Written questions by McMurdock.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, whether any of the lenders present at the meeting referenced in the press release disagreed with the proposed measures.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made before his decision of how long it would take for efficiency savings as a result of restructuring local authorities in Essex to exceed any costs of restructuring.

A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a case-by-case basis, against the criteria, alongside the responses to the consultation, representations made and all other relevant information. This includes evidence to support the delivery of high-quality public services and estimated costs/benefits of each proposal. The Government has made an unprecedented in-principle commitment of £200m to support Thurrock’s debt repayment and is confident that the five unitary model will be delivered on a financially sustainable basis.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, what timetable has been set for the implementation of enhanced mortgage support measures.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, what eligibility criteria will apply to borrowers seeking support under the enhanced measures.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, what specific commitments were agreed by lenders during the meeting referenced in the announcement.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 17 March 2026, what estimate she has made of the proportion of local media organisations that will receive no support from the action plan.

The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK, and recognises the vital role that local press plays in scrutinising local institutions, and reflecting communities’ views and perspectives. Our recently published Local Media Action Plan will support local media organisations across the country to innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news. Our overarching goal is to empower communities through a thriving local media which highlights the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, social cohesion and local growth. In the Action Plan we have made a series of commitments which will help local media, including: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; launching a new campaign starting in the North West to encourage more young people into journalism careers; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services. We are not planning any initiatives relating to the production of school newspapers. However, we do want to ensure that young people continue to have access to trustworthy and high quality news online from a range of sources. We are working with industry to promote and improve the ‘Newspapers for Schools’ News Library, an existing platform offering digital access to 150 local and national news titles for all state-funded primary and secondary schools in the country.

What assessment she has made of the fairness of Vehicle Excise Duty for motorcycles compared with cars.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions. VED for motorcycles is currently based on engine size. There are four engine size ranges, with the lowest rate applying to zero emission motorcycles and the smallest engines sized 150cc or less (currently £27). The highest rate applies to engines sized 600cc and above (currently £125). The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, how many mortgage holders she estimates will benefit from the measures agreed with lenders.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, which mortgage lenders attended the meeting referenced in the press release.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

What assessment she has made of the contribution of motorcycles to road wear compared with cars.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the contribution of motorcycles to road wear compared with cars.Guidance for local authorities already highlights the need for maintenance plans to account for changes in circumstances. The main guidance for local highway authorities on asset management is the Code of Practice for Well-Managed Highways Infrastructure, published by the UK Roads Leadership Group and funded by the Department for Transport. The guidance sets out a national framework for how local highway authorities should manage their networks using a risk-based, evidence-led approach, taking account of current and expected highways usage. The Department is currently reviewing the Code of Practice, including to ensure it considers the implications of different vehicle types, their increasing weights, and traffic composition on road maintenance. An updated version will be published by the end of this year.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, how compliance by lenders with the agreed measures will be monitored.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, whether she plans to publish data on the uptake and effectiveness of the mortgage support measures.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, what enforcement mechanisms will be available if lenders fail to deliver the agreed support.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made of the expected level of debt of Basildon Council by 2028 in determining the creation of South West Essex Council.

All proposals for local government reorganisation were considered carefully, on a case‑by‑case basis, against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance, alongside responses to the consultation, representations made, and all other relevant information. This included evidence on the estimated costs and benefits of each proposal. The five unitary model met the criteria on being the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.The Government has committed to repay in-principle £200m of debt repayment support to Thurrock Council in 2026-27. This is a significant and unprecedented commitment given the historic capital practices at the Council and is a decision that has not been taken lightly, reflecting the value for money case for protecting taxpayers from the spiralling costs of ever-increasing debt. This is a first tranche of debt repayment support, and we will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, if he will list who he consulted before deciding to cancel the 2027 Basildon council election.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether he sought legal advice before deciding to cancel the 2027 Basildon election.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, when the legislation to cancel Basildon’s 2027 local election will be brought before Parliament.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 17 March 2026, whether participation in the school newspaper initiative will be mandatory or voluntary for schools.

The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK, and recognises the vital role that local press plays in scrutinising local institutions, and reflecting communities’ views and perspectives. Our recently published Local Media Action Plan will support local media organisations across the country to innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news. Our overarching goal is to empower communities through a thriving local media which highlights the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, social cohesion and local growth. In the Action Plan we have made a series of commitments which will help local media, including: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; launching a new campaign starting in the North West to encourage more young people into journalism careers; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services. We are not planning any initiatives relating to the production of school newspapers. However, we do want to ensure that young people continue to have access to trustworthy and high quality news online from a range of sources. We are working with industry to promote and improve the ‘Newspapers for Schools’ News Library, an existing platform offering digital access to 150 local and national news titles for all state-funded primary and secondary schools in the country.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what were the reasons for his decision to cancel the 2027 local elections in Basildon.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether he made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing the 2027 Basildon council elections forward to 2026.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set out in the summary of the local government reorganisation process published in July 2025, and consistent with previous reorganisations including the approach taken for Surrey, that Order will make transitional and electoral arrangements. This will include replacing scheduled elections to councils that are to be abolished with elections to the new unitary councils. Where elections would otherwise take place, councillors’ terms are instead extended for a short, defined period, ensuring continuity of democratic representation while avoiding elections that would result in very short terms of office. Replacing those elections with all‑out elections to the new councils supports an orderly transition and provides clarity about future governance arrangements. Until the Structural Changes Order comes into force and the existing councils are abolished on 1 April 2028, current councils will remain responsible for services in their areas, and the usual arrangements, including for by‑elections where vacancies arise, will continue to apply. In taking these decisions, the Secretary of State had regard to all representations received, including consultation responses, and all other relevant information available.