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Local Government Reform: Cambridgeshire
08 July 2025
Lead MP
Ben Obese-Jecty
Huntingdon
Con
Responding Minister
Jim McMahon
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Word Count: 5706
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Ben Obese-Jecty raised concerns about local government reform: cambridgeshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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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.