Local Government Reorganisation

David Williams Excerpts

Monday 7th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Angela Rayner]

I pay tribute to the hon. Lady’s local leaders and the work that they are doing in local government. I recognise the challenges that they face, and I have outlined what has happened to local government over the decade and a half that her Government were in power. I have tried to build up that resilience for local leaders. Previous Ministers chose to take more time to consider the proposals—she referenced two of the places involved—and we will consider these alongside the wider review of the programme.

[David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)]

When I am out on the doorsteps in Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, residents tell me that too often they feel distant from decisions that affect their lives. I want residents to feel that decision making is being brought closer to home and that locally we are taking better decisions about improving our buses and houses and giving young people the skills that match their potential. Can the Secretary of State please confirm that devolved powers are still coming to Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and that they are coming at speed, because we cannot be left behind?

[Angela Rayner]

Absolutely. Devolution is at the heart of our plans to rewire the state. I am making this statement today exactly to ensure that that happens.