He launches a petition.
David Reed MP from his facebook page:
The Government has now confirmed its decision on Local Government Reorganisation. I can see that there are both potential advantages and disadvantages to reorganising local government, and I have always been prepared to consider the evidence on its merits. However, I remain unconvinced that the model the Government has chosen is the right one for Exmouth and Exeter East.
Despite the strength of feeling from local people, parish councils and community groups across our constituency, Ministers have chosen to press ahead with plans that will see Devon divided into four new councils. Under these proposals, Exmouth, Broadclyst and Budleigh Salterton would become part of a new Exeter Council, while nearby parts of East Devon would form part of a separate predominantly rural authority.
Throughout this process, I have engaged with all tiers of local government across Devon to understand the case for these proposals. Having spoken at length with Exeter City Council, I am yet to see any convincing arguments for how a predominantly urban council will effectively represent and deliver services for the rural and coastal communities that make up much of Exmouth and Exeter East.
I am also concerned that these proposals appear to be driven more by what suits the Labour Party politically than by what will deliver the best outcomes for local people. If local government is to be reorganised, it should be because there is a clear, evidence-based case that it will improve services and strengthen local representation, not because it delivers a preferred political map.
My office has also submitted multiple Freedom of Information requests to better understand the true cost of these proposals. At a time when councils are under significant pressure to deliver the services local people rely on, I believe there must be complete transparency about the costs and a clear demonstration that this represents value for money. With implementation estimated to cost around £70.1 million, many local people will rightly question whether that money could instead have been invested in improving roads, adult social care, SEND provision and the infrastructure our communities urgently need.
Throughout this process, I have challenged Ministers in Parliament, questioned why the Government has focused so heavily on council boundaries rather than frontline services, and repeatedly asked for evidence that these changes will deliver better outcomes for local people. I am yet to see that convincing case made.
That is why I am asking you to support my petition. I want to continue demonstrating the strength of feeling across Exmouth and Exeter East and ensure the Government understands the concerns local people have about the way these changes are being implemented.
If you share these concerns, I encourage you to add your name to my petition below.
East Devon Watch 