Question
I welcome today’s statement, the new transitional funding and the Minister’s work on this issue so far. My understanding is that Lancashire’s case for reorganisation is stronger and more robust than it was just a few months ago, if a little delayed. Can the Minister confirm today that this new window of engagement is an opportunity for Lancashire to remake its case for our future—we have had the very welcome announcement of a new mayor—and an opportunity for me to keep lobbying him for a smaller east Lancs unitary, and perhaps new electoral boundaries, rather than the existing county divisions?
Answer
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his representations. It is probably fair to say that I cannot get through the voting Lobby without him making those representations, but he does so for the right reasons. He cares about the place that he represents, and he wants devolution in Lancashire to be a success. In that, we are entirely as one.50% vibes
Verdict: RED (12/100)
The reply mainly acknowledges the MP's representations and says he is pursuing them for good reasons, but it does not clearly say whether the new engagement window lets Lancashire remake its case for reorganisation. It also does not say whether he may keep lobbying for a smaller east Lancashire unitary, and it does not address electoral boundaries or new divisions at all. The one partial response is vague, so the person who asked would likely need to submit a follow-up for specific answers.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the new window of engagement is an opportunity for Lancashire to remake its case for reorganisation. | Not Addressed | Generic | The reply only congratulates the MP on his representations and never says whether the new window of engagement gives Lancashire an opportunity to remake its case for reorganisation. |
| Whether the MP may continue lobbying for a smaller east Lancashire unitary authority as part of this process. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply tacitly accepts that the MP keeps making representations and says he does so for the right reasons, but it never states whether he may continue lobbying for a smaller east Lancashire unitary within this process. |
| Whether the Government would consider new electoral boundaries for any new unitary arrangements in Lancashire, rather than the existing county divisions. | Not Addressed | Generic | Nothing in the reply touches on electoral boundaries or whether new divisions would be considered in place of the existing county divisions. |