Contributions
497 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)Amendments 4, 28 and 29 seek to ensure that this is a genuinely community-led devolution—I am sure that we will repeat that many times throughout the morning. Fundamentally, the…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)The name of the Bill promises devolution and community empowerment, yet a number of its clauses cause the Liberal Democrats some concern, and this is one. A key principle of…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)We rehearsed the conversation about the level of consultation, but this is really about the role of town and parish councils. We have seen, since the devolution announcements were…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)I have no principled objection to the mayor setting a precept. I found it confusing when I heard Mayor Houchen explain how he had a zero precept. How does anything get done? Where…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Fourth sitting)There is a role for experts, but the role of the commissioners, as they are seen through this lens or this organisation, is far better suited to people who are elected. Councils…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Third sitting)I beg to move amendment 30, in clause 3, page 2, line 32, at end insert— “(3A) Before making a designation under this section, the Secretary of State must consult town and parish…14 Oct 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Second sitting)Q I absolutely support your comment about the reopening of the community improvement fund or similar, but last week we had the Museum of Broken Dreams downstairs, which showcased…16 Sept 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Second sitting)Q I am really concerned about the movement of powers from police and crime commissioners to mayors, but more so about the moving of the fire and rescue services, which are given…16 Sept 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Second sitting)Q Most areas that are currently undergoing local government reorganisation seem to be moving at pace to set up town and parish councils, if they do not have them, to protect their…16 Sept 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (First sitting)I am a member of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.16 Sept 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (First sitting)Apologies for having a second go, but my husband is also a sitting councillor and I am a vice-president of the Local Government Association.16 Sept 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (First sitting)Q In more urban areas, particularly those that have districts and do not have town or parish councils—I represent an area that did not have a neighbourhood review and does not…16 Sept 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (First sitting)Q This is a big question, but I know you need to give a quick answer. I think everyone is agreed, or most of us are agreed, that local government needs to reform urgently. Is this…16 Sept 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (First sitting)Q Welcome to the Committee. Communities will be able to nominate assets of community value that are of economic value. Nick, that is particularly relevant for the community…16 Sept 2025HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (Second sitting)Q You have talked about policy issues, the lack of trust and the suspicion around transparency. I am sure we have all heard assumptions that things are going on in councils. What…16 Sept 2025HANSARDChildren with SEND: Assessments and SupportIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dr Allin-Khan. The SEND crisis is destroying the life chances of children—not only those with additional needs, but their…15 Sept 2025HANSARD Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [Lords]I rise to support amendments that will serve to ensure the most vulnerable and isolated people in our communities are not cut off from employment, health services, education and…10 Sept 2025HANSARDOnline Safety Act 2023: EffectivenessI have been contacted by many constituents worried about the implementation of the Act. For example, Emily, who is home-schooled and has ME, struggles to access things that help…10 Sept 2025HANSARD Neurodivergent People: EmploymentIt is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Ms McVey. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Ely and East Cambridgeshire (Charlotte Cane) for securing this important debate.…09 Sept 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial BaseShortly before recess, I visited a small precision engineering firm that is involved in tooling in the defence industry. It shared the challenges it faces in looking at defence…08 Sept 2025