Northumberland (Structural Change) Order 2008

Absolutely finally, there will need to be further regulations covering areas subject to reorganisation, and they will deal with matters such as staffing, transfers of functions, assets and liabilities, finance, ceremonial matters and so on. We will be bringing forward those regulations over the coming months as we work them up in consultation with all the councils, trade unions and other key stakeholders. I believe that this approach will provide for a transition that is effective, that avoids disruption to services and people, that gives a good deal to service users and citizens, that is fair and equitable to council staff, and that, above all, will open the door to the creation of, in each case, a council that will be more effective in giving power and influence to the people it represents and in promoting the prosperity of its area. I beg to move. Moved, That the Grand Committee do report to the House that it has considered the Northumberland (Structural Change) Order 2008. Sixth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, Seventh Report from the Merits Committee.—(Baroness Andrews.)