§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce his decision on the Local Government Commission's recommendations for the reorganisation of the district of Basildon; and if he will make a statement. [47142]
§ Ms ArmstrongI am today announcing that we have decided not to accept the outstanding recommendations on the reorganisation of the district of Basildon which the Local Government Commission have made. I do not believe that the recommendations offer a satisfactory way forward for Basildon in terms of efficient and convenient local government. We have also decided not to direct a further review by the Commission. This decision should end a period of uncertainty and enable the authorities concerned to plan more confidently for the future.