Alison Bennett
MP for Mid Sussex
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
South East Water has failed communities, causing Downlands community school in Hassocks to send 1,200 pupils home because they had no water. Does the Prime Minister agree that before new housing developments are approved, water companies should be compelled to confirm they have the capacity to provide a reliable water supply?
Context
Downlands community school faced a water crisis, sending 1200 pupils home due to lack of water from South East Water.
Keir Starmer
This incident is completely unacceptable. Every customer deserves reliable services. The Water Minister has met the company's leadership to demand improvements and we will follow up.
Assessment
No specific confirmation requirement mentioned
Demands For Improvement
Session: PMQs 2026-07-15
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University Hospitals Sussex currently has 350 people well enough to go home, but occupying beds. That is the same number of beds as in Princess Royal hospital in Haywards Heath in my constituency. The reason they cannot go home is that there is no social care package for them to go on to. This is terrible for them, puts strain on the trust and is ruinous to the taxpayer. Given that there is no urgent plan to reform social care, what is the Prime Minister’s plan to bring them home for Christmas?
Context
A hospital trust's inability to discharge patients due to lack of social care support.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
As the hon. Member knows, we are reforming social care. I have asked Baroness Casey to lead on that, and she has had the first of her cross-party meetings to build consensus, which is obviously what we need on this. As I have set out a number of times, the first phase will report in 2026; so that we can reform as we go on, there will obviously be a phase after that.
Session: PMQs
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Residents in Mid Sussex are concerned about the impact of drought and flooding, especially farmers like Caroline from West Sussex, who are worried about their capacity to grow food. Will the Government improve water storage capacity on British farms by removing planning and funding barriers for on-farm reservoirs to enhance national resilience?
Context
Residents in Mid Sussex are concerned about the impacts of severe weather conditions, including drought and flooding, which affect local farmers' ability to produce food. Yesterday was Back British Farming Day.
Dan Jarvis
The hon. Lady is right to raise those important points. Food security is national security, and this Government will always back our farmers. The Government and Government Departments stand ready to respond to natural hazard risks such as drought, flooding, severe storms, and extreme temperatures. The Cobra directorate in the Cabinet Office works in partnership with departmental policy teams and public entities to ensure that our response is proportionate to the climate threat.
Session: National Resilience 2026-09-10
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Has the Minister considered the impact on the sector from the fee changes? Can she explain why no impact assessment has been done? In particular, has she received feedback from trading standards since the legislation came into force?
Context
The question follows a previous inquiry about the impact of new fees on arbitration services. The changes have raised concerns among small businesses providing these services due to the financial burden.
Kate Dearden
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. A well functioning ADR system makes markets work more effectively and drives economic growth. We are committed to ensuring that consumers and businesses are able to resolve disputes early, which helps to raise consumer confidence and compliance rates. We acknowledge that there will be a period of adjustment as the new fee structure beds in, and in the autumn we will conduct a review to assess whether the fee structure should be amended further. We recognise the importance of ensuring that charges are fair and proportional for all ADR providers and the CTSI as the competent authority.
Session: Alternative Dispute Resolution Regulations 2026-07-02
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Whether his Department has provided guidance on the potential impact of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Fees) Regulations 2026 on small businesses providing arbitration services. Caroline from Lindfield owns a small business that provides arbitration services; since the introduction of the one-size-fits-all fees set down earlier this year, her business model has become unsustainable.
Context
The question arises from the introduction of new fees under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 which affect arbitration services provided by small businesses. Since the fee changes were implemented earlier this year, many ADR providers have faced challenges in sustaining their business models.
Kate Dearden
The Department has not provided guidance on that matter. Fees relating to the accreditation and monitoring of alternative dispute resolution providers have not risen since 2015, and have been significantly eroded by the impact of rising costs. The intention behind the new fee structure is to ensure that over time, fees are commensurate with the costs of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute performing the relevant functions to the required standards, that they are predictable for ADR providers, and that they provide cost recovery for the CTSI.
Session: Alternative Dispute Resolution Regulations 2026-07-02
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My constituent Tam is a mental health legal aid lawyer who has seen demand in the sector rise while fees fail to keep up, causing many to leave their jobs despite increased workload due to the Mental Health Act 2025. What specific assessments have been made on the sustainability of the mental health legal aid sector and what concrete steps are being taken to ensure its financial viability?
Context
Demand for mental health legal aid is increasing while fees are not, leading to professionals leaving the field despite the Mental Health Act 2025 adding workload. This raises concerns about the sustainability of the sector.
David Lammy
We have announced additional funding of up to £34 million a year for criminal legal aid advocates, and an additional £92 million beyond that for criminal legal aid solicitors. The hon. Lady has mentioned the important issue of legal aid in relation to mental health cases, which we will look closely at in the next funding period.
Session: Topical Questions
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Cerys was 22 when she took her life while an in-patient at Park House in Greater Manchester, with the coroner describing the unit as a 'shambles'. Reports on preventing future deaths are issued but no mechanism ensures recommendations are acted upon. How can accountability be strengthened?
Context
Cerys, a patient at Park House in Greater Manchester, died while an in-patient. The coroner described the unit as “a shambles”. There is concern over national patterns of mental health trusts failing to learn and act when tragedies occur.
Zubir Ahmed
Anyone receiving mental health treatment deserves dignity and high-quality care. Where care falls short, this Government's approach is that sunlight is the best disinfectant. We are committed to learning and taking action to protect patients and improve in-patient mental health care up and down the country. NHS England and the Care Quality Commission are acting to keep patients safe.
Session: Topical Questions
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My Mid Sussex constituent has waited four months for a transcript that will prove the financial terms agreed with her ex-husband in family court, which he now disputes. Without it, she faces the expense of hiring a barrister to go back to court in April. She is facing financial hardship as a result of this. What steps is the Minister taking to address severe delays in accessing family court transcripts?
Context
A constituent is facing significant delays in obtaining a family court transcript necessary for resolving financial disputes and preventing further legal costs.
Sarah Sackman
I am sorry to hear about that case. These sorts of delays mount trauma on trauma for many of those going through sensitive family court proceedings. We have to get this right. Because of the sensitive nature of family proceedings, there has to be judge approval of transcripts, and they have to meet the rigorous requirements of the secure transcription unit.
Session: Topical Questions
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What support can the Minister offer for the regeneration of high streets and town centres, such as that in Burgess Hill, that are unlikely to qualify for Pride in Place funding?
Context
Burgess Hill in Alison Bennett's Mid Sussex constituency needs redevelopment despite efforts by the community. A levelling-up fund bid under the previous Conservative government was unsuccessful, and Labour has not supported it through the Pride in Place scheme.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We have a high-street strategy with £150 million of support for the areas that need it the most. We also have high-street rental auctions as a way to get vacant premises up and running.
Session: High Streets
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What support can the Minister offer for the regeneration of high streets and town centres, such as that in Burgess Hill, that are unlikely to qualify for Pride in Place funding?
Context
Burgess Hill in Alison Bennett's Mid Sussex constituency needs redevelopment despite efforts by the community. A levelling-up fund bid under the previous Conservative government was unsuccessful, and Labour has not supported it through the Pride in Place scheme.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We are committed to reviving high streets, and that means reimagining them. We have a high-street strategy with £150 million of support for the areas that need it the most. We also have high-street rental auctions as a way to get vacant premises up and running.
Session: High Streets
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In her response, the Home Secretary noted the speeding-up of processing times, but I wonder whether enough is being done on that. Surely, making sure that asylum seekers are processed as fast as possible is the route to closing the hotels.
Context
The Home Secretary previously stated efforts to speed up the processing of asylum claims, but the question challenges whether this is sufficient and suggests faster processing could aid in closing asylum hotels.
Shabana Mahmood
Asylum claims are being processed at the fastest rate for 20 years, so we are moving very quickly to deal with those claims. As I am sure the hon. Lady knows, though, many of those people go on to appeal, and there is a backlog at the court. That is why we will be reforming our appeals system in legislation later this year.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels
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A close and strong relationship with our European partners is vital to our interests. Mid Sussex is home to high-tech life sciences companies such as CSL Behring and Roche Diagnostics, which have been impacted by the regulatory and trade barriers put up after Brexit. Given these challenges and the current US administration's unpredictability, does the Minister agree it is time for a bespoke customs union with the EU?
Context
High-tech life sciences companies in Mid Sussex are facing regulatory and trade barriers post-Brexit, impacting their business operations.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Our democratic mandate from the general election is clear: we will not rejoin the single market or the customs union, or go back to freedom of movement. However, what we do, and what I do every single week, is negotiate that closer UK-EU relationship, which is in our national interest.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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Survivors’ Network supports all victims of sexual assault and abuse in Sussex. When my hon. Friend the Member for Chichester (Jess Brown-Fuller) and I met representatives of the network at the start of the month, they told us that, owing to the rising costs of national insurance contributions and inflation, £40,000 of its costs are now unfunded. Given the Government’s emphasis on driving down sexual violence, is this the right decision?
Context
The Survivors' Network, which supports victims of sexual assault and abuse in Sussex, is facing financial difficulties due to rising costs.
Alex Davies-Jones
The hon. Lady may have missed the announcement that £550 million would be invested in victim support services, the biggest amount ever. I have met victim support services across England and Wales who have welcomed that announcement. The money will be transformational—it will change lives. However, victim support on its own is not enough, which is why we need to take every possible step to reform our criminal justice system, which this Government are doing.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister at least revisit the forestalling clause, which would help older farmers in Mid Sussex and across the country to avoid the consequences of backdating the legislation?
Context
The family farm tax has faced opposition from various political parties.
Dorking and Horley
At the Budget, we came forward with a revision to the policy to support people whose spouses have already passed away, and we made the allowance transferable between the spouses. That change will reduce the number of farms affected by the agricultural property relief changes from about 500—as was estimated at the previous Budget—to 375.
Session: Topical Questions
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Alison Roy is a constituent of mine. She is a therapist and works with adopted children. Last week, she drew to my attention the BBC Radio 4 programme “File on 4” on the impact and state of adoption, which highlighted that more than 1,000 adopted children have been returned to care in the past five years. Does the Minister think that per-child cuts to the ASGSF will help or hinder keeping children with their adoptive families?
Context
A constituent of Alison Bennett, a therapist working with adopted children, highlighted the BBC Radio 4 programme 'File on 4' which reported that over 1,000 adopted children have been returned to care in the past five years.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
We do not have perfect data on this issue, but the data that we do have shows that cumulative adoption breakdowns have been at a rate of 4.8% over the past 12 years. I think that is too high, and it is the view of the Government that it is too high. We want to ensure that we get adoption support right for families, and I will go through a process of engagement with those who work in the sector and families affected to ensure that we can make improvements to it in the future.
Session: Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
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My Mid Sussex constituents are frustrated by the number of cancellations, particularly on Thameslink services. One of the reasons for those cancellations is driver shortages; in particular, sickness rates are running at 15% to 20%. The operator has told me that it is now paying private healthcare providers, because NHS waiting lists are so long. Does the Minister think that is good use of my rail users’ fares, and will he make representations to colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care, to make them aware that this is happening?
Context
The MP highlights driver shortages as a reason for cancellations, with sickness rates running at 15% to 20%. She raises concerns about paying private healthcare providers due to long NHS waiting lists.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
I thank the hon. Member for her important question about the reliability of train services in her constituency. We recognise that the number of cancellations is completely unacceptable, and that train crew availability issues have been driving many of those incidents. The Department has commissioned work to understand in detail the impact of train crew availability on performance.
Session: Passenger Rail Performance Improvements
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My constituents are fed up. They are fed up of paying rising bills and adhering to hosepipe bans, and of being told to be mindful of how they use their water while leaks go unfixed and water shortages remain. This autumn, people in Mid Sussex came within three weeks of standpipes being needed, despite paying more and more on their bills. Against this torrent of failure, my constituents want to know how the Government plan to create a water industry that can provide for a growing population, rather than lurching from crisis to crisis.
Context
The MP expressed frustration over the rising water bills and restrictions despite ongoing issues like leakages and pollution. Constituents feel that they are paying more without seeing better service or infrastructure improvements.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Reynolds)
I share the public’s frustration with what has happened in recent years, but I reassure her that we will take decisive action. We have already passed the Water (Special Measures) Act, but we will also be issuing a White Paper later this year and will legislate to ensure that we have better regulation, a better regulator and a better water system for her constituents and those around the country.
Session: Water Sector Reform
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Does the Minister seriously believe that cutting funding for the international baccalaureate, a qualification that is proven to keep more girls studying STEM subjects, will help increase the number of women entering STEM industries?
Context
There is concern over the Government's decision to cut funding for international baccalaureate, a qualification that has been proven effective in retaining girls' interest in STEM subjects.
The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)
An Education Minister will be happy to discuss that with the hon. Lady.
Session: STEM Industries Female Workforce
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A constituent of mine, who now lives in Haywards Heath, came to the UK from Hong Kong under the BNO visa route after the deterioration of human rights there left her and her daughter with no choice but to seek safety. She is now deeply anxious about reports that the qualifying period for settlement and citizenship may be extended. What representations has the Minister made to her Chinese counterparts, and can she explain how she will protect BNO visa holders who have made their home in the UK?
Context
A constituent of Alison Bennett's from Mid Sussex, who came to the UK under the British National Overseas visa route due to deteriorating human rights conditions in Hong Kong, is concerned about potential changes to settlement and citizenship qualifications.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Seema Malhotra)
Indeed, we agree that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm their critics or others abroad, especially in the UK, will not be tolerated. The Government are also strengthening efforts to tackle transnational repression, including through the introduction of dedicated police training and online guidance to support victims. Indeed, we are committed to the people of Hong Kong, as exemplified by the BNO visa route. It is our historical and moral commitment, and the hon. Lady will be aware, in relation to the changes in the immigration White Paper, that the Government will bring forth more details about the consultation and work in due course.
Session: Hong Kong Human Rights Violations
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I am concerned about Varndean sixth-form college in Brighton being the sole state-funded International Baccalaureate provider in Sussex, which has warned that without additional funding, IB will become financially unviable. This affects many Mid Sussex students who have gone on to study engineering, medicine and maths at leading universities. Does the Minister think it right for this world-class qualification to be available only in private sector schools? Will he meet me and Varndean students to discuss the benefits of the IB for state-educated pupils and why this decision must be reversed?
Context
Varndean sixth-form college, the only state-funded IB provider in Sussex, warned that without additional funding, the IB will become financially unviable. This would limit its availability to private sector institutions and create a two-tier system.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
Funded institutions for those aged 16 to 19 have the freedom to decide how to use their funding. The Government made big decisions at the spending review to increase overall funding available to 16-to-19 courses by over £800 million next financial year, with per-pupil funding going up substantially. While supporting STEM subjects through extra A-levels, we still recognise the International Baccalaureate as an important course and want to support it.
Session: International Baccalaureate
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The better futures fund rightly targets the needs of vulnerable children, and one such group are those who are subject to adoption or kinship arrangements. Last week the Department for Education announced that it would renew the adoption and special guardianship support fund for one year, but did not say that it would reverse the 40% cuts in per-child funding that were announced in the spring. Does the Minister agree that reversing those cuts is vital for protecting families and keeping children in adoption arrangements, and will he meet adoptive families from Mid Sussex so that he can better understand the benefits to the Treasury that investing in adoptive families will bring?
Context
The Department for Education renewed the adoption and special guardianship support fund for one year but did not reverse the 40% funding cuts per child.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
The hon. Member asks about an important matter. As a constituency MP, I have met families who have an interest in the fund and who are in the process of adoption themselves, so I know on a personal level from my constituency work how important it is. What the Department for Education was able to announce last week was important in confirming the extension of the fund, which will offer some certainty to the affected families. I will continue to work with colleagues in the DFE to ensure that we are doing all we can to support those families, who are playing such an important role for their children and for society.
Session: Better Futures Fund
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Does the Minister agree that listening to the voices of bereaved families who have lost their babies is of essential importance? If he does, will he listen to the calls of Sussex families to appoint Donna Ockenden to lead their review?
Context
Sussex families are calling for Donna Ockenden to lead the maternity care review.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I agree that it is vital to listen to those voices; it will not be possible to get to the bottom of why care is not of an acceptable standard without hearing those voices. I have heard what the hon. Lady has said about Donna Ockenden and I will certainly take that away to discuss with ministerial colleagues.
Session: Maternity Care
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Good mental health at school is sometimes bolstered by out-of-school support, especially for the most vulnerable children. Last week, I met Vicky and her team at Jigsaw Occupational Therapy in Burgess Hill, and I spoke to the families they help. Roughly a quarter of their work involved supporting kinship and adopted children and helping them to regulate following profound trauma. Vicky described the impact on their children of the Government’s cuts to the adoption and special guardianship support fund as “heartbreaking”. Can the Minister offer any words of comfort to Vicky and the families she helps?
Context
Jigsaw Occupational Therapy provides support to kinship and adopted children, but has described the impact of government cuts to the adoption and special guardianship support fund as 'heartbreaking'.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
We are maintaining the support available to children to ensure that there is reasonable support in place, and providing more funding to local authorities. This Government are committed to breaking down the barriers to opportunity so that every child can succeed and thrive, and that is what we are getting on and delivering.
Session: Mental Health Support in Schools
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Does the Secretary of State agree that such businesses are vital in delivering the skills of the future, and will he join me in congratulating Steve Willis Training on being a brilliant family business that provides key skills to the south-east?
Context
The MP is celebrating a local business's achievements in providing key skills.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I warmly congratulate Steve Willis Training on its 25 years in operation, work it is doing. The hon. Lady makes an important point: we can help create jobs but question whether people will have skills to fill them.
Session: Clean Power Jobs
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Last week, Hurstpierpoint’s former Methodist church received permission to be converted into flats, despite the parish council registering it as an asset of community value and expressing its sincere wish to purchase it. Does the Minister think that the regulations for assets of community value are fit for purpose? How can they be improved?
Context
A former Methodist church in Hurstpierpoint was approved to be converted into flats despite the parish council registering it as an asset of community value.
Alex Norris
No, we do not think that the regulations are fit for purpose, which is why we are planning to amend them through the Bill that we published last week.
Session: Topical Questions
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What parallels can the Minister draw when learning about those two compensation schemes, and how will we ensure that in future the administration of such schemes is smoother, swifter and a better experience for those who are impacted?
Context
A constituent waiting decades for compensation due to the infected blood scandal and another due to being gay in the RAF, both suffering from trauma.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
The hon. Lady speaks movingly about her constituents, Graham and Steve, who have had to wait decades for justice. We will look at what has worked well in previous compensation schemes and be honest about that and learn from it. For infected blood, IBCA is using a test-and-learn approach to allow us to speed up payments.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
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Part of a successful cancer journey is swift cancer treatment as well as swift diagnosis. My constituent Catherine was diagnosed last year with stage 3 breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and went through chemotherapy. She was then meant to begin a course of radiotherapy in December, but as of May that still had not begun. What can the Department do to ensure that those unacceptable delays do not happen and lives can be saved?
Context
The Minister for Secondary Care was questioned about steps to reduce cancer diagnosis times. Ms Bennett shares a constituent's experience of delayed radiotherapy after breast cancer diagnosis.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
Many hon. Members across the House rightly highlight the actual experience of people throughout the entire pathway. We have heard about the investment we are making in machines and in staff to ensure, on exactly this point, that people get not just that faster diagnosis—that is so important, particularly if cancer is ruled out—but faster care across the entire pathway. The majority of people on waiting lists are on them for diagnostics, which is exactly why we are investing more in capital and investing in staff to ensure that the process is quicker and better for patients. If the hon. Member wants to write to me about any particular issues, I will obviously respond to her.
Session: Cancer Diagnoses
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Dyslexia is vastly over-represented in the prison population. While 10% of the general population are dyslexic, it is thought that as many as half of all prisoners have dyslexia. Does the Minister consider rehabilitation programmes to effectively meet the specific needs of dyslexic prisoners?
Context
Dyslexia is overrepresented among prisoners, with up to half of all prisoners potentially dyslexic.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
The hon. Member is right to highlight dyslexia, and neurodiversity is common among people in our prisons. That is why we have neurodiversity officers in each prison to ensure that we are doing our very best for these people so that they can be rehabilitated and become better citizens when they come out of prison.
Session: Prisons Rehabilitation
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The Hop Tub in Hurstpierpoint, the Hop Sun in Haywards Heath and the Brickworks in Burgess Hill are three fantastic microbreweries serving the constituents of Mid Sussex. Given the pressures of national insurance and the challenges of business rates, what is the Treasury doing to support these innovative businesses?
Context
Microbreweries such as the Hop Tub, Hop Sun, and Brickworks are under pressure from national insurance rises and business rates.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
I think everybody in this House enjoys the proliferation of microbreweries around the country, which is why the Government are supporting draught beer and cider by knocking 1p off the price of a pint at the Budget last year. It is important not only that we support our pubs, but the brewers who produce the content that is sold in them.
Session: Night-time Economy
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Given that France has said it wants our access to be limited to 15%, will you confirm what level of access has been agreed?
Context
The UK has signed a new security and defence partnership with the EU, including access to certain funds like the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE). France had previously mentioned limiting UK's access to 15%.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
This is a big step today—a broad and bespoke agreement between the European Union and the UK on security and defence—but it is a first step. Settling the details and the terms of access for European programmes, including the SAFE funding programme, is exactly the task beyond today.
Session: UK-EU Defence and Security Agreement
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What steps his Department is taking to support businesses in rural areas. I thank the Minister for his answer. I am encouraged that his Department is working with other Departments. There are brilliant vineyards in Mid Sussex, such as Bolney wine estate, which produce high-quality English wine. They form a vital part of the rural economy and they also entice domestic and international tourism. With the end of the wine duty easement on 1 February causing significant concerns across the sector, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the English wine industry is not damaged by that and instead can continue to grow and go from strength to strength?
Context
The MP noted the potential of rural economies and concerns about specific industries like vineyards in Mid Sussex.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
We recognise that the English wine industry, which has gone from strength to strength in recent years, is a crucial part of the rural economy and of the food and drink offer that the UK can rightly be proud of. It is one reason that we are seeking to increase exports of food and drink, including helping English vineyards to export English wine to a range of markets overseas, and we will certainly continue to do that.
Session: Rural Businesses
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As the Minister is undoubtedly aware, part of the plan for change is kick-starting economic growth. Prior to the recess, the Secretary of State for Transport advised me in relation to her statement about electric vehicle charging that the Cabinet Office is responsible for EU reset negotiations. What assessment has the Cabinet Office made of the cost of the UK not being in a customs union with the EU?
Context
The question relates to the Cabinet Office's assessment of the cost implications for the UK due to its departure from the customs union and single market with the European Union.
Ellie Reeves (Minister without Portfolio)
The Minister for the Cabinet Office has been negotiating with the EU in the country’s national interest. We have been clear that there will be no return to the customs union or single market, but the reset in our relations with the EU is an important one.
Session: Plan for Change
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I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Burgess Hill is fast-growing, and the Lib Dem-run council is working hard with Homes England to deliver 3,500 new homes, hundreds of which will be affordable. However, after years of Conservative failure, my constituents are worried that housing growth will go hand in hand with the hollowing out of the town centre. My Lib Dem colleagues want to deliver a buoyant town centre through a public-private partnership, so will the Minister visit Burgess Hill to see the innovative approaches we are taking to make it thrive again?
Context
Burgess Hill, a fast-growing area with Lib Dem leadership, is working with Homes England to deliver 3,500 new homes including hundreds of affordable units. Concerns exist about the impact of housing growth on the town centre.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
I am grateful for that question, and for the spirit in which Burgess Hill is taking on the need to build housing in its community. We believe that sustainable housing with complementary infrastructure will drive the local economy—it will drive footfall to town centres and help bring private investment to high streets. Clearly, something interesting is happening in Burgess Hill, and I would very much like to visit.
Session: Town Centres Population Growth
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Does the Minister agree that rather than being used to meet in-donor refugee costs, the official development assistance budget should prioritise tackling extreme poverty? It is now a year since the OECD development assistance committee’s mid-term review, which showed that the UK had only made good progress on two of the 10 recommendations since the 2020 peer review. What progress has the FCDO made over the last 12 months in better meeting the committee’s guidance?
Context
The OECD development assistance committee’s mid-term review showed that the UK had only made good progress on two of the 10 recommendations since the 2020 peer review, indicating a need for better alignment with international guidance.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Thanks to measures taken by the Home Secretary to reduce the asylum backlog and work towards exiting costly asylum hotels, we expect overall ODA spending on asylum to have been lower in 2024 than in 2023. There will always be some unpredictability, but we expect the actions to continue reducing in-donor refugee costs in this Parliament.
Session: Official Development Assistance Refugee Costs
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Does the Minister agree that something must be done urgently to make up for this inequity? My constituent Ben has spent two decades working as a nurse. He tells me that his paramedic and midwife colleagues received automatic pay band increases post qualification while he and his nursing peers did not. Ben and his hard-working nursing colleagues have missed out on tens of thousands of pounds compared to colleagues in other disciplines.
Context
A constituent named Ben has spent two decades working as a nurse. His paramedic and midwife colleagues received automatic pay band increases post-qualification, while he did not. This has resulted in nurses missing out on tens of thousands of pounds compared to colleagues in other disciplines.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
I am absolutely clear that we need to make sure that the job evaluation scheme looks at staff across the piece and that people are rewarded appropriately for the work they are asked to do. We will do that as part of our discussions with the NHS Staff Council, and we will be working consistently with staff as part of the 10-year plan to ensure that people are rewarded.
Session: Nursing Career Progression Inequalities
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The backlog in our criminal justice system means that offenders in my constituency are free to commit crime while waiting for the judicial process. I met Sussex police and residents last week and heard how the backlogs are making the already hard job of the police even harder, and residents’ lives a misery. How does the Secretary of State plan on tackling those backlogs, which are leading to offenders roaming free and more crimes being committed?
Context
Backlogs in the criminal justice system are causing offenders to roam free, leading to more crimes being committed.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
We are already tackling those issues, and as soon I came into office I increased the number of sitting days by 2,500 on what I inherited from the previous Administration. I have increased the sentencing powers of magistrates courts, and increased funding for legal aid. Criminal legal aid underpins the whole system, and for the next financial year we are funding a record 110,000 Crown court sitting days. That, combined with once-in-a-generation reform of the courts to deal with the demand coming into the system, and going further on productivity and efficiency, is how we will deal with the problems that the hon. Member rightly notes.
Session: Crown Court Backlog
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In all four libraries in my constituency this week, Mid Sussex babies and toddlers will be enjoying themselves at rhyme time; I hope that will be the start of many happy years of reading for my youngest constituents. Will the Minister join me in congratulating West Sussex library service on its 100th birthday last month, and will she commit to lobbying the Chancellor and the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure that my county council is sufficiently well funded to enable West Sussex to keep its 36 libraries open to the public for another 100 years?
Context
The MP references local libraries in her constituency celebrating rhyme time activities for babies and toddlers. She highlights the 100th anniversary of the West Sussex library service.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
I absolutely join the hon. Lady in congratulating the library service on its success. We all know how valuable our local libraries are in supporting and encouraging children and families to read. This is obviously a priority; we encourage reading for pleasure as much as reading for study, and it is something we clearly need more of—as is longevity, as she rightly says.
Session: Reading for Pleasure
View All Questions -->
The adoption and special guardianship support fund provides excellent value for money in Mid Sussex for Beacon House, which is a specialist mental health and trauma clinic. Unfortunately, however, the clinic’s financial future is looking uncertain. Does the Minister agree that investing in mental health is always a good idea when it comes to getting people back to work and well again and able to contribute to society? Will the Minister work with the Department for Education to secure future funding for this vital service?
Context
The MP highlights the financial uncertainty facing Beacon House, a specialist mental health clinic in her constituency.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I agree entirely that mental health services are in desperate need of investment and support across the country. The evidence is very clear that there are, for example, too many people out of work who would be like to be in work, but who are waiting at home unwell and unable to receive the support and services that they need and deserve. We are going into the spending review negotiations over the coming weeks and months, and we will set out further detail in due course.
Session: Public Spending Value for Money
View All Questions -->
Will the Government bring forward emergency legislation to seize frozen Russian assets and ensure they are repurposed to support Ukraine in the wake of Trump’s talks with Putin? If not, can the Foreign Secretary explain why?
Context
The question follows discussions about the need for international cooperation to address Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
The hon. Lady raises an important issue. It is not something on which any Government can act alone; we must act with European allies. It was a topic of conversation at the G7 and at the Weimar group. Of course, Europe has to act quickly, and I believe we should move from freezing assets to seizing assets.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of carer’s allowance in meeting the true costs of care?
Context
Stephanie from Burgess Hill, a full-time carer for her 89-year-old mum, states that carers’ allowance does not cover true costs of care.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
The hon. Member will know that we introduced the biggest ever increase in the earnings threshold for carer’s allowance for those who are able to combine some work with caring. We are determined that carers should get the support they need—there is a premium in universal credit as well, for example—but of course, we will keep all these matters under review.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am sure that the Secretary of State agrees that creating high-value jobs in science and technology is important. In local business, our local plan gives us the opportunity to build a science and technology park delivering over 5,000 high-value jobs, but we cannot proceed until the Department for Transport releases funds for local highway improvements. Will the Secretary of State press the Secretary of State for Transport to take action so that work can progress and we can deliver jobs and growth in Mid Sussex?
Context
Local businesses in Mid Sussex are working on a plan to build a science and technology park that would create over 5,000 high-value jobs, but this project is pending release of funds by the Department for Transport.
Jonathan Reynolds
The hon. Member's question is perhaps more for the Secretary of State for Transport, but she skilfully put that to me.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Why did the Government make last-minute changes to the accepted documents for interim compensation claims required from estates of people who died after receiving contaminated blood products? What action is being taken to tackle delays?
Context
The question is prompted by recent debates on the infected blood compensation scheme and delays in payment to victims.
Pat McFadden
The Paymaster General, who leads on this issue, is working with affected groups to ensure initial payments are out by the end of the year.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
04 September 2025
Responding: Janet Daby
Main Concerns
['The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund has provided crucial therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, with 85% of families reporting a positive impact. However, per-child therapy funding was slashed by 40%, from £5,000 to £3,000, and the assessment allowance of £2,500 disappeared entirely.']
Specific Asks
['The Government must provide long-term sustainable funding for the fund beyond a single year extension. Alison Bennett urges an end to the cuts and uncertainties that put both providers and adoptive families at risk.']
Summer Health and Resilience
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Corridor Care
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed deep concern about the issue of 'corridor care' in NHS, highlighting that treatment in corridors is not care due to lack of proper equipment and dignity. Stressed the importance of accurate ...
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Puberty Blockers
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As a consultant paediatrician, Caroline Johnson highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the PATHWAYS clinical trial that involves administering puberty-suppressing hormones to children with gender...
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
South East Water: Disruption of Supply
03 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response Update
27 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Elections to West Sussex County Council
07 January 2026
The petition is about the potential delay of elections for West Sussex County Council, which would extend sitting councillors' terms from four years to six years, undermining democratic principles.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
68.4%
67 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
51
52.0% of votes
No Votes
16
16.3% of votes
Abstentions
31
31.6% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
50
Ministerial Questions Asked
95
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+273% above average
This MP:
50
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1855% above average
This MP:
95
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-1% below average
This MP:
68.4
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Alison Bennett's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.