Local Government Reorganisation

Debate between Jack Abbott and Angela Rayner

Monday 7th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Angela Rayner]

I have said that we will look at the review happening as speedily as possible. The Government have committed £63 million for transition costs to support councils, including £900,000 per unitary. Again, I do not think this money is wasted. Certainly, from my perspective as the Secretary of State and from the perspective of the Prime Minister, local government reform is about delivering for people in their local area with better services. I want to work with the hon. Gentleman and his local leaders to ensure that that happens.

[Jack Abbott (Ipswich) (Lab/Co-op)]

I thank the Secretary of State for her statement. I know it was incredibly difficult to make, but I also know how disappointed and concerned local residents, businesses, organisations and councils will be—they have put a huge amount of work into this area, not least in the six months since the original decision was made.

However, this issue is not just about looking to the past; it is about looking forward to the future. That is why so many people, including me, are championing Greater Ipswich or Ipswich and South Suffolk, alongside an East Suffolk council and a West Suffolk council. Just when we were on the verge of thinking that a new future was possible, this statement has changed everything. Will the Secretary of State offer some reassurance to all my local residents, businesses, organisations and councils that we are not going to go right back to the drawing board?

[Angela Rayner]

I recognise the amount of work that local leaders, my hon. Friend and others have put into this matter. Effective and sustainable local government is key to our ambitions on devolution, and as part of that we are looking at the overall programme timings, but we are not moving back from local government reform—I absolutely believe in that. As the Secretary of State, I am ensuring that I review those decisions and take them forward in a way that satisfies me that I have delivered what is expected of me in my obligations to this House. I would rather come to this House and say, “I have had to put in a delay to satisfy myself of that,” than make in haste and regret at leisure.