Contributions
1,006 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (changed to Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers) Bill)We welcome scrutiny through amendments and the insight that the other place can provide, just as we welcomed scrutiny in the evidence sessions and Committee sittings; it adds…25 Mar 2025HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (changed to Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers) Bill)The Bill provides a cash saving for exactly the types of business that the right hon. Member talks about. We all understand the importance of pubs to our towns, villages and…25 Mar 2025HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (changed to Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers) Bill)The answer is that it is both, as I will go on to explain in more detail. It is an important first step, and the relief that is provided, funded through the higher rate…25 Mar 2025HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (changed to Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers) Bill)I am not going to pre-empt any further decisions on this, other than to say that this represents an important and significant step forward. As a constituency MP, he, like me, will…25 Mar 2025HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (changed to Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers) Bill)First, I am grateful to Members of both the Commons and the Lords who have so diligently scrutinised the Bill throughout its passage. Before I address the amendments tabled by the…25 Mar 2025HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill (changed to Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers) Bill)I beg to move, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 1.25 Mar 2025HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationThis Government was elected on a manifesto that pledged to fix the foundations of local government alongside a transfer of power and funding out of Westminster through devolution.…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Council Tax ReformI think that after the last 14 years, roads in quite a lot of England are falling apart. That is why we injected another £500 million into pothole repairs this year, because we…19 Mar 2025HANSARD Council Tax ReformI accept that there are inherent issues with council tax, not least the way that the banding system works. Because of the inherent land and property values in less affluent…19 Mar 2025HANSARD Council Tax ReformThat is an important point. In a sense, we can draw up a fairer and more balanced system, and build more security into it. What a system can never do is accommodate every…19 Mar 2025HANSARD Council Tax ReformI congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool (Mr Brash) on securing this Adjournment debate on the important issue of council tax. I am grateful for the work and…19 Mar 2025HANSARDSpelthorne Borough Council: Best Value DutyAll hon. Members will recognise the importance of having well-functioning local councils which provide essential statutory services local residents rely upon. Local councils must…17 Mar 2025HANSARD Local Government: Nolan PrinciplesWe have set out a very clear expectation about transparency and all authorities, whether they are local authorities or combined authorities, always acting in the public interest…11 Mar 2025HANSARD Local Government: Nolan PrinciplesI will follow up after the debate on the example that the right hon. Gentleman is referring to. I commit to finding out a bit more information through the Department and will…11 Mar 2025HANSARD Local Government: Nolan PrinciplesIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Desmond, and to attend this debate. I am grateful to the hon. Member for South Leicestershire (Alberto Costa) for securing…11 Mar 2025HANSARD Local Government: Nolan PrinciplesI will return in writing to the point about interim officers being able to move around and whether they are held to the Nolan principles as a founding principle. This debate is…11 Mar 2025HANSARDTown Deal Funding: Owens in HastingsI congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Hastings and Rye (Helena Dollimore) on securing this evening’s important debate, and I thank her for speaking so powerfully on behalf…10 Mar 2025HANSARDLocal Government: Best ValueMy noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, has today made the following statement: All hon. Members will recognise the importance of having…06 Mar 2025HANSARDLocal Audit Backlog in England: Non-compliance ListsEffective local audit provides transparency, accountability, trust and confidence in local bodies to spend taxpayer money wisely. Close to 500 local bodies in England are required…04 Mar 2025HANSARDLocal Government FundingI will not comment on individual councils, other than to say that this is why local government reorganisation is so important. In too many parts of England, the two-tier system is…03 Mar 2025