Earlier this week, I questioned the Minister for Local Government about the proposed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), specifically the potential merger of Plymouth with the neighbouring South Hams District Council.
I raised serious concerns about the implications for councils with lower levels of debt, and the risk of financial instability being unfairly passed on to South Hams' parishes, if Plymouth’s land grab were to go ahead.
While no clear reassurance was given, the Minister confirmed that proposals will be subject to public consultation later this year, and that local voices will be heard. It’s not clear what this consultation will look like though so I’ll continue working to ensure that the views of South West Devon are fully represented throughout this process.
