Contributions
965 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Legacy of Jo CoxOn behalf of us all in this House who have ever received the kindness of a letter from the hon. Gentleman, I say to him that he embodies the “more in common” spirit and we are so…11 Jun 2026HANSARD Legacy of Jo CoxI pay tribute to my hon. Friend and her words. She has been an incredible champion for all that she stands for in this House. I agree with all that she says.11 Jun 2026HANSARD Legacy of Jo CoxI truly thank my hon. Friend and agree with what he said about the importance of that issue. Of course, we must all thank my hon. Friend the Member for Spen Valley (Kim…11 Jun 2026HANSARD Legacy of Jo CoxI worked with the hon. Lady’s predecessor at that time. If I may, I send through the hon. Lady my very best wishes and thanks to her predecessor. I thank the hon. Lady for reading…11 Jun 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReformWould the hon. Gentleman like to continue with the rest of what I said?10 Jun 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReformI understand the right hon. Gentleman’s question, but I cannot respond directly on Leicestershire because the decision has not yet been taken. To clarify, the Secretary of State…10 Jun 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReformI will make some progress. The hon. Member for Woking (Mr Forster) mentioned £0.5 billion of debt write-off for his community. The words he was looking for were, “Thank you”. He…10 Jun 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReformI am short of time, but I will give way.10 Jun 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReformIt is, as ever, a great pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dr Murrison, and I add my own congratulations on your important anniversary. I am grateful to the hon. Member for…10 Jun 2026HANSARDDraft Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Regulations 2026I will finish my point. Unitary councils are able join up services and improve how they respond to the needs of residents. The hon. Member for Broxbourne is free to disagree if he…20 May 2026HANSARDDraft Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Regulations 2026I am sure that the hon. Gentleman has heard me say this before, but I grew up in the Wirral. Previously, it was one small council operating under Cheshire county council—nobody…20 May 2026HANSARDDraft Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Regulations 2026I respect the hon. Gentleman and his point, but I will not detain the Committee by debating that topic, which does not relate directly to the regulations. I gently say to him that…20 May 2026HANSARDDraft Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Regulations 2026I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Regulations 2026. It is, as ever, a great pleasure to serve under…20 May 2026HANSARDDraft Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority Regulations 2026I thank the Opposition spokespeople, the hon. Members for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner and for Eastleigh, for their contributions, which were, as ever, helpful and thoughtful.…20 May 2026HANSARD Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Redditch (Chris Bloore) for his contribution, and the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) for bringing forward this debate. His speech…23 Apr 2026HANSARD Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023There is a response to that in the consultation response that we published recently. I am very conscious of all the potential effects of local government reorganisation. I think…23 Apr 2026HANSARD Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. The trigger points she mentions, which can inadvertently exacerbate homelessness, are exactly the point of the duty to collaborate…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCouncil Tax AdministrationA fair and effective system of local taxation underpins good public services and maintains trust between local taxpayers and elected councils. Council tax plays a vital role in…15 Apr 2026HANSARDLocal Housing Allowance RatesWe obviously keep the local housing allowance under review along with the DWP. If we want to prevent homelessness, we need to build homes and ensure that people can afford them.…13 Apr 2026HANSARDLocal Youth ServicesSadly, we all know only too well the cost that young people had to bear because of the years of austerity. Through the homelessness strategy, we have been trying to support young…13 Apr 2026