Written questions by Hollinrake.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Answer of 30 January 2025 to Question HL4145 on Local Government: Elections, for what reason her Department is using the provisions in the Local Government Act 2000 rather than the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

Our use of the power under the Local Government Act 2000 to postpone local council elections is consistent with precedent in areas preparing for local government re-organisation, for example: Buckinghamshire (S.I. 2018/1355), Cumbria (S.I. 2021/174), North Yorkshire (S.I. 2021/175), Northamptonshire (S.I. 2018/1324), Somerset (S.I. 2021/176) and Weymouth and Portland (S.I. 2018/256).In contrast, the power in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 is for use in the context of a structural changes Order implementing a proposal for local government reorganisation.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to her plans to give councils new powers to issue bye-laws, whether it is her intention that such bye-laws could regulate otherwise lawful activity on private land and property.

The government will work with councils to determine how and what byelaws can be made as set out in the English Devolution White Paper.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 3 February 2025 to Question 27350 on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, what the policy is of the Planning Inspectorate on representations to planning inquiries submitted after the deadline.

Annexe B.13 of the Planning Inspectorate’s ‘Called-in planning applications: procedural guide’ explains the approach taken to representations submitted after the deadline. It can be found on gov.uk here.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2025 to Question HL4145, on Local Government: Elections, if he will make it his policy to ensure that plans for local government reorganisation to (a) replace the two-tier system of local government and (b) reorganise existing unitary councils are put out for public consultation in line with the (i) Gunning Principles and (ii) Cabinet Office’s “Consultation principles: guidance”.

As set out in statutory invitation issued on 5 February, we expect local leaders to engage their Members of Parliament, and to ensure there is wide engagement with local partners and stakeholders, residents, workforce and their representatives, and businesses in working up their proposals. The engagement that is undertaken should both inform the development of robust proposals and should also build a shared understanding of the improvements areas expect to deliver through reorganisation.The views of other public sector providers will be crucial to understanding the best way to structure local government in an area. This will include the relevant Mayor, Integrated Care Board, Police (Fire) and Crime Commissioner, Fire and Rescue Authority, local Higher Education and Further Education providers, National Park Authorities, and the voluntary and third sector.Once a proposal has been submitted it will be for the Government to decide on taking a proposal forward and to consult as required by statute.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 17 January 2025 to Question 22646 on MHCLG: Religion, if she will list each of the individual faith days or faith events recognised by her Department since 5 July 2024.

This department recognises that there are many different religious days and festivals throughout the year, and these can have different levels of significance for people of faith. For major religious festivals, the government aims to mark these appropriately through ministerial attendance at events, receptions or through the department’s social media channels.This department also recognises the importance of meaningful engagement as an opportunity to reach out to our faith communities and celebrate their invaluable contribution to life in our country. My ministerial colleague, Lord Khan of Burnley, in his first six months as Faith Minister, was proud to have engaged with all faith groups in the UK.

Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for the next (a) revaluation of the Local Government Pension Schemes and (b) the review of employer and employee contribution rates.

As required by Regulation 62 (1) of the LGPS Regulations 2013, a formal valuation of all Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds is carried out every three years. The next valuation will take place as at 31 March 2025. This will set local employer contribution rates which will come into effect for the 2026-27 financial year. Employee contribution rates are set centrally and reviewed on a regular basis.

Communities and Local Government, if she will hold discussions with the Leader of the House of Lords on the applicability of the Salisbury-Addison convention to the policies set out in the English Devolution white paper, published on 16 December 2024.

The English Devolution Bill will deliver on the ambition of the English Devolution White Paper.The Bill will be subject to the usual Parliamentary procedures.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2025 to Question 23351 on Regulatory of Social Housing: Translation Services and with reference to the Answer of 15 January 2025 to Question HL3662 on Civil Service: Translation Services, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the approach taken by the Regulator of Social Housing on translating in foreign languages.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing.To deliver the outcomes of the regulator’s Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, all registered providers must ensure that communication with, and information for, tenants is clear, accessible, and appropriate to their diverse needs.The regulator is operationally independent and has a duty to exercise its functions in a way that is proportionate and minimises interference in registered providers.The government will continue to engage closely with the regulator to ensure it delivers against its objectives.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 20 December 2024 to Question 19066 on Housing: Construction, whether she plans for housebuilding to reach above 300,000 net dwellings a year to meet shortfalls earlier in the Parliament.

The government has not set interim annual targets in respect of its ambitious Plan for Change milestone of delivering 1.5 million safe and decent homes in this Parliament.However, due to the reduced levels of housing supply that we inherited, the government has been clear that rates of housebuilding will have to increase significantly in the later years of the Parliament to meet that milestone.

Communities and Local Government, how many 16 year olds have photographic identification recognised under the Elections Act 2022.

As our manifesto made clear, the government will address the inconsistencies in the voter identification policy so that all legitimate electors are able to vote. As part of our continuing assessment and review of the policy we are in the process of researching ID ownership amongst 16 and 17 year olds ahead of the franchise change planned for this parliament. If any changes to the voter identification policy are found to be necessary or appropriate, we will bring forward proposals for them in due course.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to her oral statement of 5 February 2025 entitled English Devolution and Local Government, Official Report, column 767, if she (a) plans to legislate to direct local government restructuring in areas where principal authorities do not submit a request to restructure or (b) will consent to the decision not to submit a request.

The English Devolution White Paper set out that “We will expect all two tier areas and smaller or failing unitaries to develop proposals for reorganisation” and “We will deliver this process as quickly as possible, including through legislation where it becomes necessary to ensure progress.”I will set out detail on any further plans in due course.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to her oral statement of 5 February 2025, Official Report, Column 767, if she will place a copy of the (a) legal invitation to all 21 two-tier areas and (b) associated letters (i) in the House of Commons Library and (ii) on gov.uk.

The letters sent on 5 February to all councils in two-tier areas and neighbouring unitaries inviting proposals for local government reorganisation have been published on gov.uk here: Local government reorganisation: invitation to local authorities in two-tier areas - GOV.UK. The letter set out timelines for areas to submit proposals to the department and in an annex the criteria against which proposals will be assessed.The Deputy Prime Minister referred in her oral statement on 5 February 2025 to both the letter and the Written Ministerial Statement made on 5 February 2025 (HCWS418) setting out the requirements for these proposals.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement of 5 February 2025, HCWS418, on English Devolution and Local Government, what additional funding will be provided to councils in the Devolution Priority Programme; and whether these councils will be required to have a mayoral combined authority.

The Devolution Priority Programme aims to see a new wave of mayors elected in May 2026 across new mayoral combined authorities. Areas on the Programme will receive the full backing of government, this will include a long-term Mayoral Investment Fund. Funding will be confirmed at the forthcoming Spending Review.This government believes that the benefits of devolution are best achieved where there is a mayor in place, to provide strong local leadership and accountability, and the English Devolution White Paper sets out a framework for future devolution agreements, moving away from negotiated deals to a consistent devolution offer.

Communities and Local Government, when she plans to answer Question 16192 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Corporate Hospitality and Official Gifts, published on 26 November 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 16192 on 6 February 2025.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement of 5 February 2025 on English Devolution and Local Government, HCWS418, whether (a) district and (b) county council by-elections will be cancelled in areas with unitary restructuring.

Legislation to postpone an election to a principal local election will be in place before the deadline for the posting of notice of that election, which is 25 working days before the scheduled date of election.There are no plans to postpone district council elections in 2026. The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead unless there is strong justification.Where the scheduled May 2025 elections have been postponed, all by-elections will take place as normal. Where a vacancy would have been filled at an election which is postponed, they will, instead, be filled by by-election.Decisions on delivery of any new unitary structure, and the timetabling for this, is subject to the content of the proposals received from the area concerned. For any area in which elections are postponed, we will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible. We intend new unitary local government will be established or go-live in 2027 and 2028. Preceding authorities close on the same day as the establishment of new unitary local government for the area.We intend the Devolution Priority Programme inaugural mayoral elections to be in May 2026. We will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement in the process of local government reorganisation.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has plans to postpone district council elections in 2026.

Legislation to postpone an election to a principal local election will be in place before the deadline for the posting of notice of that election, which is 25 working days before the scheduled date of election.There are no plans to postpone district council elections in 2026. The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead unless there is strong justification.Where the scheduled May 2025 elections have been postponed, all by-elections will take place as normal. Where a vacancy would have been filled at an election which is postponed, they will, instead, be filled by by-election.Decisions on delivery of any new unitary structure, and the timetabling for this, is subject to the content of the proposals received from the area concerned. For any area in which elections are postponed, we will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible. We intend new unitary local government will be established or go-live in 2027 and 2028. Preceding authorities close on the same day as the establishment of new unitary local government for the area.We intend the Devolution Priority Programme inaugural mayoral elections to be in May 2026. We will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement in the process of local government reorganisation.

Communities and Local Government, what the latest date is to postpone local elections due to take place on 1 May 2025.

Legislation to postpone an election to a principal local election will be in place before the deadline for the posting of notice of that election, which is 25 working days before the scheduled date of election.There are no plans to postpone district council elections in 2026. The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead unless there is strong justification.Where the scheduled May 2025 elections have been postponed, all by-elections will take place as normal. Where a vacancy would have been filled at an election which is postponed, they will, instead, be filled by by-election.Decisions on delivery of any new unitary structure, and the timetabling for this, is subject to the content of the proposals received from the area concerned. For any area in which elections are postponed, we will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible. We intend new unitary local government will be established or go-live in 2027 and 2028. Preceding authorities close on the same day as the establishment of new unitary local government for the area.We intend the Devolution Priority Programme inaugural mayoral elections to be in May 2026. We will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement in the process of local government reorganisation.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement of 5 February 2025 on English Devolution and Local Government, HCWS418, what her planned timetable is for the (a) establishment of shadow unitary authorities, (b) the go-live date for the new unitary authorities and (c) the legal date for the closure of the previous district and county councils in areas where the May 2025 local elections have been cancelled.

Legislation to postpone an election to a principal local election will be in place before the deadline for the posting of notice of that election, which is 25 working days before the scheduled date of election.There are no plans to postpone district council elections in 2026. The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead unless there is strong justification.Where the scheduled May 2025 elections have been postponed, all by-elections will take place as normal. Where a vacancy would have been filled at an election which is postponed, they will, instead, be filled by by-election.Decisions on delivery of any new unitary structure, and the timetabling for this, is subject to the content of the proposals received from the area concerned. For any area in which elections are postponed, we will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible. We intend new unitary local government will be established or go-live in 2027 and 2028. Preceding authorities close on the same day as the establishment of new unitary local government for the area.We intend the Devolution Priority Programme inaugural mayoral elections to be in May 2026. We will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement in the process of local government reorganisation.

Communities and Local Government, which Department is responsible for policy on tackling antisemitism; and what role the Home Office plays on that issue.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is responsible for addressing racial and religious hate crime, including antisemitism.Tackling antisemitism in all parts of our society requires a cross-Government effort. The Home Office provide funding of £18 million per year for the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant which provides security measures for synagogues, Jewish educational establishments and community sites. The Department for Education is providing £7 million of funding to educate people about antisemitism and better equip schools, colleges and universities to stamp out antisemitic abuse.The Government is absolutely committed to rooting out antisemitism wherever it manifests.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement on English Devolution and Local Government of 5 February 2025, HCWS418, whether there will be (a) mayoral combined authority elections and (b) unitary elections in areas with elections being cancelled in May 2025 in (i) May 2026 and (ii) May 2027.

Legislation to postpone an election to a principal local election will be in place before the deadline for the posting of notice of that election, which is 25 working days before the scheduled date of election.There are no plans to postpone district council elections in 2026. The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead unless there is strong justification.Where the scheduled May 2025 elections have been postponed, all by-elections will take place as normal. Where a vacancy would have been filled at an election which is postponed, they will, instead, be filled by by-election.Decisions on delivery of any new unitary structure, and the timetabling for this, is subject to the content of the proposals received from the area concerned. For any area in which elections are postponed, we will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible. We intend new unitary local government will be established or go-live in 2027 and 2028. Preceding authorities close on the same day as the establishment of new unitary local government for the area.We intend the Devolution Priority Programme inaugural mayoral elections to be in May 2026. We will work with areas to move to elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils as soon as possible as is the usual arrangement in the process of local government reorganisation.