House of Commons · Bill Debate
24 February 2023 · 11 other contributors
Opened by Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Robbie Moore raised concerns about local authority boundaries (referendums) bill - second reading in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves the bill to create a framework enabling local communities to hold referendums for smaller unitary authorities. The Bill aims to re-empower disenfranchised communities by ensuring their local authority is capable of acting in their best interest, emphasising that larger unitary authorities often neglect outlying areas.
Supports the idea of boundary changes extending beyond local authorities to include public sector bodies like integrated care boards, citing his own constituency's situation.
Highlights the issue that planning applications can affect neighbouring constituencies and emphasises the need for these communities to have a say in decisions affecting them.
Supports the Bill, citing Christchurch's experience of losing local control to a larger council that does not adequately represent its interests.
Commends Robbie Moore for introducing the Bill and highlights the disenfranchisement faced by his constituents due to Bradford Council's focus on the city heartland, arguing that a referendum would give people a say.
Briefly notes historical resistance against forced amalgamations of towns and suggests a strong local majority in a referendum could strengthen Robbie Moore's case.
Agrees that Labour-led authorities often prioritise politics over serving residents, using Ipswich Borough Council as an example of poor performance despite significant funding from central government.
Draws parallels between Bradford Council's actions and London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s policies, emphasising that both ignore local wishes and impose taxes without representation.
References Margaret Thatcher's government abolishing Greater London Council to support the Bill’s rationale, questioning whether the Government will support it.
Stresses that decisions affecting people without giving them a vote on those decisions is undemocratic and unfair.
Supports the Bill, noting its relevance beyond Bradford Council to other parts of England where similar issues arise, suggesting it could allow Bury a referendum to leave Greater Manchester and return to Lancashire.
Ms. Owen criticised the proposed legislation for being unnecessary and a misuse of resources at a time when local authorities are struggling due to budget cuts under Conservative rule. She questioned whether the Treasury would support funding for the changes and challenged Robbie Moore's suggestion that a unitary authority would solve economic issues faced by his constituents.