Florence Eshalomi

Florence Eshalomi

Labour (Co-op) — Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Speaking in the House of Commons on 15 January 2025

Debate

Local Government Reorganisation

Contribution

I thank the shadow Minister for securing this important question; he has highlighted some key issues. Sadly, we know that our councils are at breaking point. The Select Committee’s first major inquiry is to look at local government finances, and we look forward to engaging with the Minister on it. It was reported that local authorities in England were facing £77.5 billion-worth of debt by the end of last year. Much of that is debt to central Government or from borrowing. Sadly, because of that, vital frontline services such as housing and social care are at breaking point. Residents cannot afford to be caught up in buck-passing or discussions about accountability if this reorganisation goes through, so can the Minister assure the House that residents will still have the same level of power and scrutiny over vital services during the reorganisations?

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