EDM 786: Abolition of district councils

That this House notes with concern the Government's proposals as outlined in the English Devolution White Paper to abolish district councils across England; acknowledges that the Government has no electoral mandate to implement such sweeping changes to local governance as it was not in the Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto; further notes the lack of evidence supporting claims that these proposals will result in cost savings or more efficient decision-making processes for local communities; believes that this plan would remove crucial decision-making powers from local communities, significantly reduce the number of councillors representing local interests, and instead concentrate power into the hands of a small number of elected Mayors with authority over vast geographical areas; asserts that the abolition of district councils would undermine the principles of local democracy by distancing decision-making from those it directly affects; calls on the Government to reconsider these proposals and engage meaningfully with local stakeholders to ensure that any devolution plans truly empower communities rather than dilute their influence; and urges all hon. Members to advocate for a model of local governance that maintains local accountability, local accessibility, and local effectiveness.