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Consultation (Northumberland)

Volume 460: debated on Tuesday 8 May 2007

20. What local bodies and individuals within Northumberland are included in her Department's consultation on local government reorganisation in Northumberland. (135796)

We are consulting widely across the private, public and voluntary and community sectors. My Department’s website lists the key consultees, and explains that anyone may request an e-mail list of particular local bodies that we are consulting in each region. I have arranged for the north-east list to be sent to the right hon. Gentleman.

Why does the Government’s list of key stakeholders consist entirely of national and regional bodies that might have an interest in having fewer local authorities with which to deal? Is it because the Minister accepts that the people of Northumberland, in a referendum undertaken by this Government, have already voted for two districts rather than one?

The right hon. Gentleman knows that it would be unwise of me to comment on the proposals for his area, but let me take the opportunity to dispel the idea that we are interested only in regional and national bodies. This is a devolutionary measure, and it is up to councils also to consult local people and organisations—which I know they are doing in the right hon. Gentleman’s area.