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Open Government to disclose legal advice on axing local authority reorganisation

Created by Michael Francis James Anthony Chambers
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The government recently announced the withdrawal or pausing of plans to reorganise several counties, following legal advice that it will not disclose. But plans to divide Surrey will not be reviewed. We want to see the legal grounds for this policy shift now before the new councils in Surrey start.

Government is accountable to Parliament for policy decisions. This decision follows new legal advice. The policy area is not sensitive so we think there is no reason why it cannot be disclosed. In our view secrecy would also set a terrible constitutional precedent: a government that changes policy on the back of legal advice need not disclose that advice. Surrey residents & councillors want to see this advice now to understand why Surrey is an exception.

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