensure local authorities have up-to-date local plans in place. The law provides intervention powers for the government to take action to ensure that plans are progressed. Any decisions taken in relation to intervention in plan-making are considered on a case-by-case basis and take into account local circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, whether the interim Combined County Authority will be responsible for determining the allocation of initial funding in the context of the cancellation of the 2026 mayoral election in Greater Essex.

We have written to the leaders of all areas on the Devolution Priority Programme, including Greater Essex, confirming that we will ensure the new institutions are able to start investing in local growth priorities prior to the inaugural mayoral election. As set out in the written ministerial statement, each area will receive an investment fund which can be used for local growth initiatives.

Communities and Local Government, who his Department consulted before the decision to cancel mayoral elections in 2026.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, whether funding for Greater Essex will be delayed as a result of the cancellation of the mayoral election.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, for what reason Greater Essex’s mayoral election has been cancelled until 2028.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of cancelling the mayoral election for Greater Essex on lower tier authorities, including Basildon council.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, when local councils were informed of the decision to cancel mayoral local elections.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, at what time and date was the decision taken to cancel mayoral elections in 2026.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision to cancel mayoral elections in 2026 in (a) Essex and (b) other areas with cancelled mayoral elections on Police and Crime Commissioners.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the cancellation of the 2026 Greater Essex mayoral election on the interim voting arrangements for the combined county authority.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the cancellation of the 2026 Greater Essex mayoral elections on the initial funding of the new Greater Essex combined authority.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of Greater Essex’s progress on devolution, in the context of the decision to cancel the mayoral election.

There has not been a decision to cancel the mayoral election in Greater Essex. Following the ministerial reshuffle, the Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. As a result, the Government is now minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Devolution is strongest when it is built on strong foundations, and this extra time will allow these four areas to establish strong institutions ahead of their Mayors taking office in 2028. The Government will continue to support Greater Essex to build on the great strides they have already made towards the establishment of their Mayoral Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, given the cancellation of Greater Essex’s mayoral election, can the minister confirm that the lower-tier authorities in Essex, including Basildon Council, will have 2026 elections as scheduled.

On 2026 elections, I refer the Hon. Gentleman to my answer to Question UIN 94417 of 24 November. Our answer remains that local elections will go ahead unless there is strong justification otherwise. The Government announced on 4 December that we are minded to hold inaugural elections for the proposed Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority in 2028 rather than 2026. This is separate to council elections. There is no statutory provision for referendums as part of local government reorganisation. Parliament has already set out in legislation the process for establishing unitary councils in two-tier areas, and a referendum is not part of this process. We understand communities should have their say in the future of local government in their area so we have been clear on the importance of councils engaging with local residents and organisations as they develop their proposals. The Government is now consulting on final proposals for local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. The Hon. Member’s constituents are able to respond here.

Communities and Local Government, will the upper-tier authorities Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, and Southend Council have 2026 elections as scheduled.

On 2026 elections, I refer the Hon. Gentleman to my answer to Question UIN 94417 of 24 November. Our answer remains that local elections will go ahead unless there is strong justification otherwise. The Government announced on 4 December that we are minded to hold inaugural elections for the proposed Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority in 2028 rather than 2026. This is separate to council elections. There is no statutory provision for referendums as part of local government reorganisation. Parliament has already set out in legislation the process for establishing unitary councils in two-tier areas, and a referendum is not part of this process. We understand communities should have their say in the future of local government in their area so we have been clear on the importance of councils engaging with local residents and organisations as they develop their proposals. The Government is now consulting on final proposals for local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. The Hon. Member’s constituents are able to respond here.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of delaying mayoral elections on (a) Greater Essex and (b) other areas with cancelled mayoral elections.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 1 December 2025 to Question 94117 on Local Government: Essex, what his planned timetable was for announcing the cancellation of the mayoral elections in 2026.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.

Communities and Local Government, whether he intends to review the voting arrangements of the interim Combined County Authority of Greater Essex in light of the cancellation of the 2026 mayoral election.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.