James McMurdock MP: written questions 2026
3310 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Local PressDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125878More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Local News Fund worth £6m in 2026/27 and up to a further £6m in 2027/28, to help ensure the long term provision of local news. Local media faces a complex range of challenges, ...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal PressDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125877More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Local News Fund worth £6m in 2026/27 and up to a further £6m in 2027/28, to help ensure the long term provision of local news. Local media faces a complex range of challenges, ...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal PressDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125876More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Local News Fund worth £6m in 2026/27 and up to a further £6m in 2027/28, to help ensure the long term provision of local news. Local media faces a complex range of challenges, ...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Press: FinanceDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125875More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Local News Fund worth £6m in 2026/27 and up to a further £6m in 2027/28, to help ensure the long term provision of local news. Local media faces a complex range of challenges, ...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Press: FinanceDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125873More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Local News Fund worth £6m in 2026/27 and up to a further £6m in 2027/28, to help ensure the long term provision of local news. Local media faces a complex range of challenges, ...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Press: FinanceDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125872More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK, and recognises the vital role that local press plays in scrutinising local institutions, and reflecting communities’ views ...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Press: CostsDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125871More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Regional Media Forum, to establish a framework for best practice in engagement between local journalists and the local public services which they scrutinise, identifying any ar...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal PressDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125870More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Regional Media Forum, to establish a framework for best practice in engagement between local journalists and the local public services which they scrutinise, identifying any ar...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Press: EssexDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125869More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Local News Fund worth £6m in 2026/27 and up to a further £6m in 2027/28, to help ensure the long term provision of local news. Local media faces a complex range of challenges, ...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Press: FinanceDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125868More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 1
Answer: As part of Amplify: The Local Media Action Plan, the Government is launching a Local News Fund worth £6m in 2026/27 and up to a further £6m in 2027/28, to help ensure the long term provision of local news. Local media faces a complex range of challenges, ...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordThurrock Council: DebtsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125789More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what estimate he has made of the debt projected to be acqu
Answer: All proposals for local government reorganisation were considered carefully, on a case‑by‑case basis, against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance, alongside responses to the consultation, representations made, and all other relevant information...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBasildon Council: DebtsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125788More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made of the expected level of debt of Basildo
Answer: All proposals for local government reorganisation were considered carefully, on a case‑by‑case basis, against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance, alongside responses to the consultation, representations made, and all other relevant information...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordBasildon Council: DebtsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125787More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether the debt acquired by Basildon council over the
Answer: All proposals for local government reorganisation were considered carefully, on a case‑by‑case basis, against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance, alongside responses to the consultation, representations made, and all other relevant information...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: EssexMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125786More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made regarding the expected effectiv
Answer: A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a ca...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: EssexMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125785More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether there will be any public consultation on what t
Answer: A statutory consultation has already been undertaken on the proposal for five new unitary councils, which will now be implemented.It is intended that the secondary legislation establishing the new councils will name them in line with that proposal.Once es...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: EssexMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125784More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether the councils will be able to change the name fr
Answer: A statutory consultation has already been undertaken on the proposal for five new unitary councils, which will now be implemented.It is intended that the secondary legislation establishing the new councils will name them in line with that proposal.Once es...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: EssexMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125783More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what contingency measures will be in place to ensure th
Answer: My officials are in regular contact with councils to support them in undertaking preparatory work to ensure readiness for any transition to new authorities.It is essential that councils continue to deliver their business-as-usual services and duties, whic...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: EssexMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125782More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he made before his decision of how long
Answer: A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a ca...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: EssexMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125781More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what assessment he has made the progress of local autho
Answer: A summary of the decision on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on Sea and Thurrock has been provided. The Department has no plans to publish the advice to Ministers, or minutes of meetings. All proposals were considered carefully, on a ca...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: ElectionsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125780More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether he had any discussions with the leader of Basil
Answer: Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set o...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: ElectionsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125779More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether he sought legal advice before deciding to cance
Answer: Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set o...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: ElectionsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125778More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, if he will list who he consulted before deciding to can
Answer: Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set o...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: ElectionsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125777More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, when the legislation to cancel Basildon’s 2027 local el
Answer: Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set o...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: ElectionsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125776More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether by-elections will continue to take place to Bas
Answer: Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set o...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Government: ElectionsMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 125775More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, whether he made an assessment of the potential merits o
Answer: Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Government intends to implement its decision to create five new unitary councils in Essex through a Structural Changes Order. It is anticipated that this Order will be considered by Parliament in the autumn. As set o...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament record
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