Contributions
1,571 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBuilding Safety Defects: CostsMy Lords, I am happy to look at that specific case, because that sounds like an eye-watering sum of money. In the first instance, is full-scale remediation the answer? Has the…18 Oct 2021HANSARDMinister for Intergovernmental RelationsMy Lords, there is no sign of disrespect when we call a Government a devolved Administration, but I am happy to call them devolved Governments in future if that is seen as more…18 Oct 2021HANSARDBuilding Safety Defects: CostsMy Lords, I do not think it is as simple as that this was at the hands of failed regulation, although we recognise that there was regulatory system failure. That is why we are…18 Oct 2021HANSARDInequalities of Region and PlaceMy Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Liddle, on securing this debate. I am grateful to all noble Lords who contributed this afternoon. The debate has been passionate and…14 Oct 2021HANSARDInequalities of Region and PlaceOnce again, the right reverend Prelate raised the issue of child poverty and how we measure poverty. I will write to him on the specifics of the Government’s approach to…14 Oct 2021HANSARDBuilding a Co-operative Union (Common Frameworks Scrutiny Committee Report)I thank noble Lords for their expert and learned comments in this debate. I particularly thank the noble Baroness, Lady Andrews, for moving this important Motion. I also pay…13 Oct 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesMy Lords, I point out that Greenhalgh is a Lancastrian name, so I dispute Lancashire being second to Yorkshire, but that is a matter for debate. Devolution has required a degree…16 Sept 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesIt sounds like someone is pre-empting my response. We need to recognise that historic counties are there and part of our fabric and history. We also need to realise functional…16 Sept 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesMy Lords, my travel schedule is changing with every question. I have not been to Worcestershire; I am very happy to take in a visit to see the delights of that county ground,…16 Sept 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesMy Lords, there is a very strong Yorkshire theme today. The Government proudly flew the Yorkshire flag outside our headquarters to mark Yorkshire Day. That beautiful flag was part…16 Sept 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesMy noble friend makes that very easy: I even have Russell Grant’s book on historic counties here. He has had a great impact on our department and I am very pleased to meet the…16 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold: Building and Fire SafetyFirst of all, the duty to keep the building safe is on the building holder. There seem to be a small number of isolated cases in which the building owner is able to access funds…16 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold: Building and Fire SafetyMy noble friend is right, which is why we are looking at a new levy and a developer tax to ensure that the industry contributes. At this stage we are in consultation. We need to…16 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold: Building and Fire SafetyMy Lords, the Government support the principle that—in the same way you might go to a doctor and get an opinion, then seek a second opinion—we get the opportunity to have a second…16 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold: Building and Fire SafetyMy Lords, we recognise that if you buy a defective dwelling you expect the person responsible for the building of it to do something about it. That is precisely why the…16 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold: Building and Fire SafetyMy Lords, I agree that it is really important to engage with the people affected. I have a considerable number of meetings with leaseholder groups and am in constant virtual…16 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold: Building and Fire SafetyMy Lords, I do not recognise that as a sensible position to hold. Admittedly, this is a situation that has built up over many decades and leaseholders face those eye-watering…16 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold: Building and Fire SafetyWe recognise that many people are responsible and that the standard of construction products has not been at the level we expect. That is why we have brought in a construction…16 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold: Building and Fire SafetyMy Lords, I am very happy to join the noble Lord in visiting the people who will be demonstrating today at 1 pm. This is continually a moving feast. I am happy to announce that we…16 Sept 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesThe history and traditions of this country are very important and the tapestry of our historic counties is one of the bonds that draws the nation together. We support various…16 Sept 2021