Contributions
1,571 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19: Churches and Places of WorshipI note the comments on the financial state of the abbey and St Margaret’s. We are looking to see what we can do. As I mentioned in my previous answer, there are a number of…09 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Churches and Places of WorshipI looked at the suggestion of a small business grant fund with my colleague and noble friend Lady Barran, and we have already had a bilateral on this to see how we can move…09 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceSocial care for children is recognised as a priority service for the Government. I give the assurance that the funding required, as a result of demand pressures from this…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceMy advice to the Secretary of State would be to focus on the three pillars of support that we need to give councils. We are covering demand pressures through the Covid-19 pandemic…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceMy noble friend is right to say that the credit ratings of local authorities remain strong, and where there have been some downgrades, that happened before the pandemic. I have…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceAdult social care is a considerable part of local authority financing—approximately one-third for most councils. It is worth noting that around 40% of the funding provided so far…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceThe commitment to the local voluntary sector has been covered by the large grant that has been made available by the DCMS. We recognise the important part that local government…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceWe are aware of the specific problems with regard to Greater Manchester. These are being exacerbated by the loss of the dividends that it normally gets from the airport, which is…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceI can give a commitment that funding will extend beyond a few well-known names to the important local theatres and museums that are often supported by local authorities. I cannot…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceMy Lords, councils across the country are supporting communities, protecting the most vulnerable and helping the NHS in its efforts to combat Covid-19. We have made £3.7 billion…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceI confirm to my noble friend that the guidance on care homes was not as clear as it could have been. He is right to raise the lessons we have to learn from that. On the pressures…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceIt has been announced that tax deficits will be deferred over three years, rather than one. That was directly in response to the Local Government Association. It is clear that the…07 Jul 2020HANSARDBusiness and Planning BillMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Howe, I beg to move that the Bill be read a second time. It is a great privilege to open Second Reading on the Bill in your Lordships’…06 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceMy Lords, this is the time for a comprehensive plan to stabilise finances. As I have said, that announcement will be made shortly.29 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceThe Government have made £3.2 billion available to local authorities through an unring-fenced grant so that they can address the pressures they are facing in response to the…29 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceMy Lords, I can give an assurance that a comprehensive plan will be announced shortly. It is a little unfortunate that the timing of this Question is before that announcement. Of…29 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceMy Lords, I have made clear that this is far from a do-nothing Government. In just two months we have already provided £3.2 billion—an extraordinary sum—to deal with the demand…29 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceWe need to recognise that monthly reports are now provided to the ministry by all local authorities so we can keep track of expenditure. Broadly speaking, the first two tranches,…29 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceAs we have said, our focus is on covering both the demand pressures and the income deficit and on providing the comprehensive package that will ensure that council tax payers do…29 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Local Government FinanceI agree with the right reverend Prelate. A number of local authorities will feel impacts as a result of Covid-19 pressures, particularly Luton Airport. This was raised with me by…29 Jun 2020