Require local referenda when introducing new unitary and strategic authorities

107
signatures
closedMinistry of Housing, Communities & Local GovernmentOpened 18 February 2025Closed 18 August 2025

Background

There are plans in many counties to introduce new unitary authorities and new Strategic authorities, such as 'Mayoral Combined Authorities'. We think local residents must be provided with information about what these changes entail and be given an opportunity to vote on them.

Additional details

We feel the government has not given local residents a comprehensive insight into how these new bodies/ posts will be elected and by whom. Will it be by proportional representation, for example? What powers will they have compared to the current local government bodies? Does the mayor have the final say on planning disputes, health issues and transport issues? We think it is important that local residents are given comprehensive information, the chance to debate and a final vote on such major changes.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 711000.