Contributions
1,009 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationWith permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on local government reorganisation. This Government are taking action to repair local government, through a new…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that I am unable to discuss the detail of legal advice that was given to the Government, but there is nothing unusual at all about giving fresh…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI have received a letter from the shadow Secretary of State, and he will receive a response to that in due course. The decision was updated following legal advice. We acted as…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationMy hon. Friend is right to raise the importance of reorganisation and eliminating duplication so that we can spend the savings instead on the frontline services that I know matter…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that I am unable to discuss the detail of the legal advice, although he will know the decision that we took after considering that legal advice.…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI completely agree with what my hon. Friend says. It is very important that we move ahead with local government reorganisation, not just because of the savings it generates, which…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationMy hon. Friend always ensures that I take a special interest in Amber Valley and the impact of decisions on the people who live in that beautiful part of the world. We have…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI reassure the right hon. Gentleman on his latter point. I also reassure him that concerns have been raised across the political spectrum, including by council leaders from his…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI thank my hon. Friend for his question, and of course recognise that he is one of the finest constituency MPs in the House—it was a delight to campaign for him, and it is a…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI have announced additional funding. It is very unfair to describe it as a drop in the ocean, because it goes a long way towards supporting councils that need to go through local…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI am always happy to consider proposals made by the hon. Gentleman, and I will ensure that he gets an appropriate meeting on the point that he has raised, either with me or one of…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI am happy to give the hon. Gentleman the reassurance that he seeks. During recess, I had the pleasure of visiting East Sussex, and from my own experience, I agree with what he…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI will not make any apologies for listening to local leaders or for respecting legal advice. If the hon. Gentleman is looking for things that people should resign over, how about…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThat decision was taken under different legislation and in different circumstances. It is very important that local government reorganisation is completed before going ahead with…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationWe are proceeding to local government reorganisation on the agreed timetable, with no changes envisaged. We have made additional funding available to support capacity needs, to…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThat is certainly not an unusual circumstance in cases that end up in the courts in this way. The costs are still being assessed, so I am afraid that I cannot give the hon.…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationAs I said in my statement, the unitary council elections will be going ahead in Surrey this year.23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and his observations, but I remain confident that eliminating duplication where residents are paying for two sets of councillors, two…23 Feb 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationOn Monday 16 February, the Government wrote to the High Court, setting out that I had decided to withdraw my decision to postpone the council elections for 30 local councils due…23 Feb 2026HANSARD Local Government FinanceI believe the hon. Lady has had several meetings with my colleague the Minister for Local Government. It is right and very important that we should align funding with need; that…11 Feb 2026