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953 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDVoter ID: Election TurnoutWe were pleased to see, in the May 2023 elections, that the vast majority of voters in polling stations were able to cast their vote successfully. That amounted to 99.75% of those…22 Jan 2024HANSARDVoter ID: Election TurnoutThere is nothing novel about having voter ID. France, Germany, Austria and Canada all have it, and we have had it in Northern Ireland—part of the United Kingdom—for the past 20…22 Jan 2024HANSARDVoter ID: Election TurnoutI do not agree with that, and nor will I take any lessons on political opportunism from the SNP. I am tempted to say that I would WhatsApp my answer to the hon. Lady, but she…22 Jan 2024HANSARDCouncil Budget DeficitsThe Department works closely with the local government sector and other Departments to understand specific demand and cost pressures. The provisional local government finance…22 Jan 2024HANSARDCouncil Budget DeficitsIf the money from that Department is ring-fenced, it is not at the discretion of the county councillors where they use it; they have to use it for that purpose. I would take the…22 Jan 2024HANSARDCouncil Budget DeficitsAs a rural Member of Parliament, I am tempted to tell my hon. Friend that he will be preaching to the choir, but of course I am happy to meet him. He points to the challenges that…22 Jan 2024HANSARDCouncil Budget DeficitsAdult social care is a demand on all upper-tier authorities. I commend BANES Council on the work it is doing; that is precisely the demonstration of flexibility and innovation in…22 Jan 2024HANSARDCouncil Budget DeficitsI am grateful to my hon. Friend and for the work that Councillor Picton does as the leader of his council. He is absolutely right to point to the continued importance of…22 Jan 2024HANSARDCouncil Budget DeficitsIt is not policy for us to comment individually on councils that are seeking advice from or engagement with officials, but I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question,…22 Jan 2024HANSARDLocal Authorities: Four-day WeekThe Government have been crystal clear that we do not support any attempt from local authorities to implement part-time work for full-time pay. Removing capacity to deliver…22 Jan 2024HANSARDLocal Authorities: Four-day WeekIf the hon. Gentleman can construct an argument for hard-working families across the country —many of whom will be working two or three jobs to keep a roof over their heads—that…22 Jan 2024HANSARDLocal Government TransparencySteps are always being taken to improve transparency. The local government accountability framework and transparency code sets standards for transparency; it mandates the…22 Jan 2024HANSARDLocal Government TransparencyMy hon. Friend raises an important question. At the time of appointment, all council leaders should be aware of existing disqualification criteria barring councillors who have…22 Jan 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank my hon. Friend for his positive engagement, alongside that of my right hon. Friend the Member for Charnwood (Edward Argar) and my hon. Friends the Members for Loughborough…22 Jan 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsI recognise the concerns regarding Warrington’s debt. Of course, the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 provides new powers for the Government to step in and take action to…22 Jan 2024HANSARD Sandwell Metropolitan Borough CouncilFirst, I thank my hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich West (Shaun Bailey) for securing this debate. I have been in this job for nine weeks. If I had a fiver for every time he…18 Jan 2024HANSARD Morecambe Town Council PreceptsI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that clarification. I think, given the fact that there now appears to have been two precept streams, one of which could be described as an…17 Jan 2024HANSARD Morecambe Town Council PreceptsIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Robert. I will not begin my speech in the usual way, because it was announced in the last quarter of an hour or so that my…17 Jan 2024HANSARDNew Overseas Electors FranchiseOn 27 May 2021, the former Minister for the Constitution and Devolution, my right hon. Friend the Member for Norwich North (Chloe Smith), updated the House on the Government’s…16 Jan 2024HANSARD Inter Faith Network for the UKI do not think I can give way, because I think I have about 57 seconds left before the end of the debate.10 Jan 2024