Member

The noble Lord asked about the support that the Government are providing for reorganising local authorities. As he is aware, we have made announcements confirming up to £63 million in new capacity funding to help local councils across the 21 reorganisation areas deliver local government reorganisation. That builds on the £7.6 million provided last year. We are also working with the LGA and its sector support group to make sure that councils have the information, tools and expertise that they will need to develop solutions that are right for their area, so that the new authorities are set up for success. The LGA hub is a central repository for practical advice and support. It has a programme of webinars and events. The LGA and other sector bodies have networks for peer support.