Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Government Reorganisation: Devon

Monday 20 January 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The reorganisation will shift resources from back office functions to frontline services, providing direct benefits to residents.
  • The provisional funding settlement ensures an average increase of 5% for primarily rural councils with no net reduction in funding.
  • Councils are invited to submit proposals voluntarily for the reorganisation process, with full support from the government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Roome Lib Dem North Devon
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Local Government
Context

The Minister has written to councils about local government reorganisation and devolution plans. North Devon faces significant socio-economic challenges, including remote deprivation and isolation.

Question

What methodology will be used to ensure that local government funding does not overlook areas with real pockets of remote deprivation and poverty in North Devon, given the Department's recent cut to the rural services delivery grant?

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution (Jim McMahon)

The Minister clarified that the reorganisation will shift resources from back office functions to frontline services, providing direct benefits to residents. He also noted that the provisional funding settlement ensures an average increase of 5% for primarily rural councils with no net reduction in income levels, demonstrating a commitment to rural communities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific methodology for ensuring equitable distribution of funds was not addressed in detail.

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Q2 Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole
Local Government
Context

Many councils have undergone significant changes, leading to underestimated costs for reorganisation and transformation. These processes strain local budgets, potentially reducing services.

Question

Can the Minister confirm that central Government will provide full funding to cover both devolution and local government reorganisation so that councils do not have to factor extra costs into their 2025-26 and 2026-27 budgets?

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution (Jim McMahon)

The Minister stated that while investment will follow later, councils are invited to submit proposals voluntarily without being required by the government. The emphasis is on a bottom-up approach with full support from the government in the reorganisation process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The confirmation of full funding was not provided; only that investment will follow later without specifying amounts or timelines.

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