Question
I thank the Minister for his statement. As he knows, I have been calling for a devolution settlement for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, which I was pleased was confirmed in yesterday’s Budget. However, we know that local government reorganisation is going to be key to long-term strategic growth in our communities, so it is disappointing to hear about this withdrawal now. I have more concerns, though, about how this uncertainty will impact our communities and our hard-working colleagues across local councils. In the light of this change, how will local authorities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland be supported to make sure it does not disrupt their long-term aim of providing excellent services to my residents?
Answer
My hon. Friend makes a very fair point about the impact of the delay. That has impacted a lot of council staff who have been working on this; it has definitely impacted chief officers, legal officers and councillors, which is why we committed to return as soon as possible. I think we have honoured that through the work we have done so far, but we will move at pace to make sure we can act as quickly as possible. Obviously, securing devolution and investment for the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland could be transformational for their communities and their economy.29% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (28/100)
The reply acknowledges the disruption that the delay has caused to council staff, officers and councillors, and says the Government will move at pace. It does not set out any concrete support, funding, extra capacity or mechanism for local authorities during the transition, and its references to devolution are general statements of benefit rather than a description of help. Because the answer is vague throughout, the person who asked would likely need to submit a follow-up seeking specifics.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What support will the Government provide to local authorities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland so that the change in local government reorganisation does not disrupt their long-term aim of delivering excellent services to residents? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply acknowledges the disruption caused by the delay to council staff, officers and councillors and says the Government will 'move at pace', but it names no concrete support, funding, capacity help or mechanism for local authorities during the transition. The devolution point in statement 7 is a general assertion about benefits rather than a description of support. |