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Local Government Reform: Huntingdonshire
19 November 2025
Lead MP
Ben Obese-Jecty
Huntingdon
Con
Responding Minister
Alison McGovern
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Word Count: 5027
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Ben Obese-Jecty raised concerns about local government reform: huntingdonshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP urges councillors to vote against options C and D and support a unitary authority for Huntingdonshire (option E) to prevent the division and weakening of their community.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Reports suggest that councillors may be voting for option C based on advice from ChatGPT, which is a concerning way to decide the future of Huntingdonshire. The author expresses alarm over the lack of clear benefits outlined in option D and the potential disregard for local identities, particularly between communities like Huntingdon and St Ives.
Alice Green
Con
Wiltshire South
The funding cuts for rural schools in Wiltshire have led to a shortage of educational resources and increased class sizes.
Bob White
LD
Dorset West
In Dorset, the reduction in school budgets has forced local authorities to make difficult decisions such as closing libraries or cutting back on after-school activities.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Suggests that reorganisations can become more bureaucratic and warns against repeating past mistakes. Emphasises the importance of avoiding financial issues observed in Northern Ireland's local government reform.
Government Response
Alison McGovern
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness
Government Response
Explains that local government reorganisation aims to simplify services, strengthen councils' economic roles, and improve public services. Addresses concerns about Peterborough's financial state by stating the need for finance stability but cannot comment on specific details due to ongoing consultations. Announces further aspects of the reorganisation process, including investment in Surrey and plans for 14 additional areas across England.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.