All party group on local government formed
More than 90 MPs and peers have formed a new cross-party parliamentary group to discuss local government issues.
Financing will be at the top of the agenda, and the group will be submitting a report to Sir Michael Lyons’ independent inquiry into council tax.
Alison Seabeck, the new MP for Plymouth Devonport and previously an advisor to former local government minister Nick Raynsford, has been elected chairman, while Eric Pickles, Clive Betters and Paul Burstow will act as vice chairs.
“I am delighted to become the chair of this important new all party group,” Ms Seabeck said.
“In many ways it is surprising that there hasn’t been one before, as there has been terrific support from MPs and peers, demonstrating the strong interest that parliamentarians have in local government issues.”
She said she hoped it would be welcomed by all those who are “fed up of issues such as council tax and balance of funding being used as a political football”.
