Question
As the Minister knows, I support local government reorganisation, and I welcomed the original pause of the decision to split Amber Valley in two. I know that the Minister is taking the time to carefully review the situation, and I thank him for the thorough and thoughtful manner in which he is doing so. However, delays bring uncertainty about council officers’ futures, planning services, and delivery of projects for the people of Amber Valley. Given that splitting Amber Valley is the only point of contention between the boroughs and districts of Derbyshire, can I urge the Minister to commit to a swift and firm timetable for Derbyshire? This can be sorted out quickly.
Answer
I thank my hon. Friend for all her representations on this issue over a long period of time. I can definitely commit to moving as quickly as possible. All the points she has raised—about identity, good public services and so on—are in our mind when we consider the proposals.33% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (35/100)
The reply partly answers the question. It commits to acting 'as quickly as possible', which speaks to the request for a swift decision, but it gives no date or timetable. The question also asked for a firm decision, and the reply does not address that. The rest of the reply offers general reassurance that representations will be considered, which does not bear on timing. Someone who asked this question would likely need to ask again for a specific timescale.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will the Minister commit to a swift and firm timetable for the decision on local government reorganisation in Derbyshire? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply gives a clear commitment to move 'as quickly as possible' (statement 2), which answers the 'swift' part of the question, but it gives no firm timetable or date for the decision, and the 'firm' element is left unaddressed. Statement 3 is general reassurance about considering the representations and does not bear on timing. |