Overview

This bill allows two or more adjacent parliamentary constituencies in England to combine and form a new unitary local authority, provided a majority votes in favour in a local referendum. The Secretary of State will set the rules for petitions, referendums, and the transition to the new authority.

Description

This bill outlines a process for creating new unitary local authorities in England by combining parliamentary constituencies.

Key Provisions:

• Petitioning System: Local government electors in the constituencies can petition for a referendum on forming a new unitary authority. A referendum is triggered if at least 10% of registered electors in each constituency support the petition.
• Referendum: All local authority electors in the involved constituencies will vote in the referendum. A majority "yes" vote is required to proceed.
• Creation of New Authority: If the referendum passes, the Secretary of State and existing local authorities must take steps to establish the new unitary authority, including boundary changes and responsibilities transfers. Existing legislation (Local Government Act 2000) concerning governance changes will be considered.
• Regulations: The Secretary of State will create regulations detailing the petition process, referendum rules, and the transition to the new authority. These regulations must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill states that all expenditure incurred due to its implementation, and any increase in sums payable under other acts as a result of this bill, will be paid from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Local Government Electors: They can petition for a referendum and will vote in the referendum. The outcome will directly impact their local government.
• Local Authorities: Existing local authorities in the areas involved in the proposed new unitary authority may cease to exist or see their responsibilities altered.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for creating the regulations governing the process and facilitating the creation of any new unitary authorities.
• Parliament: Must approve the regulations created by the Secretary of State.

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