Question
There seems to be some confusion on both sides of the House about the next steps for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; perhaps the Minister can clarify. He said that the process was in its early stages, so Cambridgeshire will still receive written confirmation of what the options are. He also appeared to confirm that despite the fact that the four options tabled will be selected, they could later be modified by councils, if they saw fit, and taken forward. Could he clarify that that is the process, and clarify the criteria under which that decision will be taken?
Answer
We published the criteria at the start of the process, and those criteria stand. They are unweighted; the idea is that they give us the freedom to take into account that England is very diverse, and what is right for one county might not be right for another. In the end, decisions have to be as sustainable as possible. They have to balance efficiency and identity, and these are not easy decisions. On the hon. Gentleman’s point about the opportunity for a modification proposal, we are now receiving proposals, and there is no additional window to do that. Also, consultations have already been carried out. However, there will be a “minded to” process for all these decisions, so that he and others can make representations. In the case of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and also West Sussex, I am very happy to confirm the details by writing to Members shortly.11% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (62/100)
The reply gives a direct and fairly clear answer on the assessment criteria: they were published at the start of the process, remain in force, and are unweighted so that local diversity can be considered. It only partly answers the question about whether councils can modify the four options and take a modified option forward. It implies that modification proposals are being received but never states the process plainly, so the asker may need to ask again on that point.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm whether the process is that councils may modify the four options tabled and take a modified option forward, if they choose to. | Partially Addressed | Direct | The reply says modification proposals are being received (seq 5), which implies councils can put forward modified options, but it never states plainly that councils may modify the four options and take a modified option forward. It also says no additional window exists (seq 6), which frames the timing rather than confirming the process itself. |
| Set out the criteria under which the decision on which option or options are taken forward will be made. | Addressed | Direct | The reply states that the criteria were published at the start of the process and remain in force (seq 1), and specifies that they are unweighted, allowing local diversity to be taken into account (seq 2). Statements 3 and 4 add general context on balancing sustainability, efficiency and identity, though the criteria themselves are not restated in full. |