Local Government Reorganisation

Debate between Alison McGovern and Steve Race

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I thank the hon. Lady for her questions. I will not respond again to those to which I have already responded. As I mentioned, the majority of the English electorate will get to vote in the elections in 2026 that are not affected by reorganisation. There are other elections going on and, as I said, this does not apply to the majority of councils undergoing reorganisation, either.

A number of councils have raised capacity issues, demand on limited resources and the challenge of getting the transition process right. They have shared details with us, which is why we are writing to them to ask their view formally. We will get on with this process as quickly as we can.

[Steve Race (Exeter) (Lab)]

I thank the Minister not just for her statement, but for moving at pace with the local government reorganisation programme. Contrary to what we heard from the shadow Minister, for whom I have great respect, we want local government reorganisation in Exeter and across Devon. I have lost count over the past 18 months of the list of places and topics for which two-tier government is simply not working for a diverse and dynamic city such as Exeter. I will not list them today, Madam Deputy Speaker, but does the Minister agree that streamlining councils and allowing cities such as Exeter to take control of their own economy, destiny and services will deliver real benefits—not just for the economy and for services, but for local people?

Local Government Finance

Debate between Alison McGovern and Steve Race

Wednesday 17th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I will.

[Steve Race (Exeter) (Lab)]

I welcome the multi-year settlement, and I thank the Minister and the Secretary of State for their engagement with me and Members from across the House as we make the case for our local areas. It looks like Devon county council will get a significant uplift over a period of years. If that is true, I am particularly keen to see the Lib Dem and Green-led Devon county council U-turn on its decision to cut 66% of its homelessness budget, get on top of the weeds that it has allowed to grow throughout our entire city, which are engulfing some communities, and go back on its current consultation to cut library hours. Will the Minister set out how she thinks the increase in funding to local authorities will have a positive impact on services and local people?

[Alison McGovern]

I thank my hon. Friend for all the work he has done, as part of our homelessness strategy, to draw attention to homelessness and rough sleeping in his city of Exeter, which is a wonderful place and deserves to have the county council and others look after it properly. This investment in local authorities will make sure that everyone in our country feels proud of the place where they live. We want to see all our places grow, and I expect all councils to do that work. I look forward to meeting him to discuss this issue further.