Oral Answers to Questions

Philip Hollobone Excerpts

Monday 4th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Jake Berry]

I am sure that the left-wing think-tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research, is delighted its figures have been repeated in the Chamber, but they are simply incorrect. They do not include 60% of our national infrastructure spending or the spending on HS2, which I know, as someone who was born and brought up in the north, and who lives and works there, will benefit the north more than any other part of our country.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

5. What information his Department holds on the financial status of Northamptonshire County Council.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Marcus Jones)]

We collect a range of financial data on local government, which is published online. Local authorities also publish their own financial data, including budget documents and accounts. We routinely engage with a range of local authorities to discuss various issues, including finance.

[Mr Hollobone]

Will the Minister confirm that a major review of fair funding for local government is under way? Given that Northamptonshire County Council is considering closing 28 of its 36 libraries, will he encourage it to bring forward innovative proposals to set up a county-wide libraries trust to keep those vital facilities open?

[Mr Jones]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we are pushing ahead with our review of fair funding for local authorities. I certainly encourage Northamptonshire County Council to look at all innovative ways to provide the services that are valued by its local residents.