Contributions
1,066 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)During the evidence sessions, we heard senior local government leaders describe “inconsistent and…unhelpful messaging” on the building blocks of the new authorities—I quote what I…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)I had the privilege of spending 24 years in local government, divided equally across the previous Labour, Conservative and coalition Governments. I do not think that local…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)We return to the theme that areas can have devolution provided it is in the form that Whitehall dictates. It remains a significant concern to the Opposition that we are proceeding…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)I have a couple of questions for the Minister. It feels as though these amendments are intended to bring some welcome consistency and clarity. The Committee will know that local…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)I am grateful to the Minister for undertaking to provide that clarity in writing. She said that there are differences between a mayoral authority and a combined authority without…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)The Opposition have listened attentively to the points made by the hon. Member for Camborne and Redruth and by my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight East (Joe Robertson). My…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)I know that the hon. Gentleman is not the only person with an interest, and that there are other amendments on the same topic. He mentions that he is satisfied with the…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)In our consideration of the issue, the Minister is asking the Committee to give a great deal of weight to the meetings she has described having had with various local leaders and…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)I thank the Minister for that introduction. It is the implementation of this that is the subject of political contention, but a great deal has been said, and a vote has been…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)The Opposition support the amendment; the principle of having a simple majority is sound. In oral evidence, we heard about why Manchester works and London does not, and there is a…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)Let me give a concrete example: the long-standing proposal for Heathrow expansion airport. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has set out her absolute determination to ensure that…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)I draw the Committee’s attention to a topic to which we will return throughout our proceedings: the extent to which the devolution legislation is about the powers of the Secretary…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)The Opposition have some sympathy with the points that have been made in the debate. It is an area in which there is scope to move towards a degree of consensus. I think that we…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)Will the hon. Member give way?14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)I am listening attentively to what the hon. Lady described. We heard in evidence from Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen of the District Councils’ Network that under these proposals,…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)I beg to move amendment 293, in schedule 3, page 112, line 16, at end insert— “(2A) The relevant remuneration panel may not recommend allowances which exceed the amount paid in…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)These amendments concern the remuneration of commissioners and have two purposes. There is a long-established principle within the arrangements for the remuneration of elected…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)I understand the issue that the hon. Member is highlighting. One thing that emerged from the debate about councillor pensions was that they were essentially taken away by a…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)I have listened intently to what the Minister has said. I think the risk is that, if things are delegated to statutory guidance, what emerges later on will not meet the…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)I draw the Minister’s attention to the existing arrangements for independent remuneration panels. She has referenced the proposals for how this kind of situation will be handled.…14 Oct 2025