To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of implications for Government policy of the High Court judgment on the application of Shrewsbury and Atcham district council for judicial review in relation to local government re-organisation; and if she will make a statement. (144599)

The court has granted permission for a full hearing on three of Shrewsbury and Congleton’s four grounds. The court refused their application for interim relief and hence we will be continuing with our original restructuring timetable. As this matter is currently before the courts, it would not be appropriate to say more than that we believe we have acted entirely appropriately and within our powers, and will contest vigorously the remaining elements of Shrewsbury and Congleton’s claim.