Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

What steps he is taking to work with his European counterparts on cross-border energy projects to achieve clean power in the UK by 2030.

Answered by Kerry McCarthy - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Cross-border cooperation with our European neighbours is vital for our energy security. Through the government’s wider reset of relations with Europe we have strengthened our relationship with key partners, and will work together to secure our safety, security and prosperity.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, when she plans to communicate decisions on unitary structures.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 5^th February 2025 I formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. In this invitation I set out the timelines for the submission of proposals for each area.

Once proposals have been submitted it will be for the government to decide on taking a proposal forward to consult on as required by statute. We will take a phased approach, and expect that Government will take decisions on proposals between summer 2025 and spring 2026, ahead of delivering new unitary authorities in April 2027 and 2028.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how existing local authority third party contracts for the new unitary authorities with end dates beyond the proposed vesting dates will be managed, in the context of her proposals for local government reorganisation.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The potential impact of local government reorganisation on individual areas will be a matter for local councils to consider as they develop their proposals for reorganisation. It is essential that councils developing proposals for reorganisation continue to deliver their business-as-usual services and duties, which remain unchanged up until such time as the reorganisation process is complete. This duty may include arrangements around third party contracts that deliver or support the delivery of statutory services.

Until a decision about any new councils is made and legislation is in place councils are encouraged to consider voluntary arrangements to help balance the decisions needed now to maintain service delivery and ensure value for money for council taxpayers, with those key decisions that will affect the future success of any new councils in the area.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, whether she plans to provide (a) additional (i) funding and (ii) other resources and (b) guidance on risk management in larger authorities.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 5 February I formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. Local government reorganisation is a complex process, and we are at the beginning of this journey. We will continue to reset the relationship and work in partnership with the sector to ensure they receive the necessary support as we work together to deliver this ambitious agenda. Councils need our full backing and support to drive these changes forward and this government is acutely aware of the difficult financial situation facing all councils. On 24 March I announced that £7.6 million will be made available in the form of local government reorganisation proposal development contributions, to be split across these 21 areas, and I will provide further information on how this is to be allocated shortly.

Cross-Channel train services for Kent and London

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Found: 85.7%) Sam Carling (Labour, North West Cambridgeshire) (added 6 Jan 2025) 9 of 9 (100.0%) Lauren Edwards

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Simon Hoare (Chair); Richard Baker, Markus Campbell- Savours; Lauren Edwards

Found: Liberal Democrat; Ely and East Cambridgeshire) Sam Carling (Labour; North West Cambridgeshire) Lauren Edwards

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Lauren Edwards (Chair); Markus Campbell-Savours; Charlotte Cane;