Devolution Agreements Somerset 2024-12-02
2024-12-02
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Deputy Prime Minister invited places without a devolution agreement, including Somerset, to come forward with proposals for their area.
What discussions has the government had with local government representatives on potential future devolution agreements in Somerset?
In July, the Deputy Prime Minister invited places without a devolution agreement, including Somerset, to come forward with proposals for their area, in order to gauge the approaches and forms being considered across the country. We welcome Somerset's support for this initiative, and look forward to hearing its views on the imminent White Paper on English devolution.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific details of any discussions held or proposals considered regarding future devolution agreements in Somerset.
We Welcome Somerset'S Support For This Initiative, And Look Forward To Hearing Its Views On The Imminent White Paper On English Devolution.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents of Bridgwater have had to endure the transition from two levels of council to a unitary council that is on the brink of bankruptcy.
My constituents have had to endure the Liberal Democrats presiding over the transition from two levels of council, which worked—they balanced their books—to a unitary council that is on the brink of bankruptcy. Can the Minister assure the House that no new council reforms will be forced on unwilling areas, and that local opinion will be at the forefront of his decision?
We are in constant dialogue with local councils on our twin-pronged approach. One prong is devolution and making sure that we push power out of this place and into local communities. The other is reorganisation in cases where councils recognise that it delivers more effective and efficient local government.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide assurance on no new reforms being forced or prioritising local opinion.
We Are In Constant Dialogue With Local Councils On Our Twin-Pronged Approach.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents are concerned about the impact of top-down reorganisation on local councils and town/parish councils.
Dorset council, which covers half my constituency, has agreed to work with Somerset and Wiltshire—unitary councils—on a devolution arrangement. Residents are worried about decisions being taken further away from their homes and communities. They fear back-door council tax rises due to the changes. What assurances can be given that town and parish councils will not have to keep unitary councils afloat?
Central Government have said to local government that we want to reset the relationship and work as partners in power, and it is not unreasonable to expect that councils will do the same at a local level and will work together in partnership. Whether or not reorganisation takes place, we expect that to continue.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific assurances on preventing financial burdens for town and parish councils.
Whether Or Not Reorganisation Takes Place, We Expect That To Continue.
Response accuracy