Contributions
1,009 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThis is the biggest reorganisation in a generation, and it is very important that it be delivered with as much speed as we can muster, because of the benefits to local residents,…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI remind the hon. Lady that these postponements, which are at the request of councils, affect only those councils that will shortly be abolished anyway. They are happening so that…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThis Government were elected on a promise to repair the broken foundations of local government. In 2024, councils were on the brink financially, while a third of the country was…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationIndeed. It was the right hon. Member, the self-styled new sheriff in town—now, of course, a member of Reform UK Ltd—who made many of these decisions. To those who say we have…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI am seeking to ensure that we remain on track by responding to the comments I have had from councils, and ensuring they have the resources so that the process goes ahead as…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI have to say that the right hon. Gentleman’s case would be much stronger and would sound less self-righteous if he had not done exactly the same thing, for exactly the same…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationAs the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, his party fiddled funding to councils so that areas voting Labour were less likely to get funded. He does not have to take my word for…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThe hon. Member makes a very important point, and he is right to be concerned about people working for councils. Of course, the overall increase in funding for local authorities…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThe hon. Gentleman knows full well that I cannot comment on legal proceedings—it would be entirely inappropriate. I think the best response to his question is to quote the “new…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationMy hon. Friend is of course a very pugnacious champion for her constituents and her constituency. She has had conversations with me about this very issue, and made her point very…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationYes, we will apply that guidance. Of course, we will listen to all representations about proposals for reorganisation, including my hon. Friend’s proposals for Nottinghamshire.22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThere is no question in ordinary circumstances of a general election being delayed. That has only ever happened in cases of national emergency, and that remains the case.22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationAs I say, the right hon. Member was of course the Secretary of State who failed to act on eliminating the waste that came from duplication and allowed this two-tier system to…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationThe fair funding review that we have announced is intended to ensure that, unlike under the previous Government, funding follows need. We took on board the new indicators on…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationUnfortunately, I cannot prejudge the outcome of a consultation process, but I can perhaps say that I have been very impressed by the work done by North East Lincolnshire council,…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI remind the hon. Member that his party did the same thing in the same circumstances—I should say his “former party”, because he walked out on it last week. Proposals about what…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI do agree with the hon. Member. I think it is very important that we get this right, which is why I was careful to listen to representations from councils due to undergo…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. We are proceeding with this reorganisation in order to eliminate duplication and the cost of that waste, so that the money can be spent on…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationI completely agree with the thrust of what my hon. Friend says. We want to go ahead with this reorganisation precisely so that we can improve public services and let councils get…22 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government ReorganisationAs I said in my statement, it is my intention that the elections to the new unitaries will go ahead next year.22 Jan 2026