Contributions
1,006 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe forthcoming English devolution White Paper will set out clearly our top-to-bottom redistribution of power, and how we include and engage people at a local level to ensure that…02 Dec 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe are currently in the process of reviewing oversight, accountability, and checks and balances to make sure that they are in place and fit for purpose, and that the early warning…02 Dec 2024HANSARDDevolution Agreements: SomersetIn July, the Deputy Prime Minister invited places without a devolution agreement, including Somerset, to come forward with proposals for their area, in order to gauge the…02 Dec 2024HANSARDDevolution Agreements: SomersetI think we have all had to endure Liberal Democrats, so I can reflect on that. We are in constant dialogue with local councils on our twin-pronged approach. One prong is…02 Dec 2024HANSARDDevolution Agreements: SomersetCentral Government have said to local government that we want to reset the relationship and work as partners in power, and it is not unreasonable to expect that councils will do…02 Dec 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsIt was a pleasure to meet my hon. Friend and colleagues to talk about devolution in Cornwall. He will know that we have agreed to a non-mayoral devolution deal for Cornwall as a…02 Dec 2024HANSARDLocal Government FinanceToday, the Government have published details of the local government finance settlement for the next year for councils across England, and our wider ambitions for the sector over…28 Nov 2024HANSARD Devolution: LancashireAs a fellow Lancastrian—I am from Oldham—I start by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Wyre (Cat Smith) on securing this debate on this special day,…27 Nov 2024HANSARD Devolution: LancashireIt is important to separate out the different roles and responsibilities. We do not see mayors as being super-councils. We see mayors as regional leaders that have a strategic…27 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillThat really was not worth giving way for. I have literally just said that 1 million properties will be supported against inflationary increases next year. The 40% will continue,…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillI thank all hon. Members who have contributed to this enthusiastic and impassioned debate. Whether they were speaking from the Government or the Opposition Benches, their speeches…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillI want to make progress in the time that I have, and to wind up within the 10 minutes. The key point is that all children of compulsory school age are entitled to a state-funded…25 Nov 2024HANSARD Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillI can answer this question: it is the impact that matters. Whatever Opposition Members say as the farmers’ friends, the truth is different: 7,000 businesses closed on their watch.…25 Nov 2024HANSARDLocal Government Best ValueAll hon. Members will recognise the importance of having well-functioning local councils that provide essential statutory services local residents rely upon. Government will…20 Nov 2024HANSARDLocal Government Best Value: London Borough of Tower HamletsI have previously updated this House that this Government are committed to resetting the relationship between local and regional government, and to establish partnerships built on…12 Nov 2024HANSARDDraft Barnsley and Sheffield (Boundary Change) Order 2024Thank you for that, Mrs Harris. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Brent West for his contribution. Given his diligence in preparing for his speech, I am happy to recommend to…06 Nov 2024HANSARDDraft Barnsley and Sheffield (Boundary Change) Order 2024I do not have a great deal to say in rounding up, other than to reflect on the fact that the consultation included the residents who live in the Oughtibridge site at present, the…06 Nov 2024HANSARDDraft Barnsley and Sheffield (Boundary Change) Order 2024I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Barnsley and Sheffield (Boundary Change) Order 2024. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Harris. The…06 Nov 2024HANSARDLocal Authority FundingI can see the shadow Secretary of State making that point repeatedly, because at this stage we are all waiting for the statement and the Budget that will contain that information,…28 Oct 2024HANSARDLocal Authority FundingAgain, I ask hon. Members to wait for the spending review on Wednesday, and for the provisional settlement in December. We are under no illusion about the pressures faced by…28 Oct 2024