Contributions
2,184 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSussex and Brighton Combined County Authority Regulations 2026The time periods are quite compressed, as the next tranche of 14 areas will be decided before the Summer Recess. The decision-making is quite close together and it is up to us to…23 Mar 2026HANSARDSussex and Brighton Combined County Authority Regulations 2026My Lords, these regulations were laid on 11 February 2026. Before I proceed, I draw the Committee’s attention to a correction slip that has been issued for these regulations. It…23 Mar 2026HANSARDSussex and Brighton Combined County Authority Regulations 2026That the Grand Committee do consider the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority Regulations 2026. Relevant document: 52nd Report from the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny…23 Mar 2026HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention and Levy and Safety Net: Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026That the Grand Committee do consider the Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention and Levy and Safety Net: Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026.23 Mar 2026HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention and Levy and Safety Net: Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026The most exciting ones always come at the end. As many noble Lords will know, the Government are embarking on a much-needed funding reform for English councils to ensure that…23 Mar 2026HANSARDHigh Streets and Towns: RegenerationMy noble friend is quite right. One thing that happened as a result of Covid was seeing vaccination centres, for example, introduced into high streets. In my own regeneration…18 Mar 2026HANSARDHigh Streets and Towns: RegenerationWe do have an agenda for growth, but we are having to tidy up the mess that was left behind before we can achieve it. We are introducing the hospitality support fund, which has…18 Mar 2026HANSARDHigh Streets and Towns: RegenerationWe are very keen to make sure that vacant units get filled. We have introduced lots of powers to enable councils to do that, but we also recognise upward rent pressures. Many…18 Mar 2026HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment BillThat the amendments for the Report stage be marshalled and considered in the following order: Clauses 1 to 4, Schedule 1, Clauses 5 and 6, Schedule 2, Clauses 7 to 9, Schedule 3,…18 Mar 2026HANSARDHigh Streets and Towns: RegenerationI do not share the noble Baroness’s pessimism about high streets. It is perfectly possible to re-energise our high streets. We are already working with the Home Office, and one of…18 Mar 2026HANSARDHigh Streets and Towns: RegenerationMy Lords, this Government recognise the very real pressures facing high streets and town centres, from long-term vacancy and rising costs to crime and changes in how people use…18 Mar 2026HANSARDHigh Streets and Towns: RegenerationI think that might be more due to 14 years of letting high streets sink into decline. However, the places that are subject to Pride in Place funding will also be joined by the new…18 Mar 2026HANSARDHigh Streets and Towns: RegenerationI was tempted to ask whether my noble friend wanted to answer the Question rather than me; I am sure he knows a great deal about high streets. I thank him for his support for the…18 Mar 2026HANSARDHigh Streets and Towns: RegenerationThe right reverend Prelate makes a very important point. Meanwhile uses in our shops can often help regenerate whole areas, because they bring footfall into those areas. Junction…18 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayI think it is fair to say that the situation on equal pay has now been resolved in most councils. In my own council, it took a very long time indeed to resolve because it had not…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayThe noble Lord makes a point that I want to expand on. It is very important for Birmingham and the people of the West Midlands that the economy can be driven forward so that we…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayWe would certainly encourage all parties that can help with this dispute to get around the table and make sure that this is resolved. It is not in the interests of the people of…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayAs I have said, it is not correct to say that the commissioners blocked a viable deal. We want to urge both parties to get back around the negotiating table to find a sustainable…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayMy Lords, the Government recognise the deep frustration of residents with the ongoing waste dispute. The people of Birmingham must be at the heart of resolving this issue. While…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayI am pleased to tell the noble Lord that this year, very recently, the council passed a balanced revenue budget without the need for exceptional financial support for the first…17 Mar 2026