Lord Scriven debates involving the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Devolution: England

Lord Scriven Excerpts
Tuesday 28th July 2020

(4 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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I note the points about the electoral register. That is very much an endeavour for all tiers of government, including local government and the electoral registration officers who help to ensure that we have a fuller register of electors. It is important that we continue to make every effort to do that.

Lord Scriven Portrait Lord Scriven (LD) [V]
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My Lords, what evidence does the Minister have from international comparators to prove that outcomes from devolution in England will be improved by moving to single-tier local authority areas?

Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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Evidence in a report by Ernst & Young in 2016 showed that around £30 million of savings could be realised annually by unitarisation. However, I am sure that other evidence will be brought forward during the individual discussions that are taking place where authorities want to unitarise.