Contributions
867 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentWe value local community assets and are bringing forward plans for greater powers, including community right to buy. We will ask all councils to ensure that heritage assets are…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentThe hon. Member makes a fair comment, and I welcome her appreciation of the certainty that people need. We will continue to work with local areas. I understand that some areas…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentAgain, I encourage local authorities to respond to the consultation. We recognise that some will be disappointed that we have not taken their offer forward this time round. Some…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentIt was the last Labour Government who delivered devolution for Scotland, and we are really proud of our history. I think “timid” is an unfair characterisation. I have never been…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentFirst, the right hon. Gentleman cannot be old enough—surely not. I say to him gently that he also cannot have it both ways: he suggests that the reform is piecemeal, but his Front…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI have been very clear that Labour is embarking on a once-in-a-generation project to unlock growth in our regions, and to shift power out of Westminster and into local…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentWe signed the devolution deal for Devon just this week, and are working to go forward. I welcome the hon. Member’s comments on the certainty that we are delivering. This is the…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI thank the Chair of the Select Committee for recognising that local councils and areas have come forward, and that this Government are responding to their requests and working…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentLike the rest of England, Gloucester did not fare well when the Conservatives were in power. Councils have faced significant pressures and increases, at the same time as a 23% cut…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentRural areas will also receive a cash-terms increase; we have given one of 6.8%. We recognise the challenges that local authorities have faced, particularly in rural areas. That is…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI totally understand the concerns that my hon. Friend raises on behalf of his constituents in Erewash, and the situation that Derbyshire county council faces. We put £1 billion…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentWe understand the impact of debt on Surrey, which is why it is in the priority programme. I am happy for the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution to meet the hon.…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI hope that my lunch is delayed and not cancelled, Madam Deputy Speaker. On delaying elections, I have been clear about the high bar that I set. I absolutely understand the…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI absolutely agree. My hon. Friend knows local government particularly well because of his contribution for many years before he was elected to this place. We do want to see more…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI agree with my hon. Friend. I am really pleased that Essex devolution is going forward, and that there has been cross-party support and real collaboration to achieve it. That is…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI am disappointed when things are on social media first. I respect this House, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I have come here at the earliest opportunity to update the House. On the…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentWith permission, I would like to update the House on devolution in England and local government reorganisation. The No. 1 mission of this Government is to unlock growth in our…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI thank the hon. Member for recognising the positivity that devolution can unlock for local areas. The deal she mentions was not included in this round because it was not…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentI recognise that senior officers and local areas will be working on this issue—they have been working on it to develop their proposals in the first place, so this has come from…05 Feb 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Local GovernmentMy hon. Friend is right to categorise what the Conservatives have done to local authorities, and it is not party political to say that; many councils of all different political…05 Feb 2025