Local Government Reorganisation

Debate between Angela Rayner and Pippa Heylings

Monday 7th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Angela Rayner]

Absolutely. We are committed to devolution and to devolving power. The Prime Minister has made it really clear that that is one of his priorities. We want to ensure that we do this right, with local people, so that the power is there and we give areas the resources and support they need to flourish.

[Pippa Heylings (South Cambridgeshire) (LD)]

Local councils across South Cambridgeshire spent time and money in good faith preparing for local government reorganisation according to the Government’s criteria and timelines. Businesses in one of the fastest growing areas of the country welcome the prospect of certainty with a final decision, yet further delay leaves them all in limbo. Does the Secretary of State agree that chaos is not good for local democracy and not good for investment? Will she meet me and local council leaders to understand the implications of this decision for Cambridgeshire?

[Angela Rayner]

I totally recognise that Cambridgeshire has a huge amount of potential, and we will absolutely ensure that a meeting is set up with myself or the Minister. I gently say that I understand the implications of me coming to the House today, as Secretary of State, and reviewing these decisions. I have said that I want to do it at pace, but I have also made it really clear that I felt that I needed to put that review in place so that I could satisfy myself that we are doing it correct. These are some really big reforms, as the hon. Lady is aware. I want to make sure we get it right so that her area can reach its full potential, and I am sure it will.