Local Government Reorganisation Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Adnan Hussain
Main Page: Adnan Hussain (Independent - Blackburn)Department Debates - View all Adnan Hussain's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Local Government Reorganisation
Adnan Hussain Excerpts(1 month ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Angela Rayner
I recognise the amount of work that local leaders, my hon. Friend and others have put into this matter. Effective and sustainable local government is key to our ambitions on devolution, and as part of that we are looking at the overall programme timings, but we are not moving back from local government reform—I absolutely believe in that. As the Secretary of State, I am ensuring that I review those decisions and take them forward in a way that satisfies me that I have delivered what is expected of me in my obligations to this House. I would rather come to this House and say, “I have had to put in a delay to satisfy myself of that,” than make in haste and regret at leisure.
Mr Adnan Hussain (Blackburn) (Ind)
Having consistently raised concerns about the proposed east Lancashire authority, which would group together some of the most deprived communities in the country, I welcome the Secretary of State’s decision today to pause these plans. Will she assure me that this review will look at deprivation and economic stability and that it will deliver for Blackburn and the surrounding areas? Will she meet me and other Lancashire MPs before any new proposals are made?