Principal Local Authorities (Grounds for Abolition) Bill

A Bill to prohibit principal local authorities being abolished in the absence of the authority of its elected councillors and a local referendum; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Last Updated

19 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would stop principal local authorities from being abolished unless there is ongoing authority from their elected councillors and a local referendum. In other words, abolition could only happen with both a valid expression of local democratic authority and the consent of local voters.

Key Points

Prohibits abolition of principal local authorities unless elected councillors retain authority and a local referendum is held.
Abolition cannot proceed if there is no councillors’ authority or no local referendum.
The measure changes how local government reorganisation is approved by embedding local democratic checks.
Aims to protect local voices by requiring both councillors’ authority and a local vote before any abolition.

Progress

The bill is currently at its second reading in the House of Commons and has not yet progressed to committee stage.

Who is affected?

Electors/residents in areas served by principal local authoritiesElected councillors of those authoritiesPrincipal local authorities and their staffLocal communities and groups involved in or affected by local referendums

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Principal Local Authorities (Grounds for Abolition)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 39 2017-19, as introduced

BillCommons

29 Nov 2017

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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