Local Government Finance

Debate between Alison McGovern and Andrew Lewin

Wednesday 17th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I thank the hon. Lady for her question; she values the prudence and good decision making of local authorities. At their best, that is what we see and it is what I hope to achieve through the local government reorganisation process.

[Andrew Lewin (Welwyn Hatfield) (Lab)]

There is fierce pride in Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City and our villages, but we are a community of contrasts: the gap in life expectancy a few miles down the road is 13 years. I have had an initial look, and it seems that Welwyn Hatfield will benefit to the tune of about £9 million. That is wonderful news for our community.

I thank the Minister for looking at need after housing costs, but will she give me a guarantee that that will continue to be a key part of how our Government look at need? In communities such as Hertfordshire, housing is often such a barrier to people getting on.