Contributions
2,684 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Local Government Finance (England)I beg to move, That the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2022–23 (HC 1080), which was laid before this House on 7 February, be approved.09 Feb 2022HANSARD Local Government Finance (England)Absolutely. The position of those who are served by Newham Council has been very clearly outlined by the hon. Lady. Within the context of the settlement we are debating today, we…09 Feb 2022HANSARD Local Government Finance (England)The right hon. Gentleman makes a number of points and ensuring that I addressed them all would mean that I would be here well after the moment of interruption. We could discuss…09 Feb 2022HANSARD Local Government Finance (England)I talked to James Jamieson this morning, as I do most weeks. One reason why he leads the LGA is that he is a brilliant Conservative council leader. If James were here, I think he…09 Feb 2022HANSARD Local Government Finance (England)The hon. Lady makes an important point. As we review future reforms to local government finance, I look forward to working with her and other colleagues to make sure that her…09 Feb 2022HANSARDLocal Government Finance Settlement for England: 2022-23Today, I am laying before the House “The Local Government Finance Report (England) 2022 to 2023” and “The Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England)…07 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpThere are clear and objective criteria for funding, but it is also the case that some local authorities may need help with building capacity to make sure that their bids are as…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpAbsolutely. My hon. Friend is right. One of the things that the White Paper brings out in a look at the borough of Kensington is the fact that it contains both some of the…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpI do not think Wales loses out as a result of HS2. I think north Wales in particular benefits significantly because of increased connectivity. However, I respectfully say to the…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpAbsolutely. For example, we want to ensure that the sort of model used at Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form in Norwich, which provides an excellent opportunity for children denied it in…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpLiverpool City Council has had a troubled past recently, but it has a new leadership committed to change and reform. The commissioners are a vital part of that process. I am more…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpThat is an interesting idea, but I am not sure the hon. Gentleman’s friends in Plaid Cymru would necessarily take an approach to VAT and corporation tax that was as pro-enterprise…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpYes, absolutely. We need to target need. We need to recognise that, in the south-east, London, Oxford and Cambridge are the three crown jewels generating wealth, but that there…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpThree important points. First, the hon. Lady is absolutely right that there are things we need to do to tackle the housing market, in particular the second homes issue. It is…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpI absolutely appreciate that and Martin Tett, the leader of Buckinghamshire Council, is a first-rate local authority leader. I cannot give a timescale at the moment. We want to…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpThe highlands are at the top of the Government’s agenda. The UK shared prosperity funding that we are guaranteeing will ensure that highland communities get the investment that…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpMy hon. Friend makes an important point. High Peak contains some of the most beautiful and important parts of Derbyshire, but it is also part of the greater economic area around…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpI look forward to discussing that at a meeting with the hon. Lady and the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mick Whitley).02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpThat is a very important point. What we need to do is to make sure that we work with the Mayor of London, but also with Hounslow Borough Council and those who are involved in…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Levelling UpOh, the hon. Gentleman did not make it to Glasgow—never mind. He is a graduate of another great university in Glasgow. We are investing money in that university to recognise that…02 Feb 2022