Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Local Government Reform: Cambridgeshire

08 July 2025 · 3 other contributors · 5,706 words

Opened by Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

Responding minister: Jim McMahon

Local Government

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ben Obese-Jecty raised concerns about local government reform: cambridgeshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Cambridgeshire residents were given three options for local government reorganisation without access to detailed proposals.
  • The MP requests the government to ensure decisions reflect local residents' wants and needs, including their input before November.
  • The minister outlines plans for reorganisation with elections in May 2027 for new authorities to go live in April 2028.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks the Government to ensure that any decision reflects the wants and needs of local residents and clarifies whether impacted residents across Cambridgeshire will have their say before the final proposals are submitted in November.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire residents have been presented with just three options for local government reorganisation. However, the detailed proposals that were narrowed down from six initial options have not been published, making it difficult to understand how these decisions were made and what evidence was used.

Other contributors (3)
  • Ben Obese-Jecty

    Agrees with Blake Stephenson on the concern that merging three ICBs without a mayoralty plan is wasteful and contradictory. Questions how this aligns with improving local healthcare gaps.

  • Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

    My hon. Friend is making an extremely effective case illustrating just how cosmetic the consultation is, and his councillors’ concerns are shared by councillors in Fenland. Questions the minister's argument that it is not for the Government to dictate territory, pointing out inconsistencies between departments regarding ICB geographies and local authority coverage.

  • The Minister for Local Services Edward Argar

    Discussed the alignment of local government boundaries with Integrated Care Organisations and encouraged partnerships among local authorities.

Government Response

Jim McMahon

The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution

Reaffirms the government's commitment to resetting the relationship with local government by empowering local leaders. The minister outlines plans for reorganisation, including deadlines for proposal submissions and elections in May 2027 for new authorities going live in April 2028. Emphasises the importance of local consultation but clarifies that decisions should not be made centrally. Emphasised that local people and councillors should have the freedom to develop proposals within government criteria, ensuring MPs are part of consultations despite not having veto power over submissions.

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