Local Government Reorganisation

Debate between Angela Rayner and Kevin McKenna

Monday 7th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Angela Rayner]

This Government have recognised that, after 14 years of failure by the Conservatives, local government had faced the brunt of austerity, and we put in additional funding. We also recognise that the most important thing about local government reorganisation is delivering better services for local people. The Prime Minister has recognised that in terms of devolution. We recognise the investment that has gone in—that is why we put transitional funding in place to support councils—and I want to work to get this policy right, because I absolutely believe that it will be the best thing for the hon. Member’s constituents.

[Kevin McKenna (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Lab)]

I very much welcome what the Secretary of State has said from the Dispatch Box today for two reasons. First, there is no question but that the two-tier system is very bad for people in Sittingbourne and Sheppey and across Kent, so I welcome her commitment to press ahead with local government reorganisation. Secondly, at the same time, the geographies announced by her predecessor just before the summer recess were terrible for the people of Sittingbourne and Sheppey. How can local councillors, local residents, businesses, other organisations locally and I feed into this review, which I am grateful will be happening?

[Angela Rayner]

My Department will be reaching out to local authorities and the areas affected to make sure that we are taking into account all the information that we have at hand. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary, the hon. Member for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, is willing to meet representatives of the local area to ensure that we get this right. I do not want this review to go on for a considerable time; I want to do it rapidly, but I want to be reassured that the decisions we are making are the right ones.