Contributions
1,571 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDLeasehold: 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 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 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesMy Lords, we continue to look at devolution matters. As the noble Baroness knows, we considered One Yorkshire, but we are some way down the line in creating mayors in the…16 Sept 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesMy noble friend has called for that realignment, but we do not have any plans, so I cannot reassure him. But things in government change and he is making his case strongly.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 2021HANSARDEngland: Historic CountiesMy Lords, I recognise that we need stability and point out that many areas have not seen significant change. The last reorganisation in London, where I was a local councillor, was…16 Sept 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 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingMy noble friend knows that we are committed, in our latest manifesto, to expanding Housing First. The findings of our evaluation, together with our experiences from the pilots,…14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingThe noble Baroness is right: we are concerned about quality issues, and that is why we carried out some pilots in Birmingham, Blackburn, Darwen, Hull, Bristol and Blackpool. We do…14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingMy Lords, as I set out in my original Answer, the focus has been away from ring-fencing of funding, but of the £12 billion that has been provided during this pandemic for local…14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingMy Lords, it is important to recognise that that was always going to be a temporary uplift in universal credit. We also need to recognise the current amount of money that goes…14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingWe are engaging very closely with stakeholders, such as the National Housing Federation and others, to ensure that we get this right. We will then develop the detail and will…14 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill [HL]My Lords, before we progress with Third Reading, I will make a very brief statement and update on legislative consent in respect of the Bill. As the UK Government have made clear…14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingMy Lords, I am always happy to meet the noble Baroness, but I have to say that although there are some poor examples of supported housing—I am happy to learn about and understand…14 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill [HL]That the Bill do now pass.14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingMy Lords, it is an entirely sensible recommendation that it is down to local authorities to base their plans on local needs. That is one of the reasons why we have moved away from…14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingMy Lords, we are investing a considerable amount—up to 10% is the target—of the £11.5 billion affordable housing scheme in the supply of supported housing. Specifically, the…14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingMy Lords, we are aware of the issues in Birmingham. That is one of the reasons why we carried out those pilots, which will inform future policy in this area. It is important that…14 Sept 2021HANSARDSupported Housing: FundingMy Lords, funding is devolved to local authorities through the local government settlement; they are best placed to make decisions on local services. We continue to work with the…14 Sept 2021HANSARDLeasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill [HL]My Lords, I start by thanking noble Lords from all sides of the House for the constructive approach that they have taken to this important legislation. The Bill leaves your…14 Sept 2021