Commons Sense

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Untitled statement

30 June 2022

Proposing MP
Tim Farron Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The MP discusses the reorganisation of county names and identities in his constituency, reflecting on historical changes that affected the identity of Lancashire negatively compared to Yorkshire.

Action Requested

The MP requests a reconsideration of the rigid rules preventing local authorities from changing their identities or names after being established, arguing for more democratic flexibility.

Key Facts

  • The new authority serving the constituency is Westmorland and Furness Council.
  • In the early 1970s, Yorkshire kept its name in most cases during reorganisation, unlike Lancashire which lost parts of its identity to other counties.
  • Errors were made in the genesis of the new bodies, and changes cannot be made without a two-thirds majority.
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