Contributions
3,765 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe are always keen to embrace whatever technology we can to improve service to our constituents. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and look at his suggestion.08 Apr 2019HANSARDParks and Green SpacesIn September 2017, the Government agreed to provide a written update to Parliament to assess the progress made against the recommendations of the Housing, Communities and Local…04 Apr 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingI think the Mayor of the Tees Valley, Ben Houchen, is doing a fantastic job of ensuring that the voice of Tees Valley is heard in this place. There has been considerable…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Main. I congratulate the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Thelma Walker) on securing this debate. I join her in paying tribute…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingI acknowledged right at the beginning of my speech the difficult financial climate that local government has suffered over the last few years. I am not trying to pretend it has…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingIt is nice that we are now talking about whether the increase in funding is enough. I am glad we have moved the debate on. It is also good to hear Labour Members talking about the…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingI am happy to do that. I am glad that York and Kirklees—the areas represented by the hon. Lady and the hon. Member for Colne Valley—joined my local area to be part of one of those…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingYes.27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingNo, I will finish my point. Where the Government do have a role to play is in ensuring that the tax system is in line with modern practice. When it comes to business rates retail…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingThe idea that this Government are not doing that is an old chestnut. This Government have brought forward more ways to clamp down on international tax than any previous Government…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingI am conscious of time, so I will make progress. If those peers do not act, then we will act unilaterally. The Government are addressing the point. I agree with the hon. Member…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Local Government FundingAgain, I am happy to say that it is not my job or the Government’s job to dictate to people how they should shop. Part of what is changing habits is part of why people are…27 Mar 2019HANSARD Winstanley Estate RegenerationIt would not be appropriate for me to comment on whether any particular planning application meets any standard, but 35% is in excess of the local authority target of 33% for…22 Mar 2019HANSARD Winstanley Estate RegenerationI am a localist, and although the Government provide overall guidance and direction for local authorities it is of course right that they determine how exactly to engage best with…22 Mar 2019HANSARD Winstanley Estate RegenerationIt is a pleasure to wind up the debate and I congratulate the hon. Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova) on securing it. I welcome the chance to respond to the points she made.…22 Mar 2019HANSARDDraft Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention and Levy and Safety Net) (Amendment) and (Levy Account: Basis of Distribution) Regulations 2019I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention and Levy and Safety Net) (Amendment) and (Levy Account: Basis of Distribution)…18 Mar 2019HANSARDDraft Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention and Levy and Safety Net) (Amendment) and (Levy Account: Basis of Distribution) Regulations 2019As always, I welcome the comments of the hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton, which are always thoughtful and well informed. On this matter, however, I disagree with him. We…18 Mar 2019HANSARDAdult Social ServicesI praise North West Leicestershire District Council, which I know well. My hon. Friend is a well-established champion of the council and he is right to highlight its focus on…04 Mar 2019HANSARDAdult Social ServicesI praise the work done by both Select Committees in producing some options for the social care Green Paper, and I know that they are being actively considered, as they should be.…04 Mar 2019HANSARDLocal Authority FinancesI gently point out to the hon. Lady that the towns fund that she talks about has the highest per capita allocation exactly to her area, and it is something that she should be…04 Mar 2019