Clive Betts
MP for Sheffield South East
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
It is now more than two years since the fan-led review on football governance was produced. Will the Prime Minister commit to setting up an independent regulator with power to intervene for fair distribution of football's riches? Will he bring forward legislation urgently?
Context
The fan-led review on football governance was produced more than two years ago, and there is a call to set up an independent regulator.
Rishi Sunak
The independent regulator will put fans back at the heart of football. We are engaged in discussions with industry, as outlined in our King's Speech. My hon. Friend ensured £1 million funding to safeguard Bury football club.
Assessment
The questioner asked for a commitment on legislation but the answerer did not provide concrete details about legislative plans.
Session: PMQs
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When the Prime Minister got the job on his first day, he promised 'integrity, professionalism and accountability'. The questioner assumes the Deputy Prime Minister agrees with this promise. Therefore, does he agree that the Prime Minister should ensure no Minister who has a complaint of bullying upheld against them continues to serve in the Government?
Context
The Prime Minister promised integrity, professionalism and accountability upon taking office.
Dominic Raab
The hon. Gentleman is right to quote what the Prime Minister said, and I take it as an article of personal faith that we behave with absolute integrity and accountability. On hearing two complaints had been made against me—I believe they were made yesterday; I was notified this morning—I asked the Prime Minister to set up an independent investigation.
Session: PMQs
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The Local Government Association has told us that more than 400 families who have come to this country from Ukraine under the family scheme have subsequently presented them- selves as homeless to local authorities. Because the local authorities have not got enough accommodation, those people are going to end up in temporary accommodation. There is a simple answer: local authorities could be allowed to contact the many thousands of people who volunteered to provide homes under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The problem is that the Government do not allow families to transfer from the family scheme to the Homes for Ukraine scheme. When will the Prime Minister act to ensure that people who have come thousands of miles to this country are not placed in temporary accommodation and that we take up the generosity of those families who are willing to offer them a home?
Context
More than 400 Ukrainian refugee families have presented themselves as homeless, leading to accommodation shortages and temporary housing needs.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman very much for the very valuable point he has raised, and we will make sure that families are able to cross over from one scheme to another, to simplify and speed up the process.
Session: PMQs
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The Minister commissioned a report on homes delivered under permitted development. The report highlights severe issues such as properties with no windows and minimal space standards met. Will he now change these rules to prevent substandard housing?
Context
A report by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government found numerous deficiencies in properties built under permitted development rules.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson responded that as Mayor of London, he changed the London plan to ensure space standards were met. He stated they will build back better and give people the space needed in homes.
Session: PMQs
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Let me add a few words about the murder of Jo Cox. I was a friend and colleague of Jo's, and I still remember the numbness and shock that I felt on hearing the news. Quite simply, no Member of this House should fear for their life because they speak out on behalf of their constituents. The west bank is illegally occupied by Israel. The settlements are illegal and have been expanded through extreme violence by settlers, supported by the Israel Defence Forces. In May, the Dutch Government decided to ban trade in goods from settlements. They did so because they wanted to put pressure on the Israeli Government. Doing anything was better than doing nothing. Should we follow suit?
Context
The question is prompted by the murder of Jo Cox, a Labour MP who was killed in an attack on her constituency surgery.
Yvette Cooper
Let me respond to my hon. Friend's important point. We are clear that action is needed, and we are acting. This Government have done more on this issue in the last two years than any Government have done for many decades, because we are so concerned about settlement expansion and settler violence. A number of countries have explored legal bans but also had challenges with them, and we are looking at what they have done.
Session: West Bank Settler Activity
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Sheffield is being requested by the Planning Inspectorate to provide green-belt sites for housing development despite concerns over insufficient infrastructure such as GP surgeries and schools. Will the Secretary of State arrange a meeting between the Housing Minister, the council leader, local MPs, and other Department colleagues to discuss resource availability?
Context
The Government produced new guidance about building on green-belt sites, including golden rules about sufficient health, education, and transport infrastructure. Sheffield now has to provide green-belt sites to meet housing targets.
Angela Rayner
I can do better than that: the Housing Minister is going on Thursday.
Session: New Housing Access to Health Services
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I know that my hon. Friend is committed to increasing the provision of social housing. In the past few years, most social housing has been provided through section 106 agreements. However, according to the National Housing Federation, thousands of houses around the country are available but cannot be purchased under section 106 agreements because registered social landlords simply do not have the resources. I am sure that he is aware of that problem, but does he have any plans to deal with it and bring those houses, which are badly needed, back into use?
Context
Social housing providers face difficulties in funding houses made available under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act. According to the National Housing Federation, thousands of homes are available but cannot be purchased due to resource constraints.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The Government recognise the ongoing challenge posed by the reduced appetite of registered providers of social housing to buy affordable homes delivered under section 106 agreements. The Homes England section 106 affordable housing clearing service was launched on December 12 alongside the revised national planning policy framework, aimed at supporting buyers and sellers of section 106 homes to find each other more effectively. We are calling on all developers with uncontracted section 106 affordable homes, as well as providers and local planning authorities, to engage proactively with this new service. We will consider what further measures may be necessary based on data from the service.
Session: Social Housing Providers Section 106
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The Israeli Ministers named encourage settler violence and advocate for West Bank annexation. Does my right hon. Friend recognise the threat of annexation and support an independent Palestinian state?
Context
Israeli Ministers are encouraging settler violence and calling for West Bank annexation. Previous sanctions were discussed without clear commitment to further action.
David Lammy
I commend my hon. Friend's position on this issue. Annexation would be illegal, and we stand opposed to it. We will continue to speak out against illegal violence and expansion by settlers.
Session: Israeli Settler Violence Sanctions
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I am concerned about settler violence in the West Bank and the impact of Israeli Ministers' actions. Whether he plans to extend existing sanctions in response?
Context
Settler violence in the West Bank is a significant issue. In October, sanctions were imposed on entities linked to this violence.
David Lammy
I have been very clear on this issue. In October, I sanctioned entities linked to violent extremism in the West Bank. We continue to explore all options for tougher action but will not speculate about future sanctions.
Session: Israeli Settler Violence Sanctions
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Let me first draw attention to my declared interest as a trustee of Fields in Trust. In the last Parliament, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee received a large amount of evidence concerning the importance of well-designed open spaces for children and young people, but the national planning policy framework mentions them once and mentions bats twice. Is it not about time we got our priorities right, and did more to improve the design of—
Context
The importance of well-designed open spaces for children and young people.
Rushanara Ali
The national planning policy guidance will recognise the importance of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sports, physical activity, health and wellbeing in our communities. Our proposals to release grey-belt land for development will depend on developers' meeting one of the “golden rules” and ensuring that all new developments have accessible green space.
Session: Topical Questions
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People in North Norfolk desperately want new homes for local people to be built. They know those homes need to be good-quality and support active lifestyles, but currently local councils lack the tougher powers they need to make those demands. Will the Minister tell me what she plans to do to give planners, such as those at North Norfolk district council, greater powers to demand more from developers?
Context
Residents want local councils to have the power to demand high-quality and supportive living conditions from developers.
Rushanara Ali
The national planning framework will set out further how we intend to provide key support to local authorities and to work closely with local authorities to ensure the issue is addressed.
Session: New Build Homes Construction Standards
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The use of e-bikes and e-scooters has been causing an increasing problem. In Sheffield city centre and pedestrian areas, they are a threat now to public safety, particularly when they are used by Deliveroo and other drivers. Guide Dogs UK is concerned that people who are visually impaired cannot hear these vehicles coming. Will the Minister give clear guidance to the police about what action should be taken to police these vehicles properly?
Context
There is a growing concern about e-bike and e-scooter usage causing safety issues in pedestrian areas.
Diana R. Johnson
I totally sympathise with what my hon. Friend has set out. The police do have powers to seize vehicles being used illegally or in an antisocial manner, and to fine individuals who fail to stop when instructed to do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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Social housing providers received a fraction of the funding given to private leaseholders, leading to social tenants having to pay full remediation costs out of their rent. Is this fair?
Context
The Government provided more than £2 billion to private leaseholders for fire safety works but only £200 million to social housing providers.
Lee Rowley
We are trying to ensure that taxpayer subsidy for remediation is clawed back from those responsible for issues, and we have been happy to talk with registered providers where necessary.
Session: Fire Defects Remediation Costs
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The Select Committee recently produced a report on local government finance in which we said that the Government must act now if local authorities are to survive this severe crisis. What has the Secretary of State done? He has asked every local authority to produce a productivity plan. That sounds a bit like advising councils how to spend better the money they have not got. He has asked local authorities to identify ways to reduce wasteful spend, but what does he think they have been doing for the last 13 years? In particular, he has asked them to identify waste on discredited staff equality, diversity and inclusion programmes. How much does he think that will save when it comes to avoiding section 114 notices?
Context
The Select Committee's report on local government finance highlighted the need for immediate action to ensure the survival of local authorities facing a severe crisis.
Michael Gove
The Chairman of the Select Committee is right to say that local government is facing challenges, but there are outstanding councils—North Lincolnshire and South Norfolk, for example—that are continuing to ensure that they can build up surpluses and deliver effective services. That is because they put productivity first. There are some local authorities, lamentably, that are not putting productivity first. They include South Cambridgeshire, with its plans for a four-day week, and St Albans, which is still spending money on discredited forms of training that only increase division rather than bringing communities together. It is no coincidence that both those local authorities are Liberal Democrat.
Session: Local Authority Finance
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So far, Israel has ignored international appeals to not indiscriminately attack civilians and not take steps that are basically razing Gaza to the ground. It now looks as though it is going to ignore international opinion about entering Rafah, so has the time not now come for us to consider not selling to Israel arms that can be used in those totally unacceptable ways?
Context
Israel has been criticized for ignoring international appeals regarding its military actions in Gaza and Rafah, raising concerns about the ethical implications of arms sales.
Grant Shapps
Arms deals and export licences are dealt with in the normal way, but not many arms sales take place to Israel. Last year, it was just £42 million for mostly protective equipment.
Session: Topical Questions
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Second-guessing the outcome of the US electoral system is probably not sensible, but how will we deal with it if the election of President Trump reduces NATO spending on Ukraine?
Context
The MP expressed concern about potential changes in US funding due to political shifts, especially the election of President Trump.
James Heappey
European manufacturing capacity is not yet at even half the target set. It's clear that urgent ramping up of manufacturing may be necessary if worst-case scenarios come true.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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I thank the Minister for that response. There is widespread support for helping Ukraine resist Russian aggression, but there are concerns given the shortage of arms and ammunition identified by President Zelensky. What discussions has the Minister had with EU counterparts to bridge this gap in the short term?
Context
The MP noted the need to address recent concerns raised by President Zelensky about shortages of arms and ammunition, amid an impasse in US Congress.
James Heappey
UK Ministers, including the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary, have been in Washington to make the case for continued US support. Discussions with EU counterparts aim to increase manufacturing capacity for ammunition.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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Taxis and private hire vehicles need proper safety checks, but when journeys take place or finish outside the licensing authority area, the system does not work. When will the Minister legislate to ensure that all journeys can be made in a licensed vehicle only within the licensing authority's jurisdiction?
Context
There are issues with customers taking complaints to licensing authorities that are far away and lack proper oversight for out-of-borough hires.
Guy Opperman
With the greatest respect to the hon. Gentleman, we have already brought in changes to the rules that mean individual authorities can take action against an individual operating in another authority.
Session: Taxi Licensing
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Considering the Labour party's proposed £28 billion spending commitment, which group would bear the heaviest tax burden if implemented?
Context
Discussion about fairness in taxation, prompted by concerns over a Labour proposal to spend £28 billion without specifying funding sources.
Nigel Huddleston
Labour's policy lacks clarity on funding sources; any increase in spending would come from taxpayers' pockets or further borrowing, impacting everyone's finances.
Session: Tax System Fairness
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What steps have been taken to ensure fairness in the tax system given that most households will see a 5% increase in their council tax due to local government funding issues? Why did the Chancellor freeze budgets for levelling up and housing, leading to an OBR forecast of £13 billion more in council tax?
Context
The question arises from concerns over fairness and equity in the UK tax system, particularly regarding recent council tax increases despite national tax cuts.
Nigel Huddleston
We have provided additional £600 million to local councils, though future spending will be determined at future fiscal events. The tax system supports fairness with progressive measures and cuts for many taxpayers, addressing those who avoid paying their fair share.
Session: Tax System Fairness
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What will be done to put real pressure on Israelis to stop killings, enter into negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, and stop threats to annex Gaza? Has the time come to stop selling arms used against Gaza?
Context
The MP questioned the effectiveness of pleas for restraint and asked what actions would be taken to pressure Israel.
Andrew Mitchell
The Foreign Secretary is in the region today and will pursue vital policies. The UK Government's priority is ensuring more aid gets into Gaza, but Israel has the right of self-defence under international humanitarian law.
Session: Gaza
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One of the better aspects of devolution so far, which might actually work, is the trailblazer projects that have been rolled out in the west midlands and Greater Manchester. One of the key elements of those projects is having a single pot of money. I have repeatedly asked whether it is the intention to roll devolution deals out to the other combined authorities, and I have been assured that it is. Why, then, in the first iteration of what a new devolution deal might look like, have South Yorkshire, Merseyside and West Yorkshire been told that a single pot of money will not be included in the devolution deal? Why are the Government backtracking on the commitment to give those areas a full devolution deal, not a devolution-minus deal?
Context
The MP questioned why certain areas are excluded from a full devolution deal with a single pot of money, despite previous assurances.
Jacob Young
We have invited the combined authority areas that the hon. Gentleman mentions to progress to level 4 devolution, which as he rightly says does not come with a single settlement. It is something that we are still considering, and when we see it in action in the west midlands and Greater Manchester we will be able to assess its value for money and whether it is delivering for people there. I assure him that this is not devolution-minus; we are giving devolution-plus to communities the length and breadth of the country.
Session: Regional Mayors Accountability
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I welcome the Government's commitment to SMRs, which are the way forward for the future of nuclear. Sheffield Forgemasters is ideally placed to produce the essential parts for those reactors and has a memorandum of understanding with both Rolls-Royce and Hitachi. Will the Minister meet the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Sheffield Forgemasters and others in the consortium? The consortium now has access to significant development capital, so we can build the SMRs in South Yorkshire and create the thousands of well-paid jobs we want, as well as green energy.
Context
Proposal for a meeting to discuss the potential of SMRs and job creation in Sheffield.
Andrew Bowie
I would be delighted to meet the Mayor of South Yorkshire. Through the nuclear road map, we are committed not only to ensuring our energy security and achieving a further drive towards our net zero objectives, but to building up the supply chain and creating those high-wage, high-skilled jobs at all levels across the United Kingdom.
Session: Nuclear Energy Sector
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Clive Betts is concerned about the pressure that the volume of asylum applications being granted puts on local authority homeless sections. He asks whether the Minister will consider extending the 28-day period for asylum seekers from Home Office accommodation to 56 days, as per the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Context
The question addresses the pressure on local authorities due to high numbers of asylum applications being granted, leading to a strain on their homeless sections.
Tom Pursglove
Tom Pursglove acknowledges the issue but states there is no intention to change the 28-day period. He highlights that early visibility on anticipated numbers helps local authorities plan, though many people have more than 28 days within which to vacate.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels
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Ten years ago, David Higgins said that connectivity between Sheffield and Manchester was worse than any other major city in Europe. Since then, a review of a tunnel under the Pennines was initiated but scaled down until it disappeared altogether. Can the Minister say how transport links between Sheffield and Manchester have improved?
Context
David Higgins, the former chair of HS2, highlighted poor connectivity between Sheffield and Manchester compared to other major European cities. The proposed tunnel under the Pennines has been scaled back significantly.
Guy Opperman
As the hon. Gentleman knows, a substantial amount of electrification is taking place. He will also be aware of the city regional sustainable settlement which will provide significant investment in the north.
Session: Transport Connectivity North of England
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In the past two years, expenditure on homelessness and temporary accommodation has increased by 50%. Section 21 notices are a prime driver of that. How is court reform helping if the Ministry of Justice budget is frozen?
Context
The MP is discussing increased expenditure on homelessness, citing section 21 notices as a driver of this increase. The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee has been investigating local government finances.
Jacob Young
I can confirm to the Chair of the Select Committee that I met the relevant Minister in the Ministry of Justice just this morning to discuss that point. We are working at pace to ensure that the courts are ready for the biggest change in the private rented sector in over 30 years. The hon. Gentleman talked about local government funding. We are conducting a new burdens assessment for local government to ensure that any additional burdens that are placed on local government are funded properly.
Session: Private Rented Sector
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This should be an opportunity for fans to celebrate and enjoy. I remember the 1996 Euros, when the Danish fans came to Sheffield and drank the city dry, without any problems or disorder whatsoever. Will the Minister give two commitments? First, will he engage with the Football Supporters' Association in full planning for this? It needs to be involved because it has really good ideas and experience. Secondly, will he talk to the authorities about ticket pricing, so that those on low incomes, and particularly children, can get to the games and enjoy the events?
Context
The MP inquired about engaging the Football Supporters' Association in planning for Euro 2028, as well as addressing concerns over ticket prices.
Stuart Andrew
I absolutely commit to engage with the Football Supporters' Association. I also met fans ahead of the European championship finals in Istanbul this year. The hon. Gentleman is right, and there are lots of issues for us to discuss. We are in constant discussions with the likes of UEFA, for example, to which I will happily make those representations.
Session: UEFA Euro 2028
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Let me put this in context. In South Yorkshire, since 2010, bus passenger miles have dropped by 50%, which is a catastrophic fall in the use of our bus services. The cuts to services mean that many communities are now cut off completely. When the Government came to allocate the recent funding, did they take account of the fact that South Yorkshire had previously had no BSIP funding whatsoever? Adding the current funding to the previous funding, South Yorkshire has had far less per passenger head than other parts of the country.
Context
In South Yorkshire, since 2010, bus passenger miles have dropped by 50%, resulting in many communities being cut off from essential services.
Richard Holden
I would welcome an Adjournment debate on South Yorkshire buses, if the hon. Member for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts) were to put in for one. I spoke to the Mayor of South Yorkshire just this week, and he said that the authority will need around £8 million next year to put back all the services that have been removed over the past few years. In our Network North allocation, it is getting £67.8 million next year. On top of that, he is getting another £3 million in BSIP funding next year.
Session: Bus Fares
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Would he be willing to look at that proposal and hopefully offer support for it?
Context
The MP is discussing the potential of developing small modular reactors in the Sheffield investment zone and seeking support from the government.
Jeremy Hunt
I enjoyed meeting the hon. Gentleman when we opened that investment zone. Let me reassure him that I am a big supporter of nuclear and I am very excited about the potential of SMRs. There is a competition going on this year, which we hope will be completed by the end of the year, to assess the viability of the various SMR manufacturers.
Session: Investment Zones
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I do not doubt the Minister's good intentions on house building, but does she accept that housing starts fell by 12% year on year in the first three months of this year? That is down to a figure of just more than 37,000 starts, which is half the figure needed to hit 300,000 homes a year. On that basis, does she conclude like me that not merely is her policy not succeeding in hitting the housing targets, but it is considerably contributing to their failure?
Context
According to the Department's figures, housing starts fell by 12% in the first three months of this year. This drop leaves only 37,000 housing starts, half the figure needed for a yearly target of 300,000 homes.
Rachel Maclean
The hon. Gentleman brings his considerable knowledge to this matter, but I will take no lectures from him and the Labour party on house building. This Government delivered 242,000 houses in 2019-20—that is the highest level for more than 30 years, including the entire time that the Labour party was in government.
Session: House Building
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When I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma six years ago, my GP gave me two pieces of advice: keep positive and keep active. The other day, I visited the wellbeing centre in my constituency, which is run by Sheffield Hallam University, the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Yorkshire Cancer Research. It is putting on a programme called Active Together to which people who are diagnosed with cancer can be referred by their consultant and have a bespoke programme of treatment involving physical activity, nutrition and psychological support to prepare them for surgery, and a programme after surgery to help them recover. Would the Secretary of State like to come to my constituency to visit this novel and innovative programme to see how it could be rolled out across the country and treat more cancers well in this way?
Context
Programme called Active Together which provides pre-surgery and post-surgery support to cancer patients.
Steve Barclay
The hon. Gentleman raises an interesting and important point. How we better equip patients pre-surgery and post-surgery, how we look at their wellbeing—the keep positive bit and the social prescribing—and how we think about being active are all are hugely important. I would be keen to learn more about the programme that he highlights and for either me or one of the ministerial team to follow up on his offer.
Session: Cancer Waiting Times and Outcomes
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Does the Minister accept that the policy lacks a long-term substantive strategy and funding approach?
Context
Committee report findings on levelling-up funding lack of evidence for reduced competitive bidding and missing data on funds contributing to levelling up.
Dehenna Davison
We have a long-term vision, set out in our White Paper. A funding simplification plan will be published soon.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Delivery of Funds
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How would he go about persuading residents that their bus services are as good now as when the Conservatives came to power?
Context
Residents in Sheffield face challenges with bus services, including potential non-arrivals. The sector has faced major challenges over the past two years.
Richard Holden
The bus sector has faced major challenges, including around driver shortages. We are looking at concessionary fare travel, which is up to two-thirds of where it was pre-pandemic. This Government have provided six months of support with a £2 fare cap to encourage people back on the bus network.
Session: Bus Services
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Will the Minister agree to prioritise antisocial behaviour cases in court for both private and social housing as they are prioritised in private rented sector reforms?
Context
The Select Committee recommended that when section 21 is abolished, there must be a way to deal with antisocial behaviour swiftly. Courts often take over a year to address such issues.
Rachel Maclean
The Minister has committed to take the hon. Gentleman's point away and look at it with officials, showing willingness but no immediate commitment.
Session: Private Rented Sector
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I do not know whether the Minister is aware of the plans being developed at the University of Sheffield's advanced manufacturing research centre, with Boeing, to research and potentially to manufacture ultra-lightweight materials for planes. If not, would he like to visit Sheffield to meet the relevant parties and better inform himself of a development that could be really exciting not just for Sheffield, but for the whole UK?
Context
The University of Sheffield is developing plans with Boeing to manufacture ultra-lightweight materials for planes, which could be a significant development for the UK.
Jesse Norman
I am sure that the aviation Minister in the Lords will be interested. I certainly have an interest, as the former aviation Minister at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy who was responsible for the Aerospace Technology Institute. Let me assure the hon. Gentleman of my interest in the matter, and let us take it up further outside the House.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister share my concern about the Mayor of Greater Manchester's proposals for a workplace parking levy? It is a tax on business, jobs and families, is it not?
Context
The question stems from a proposal by the Mayor of Greater Manchester for a workplace parking levy, which is viewed as a tax on businesses and jobs.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend is a great champion for his community and I would be happy to meet him to discuss this policy further.
Session: Metro Mayors Transfer of Powers
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I do not know whether the Minister has been on a long journey in an electric car, but you can often travel for dozens of miles—perhaps more than 100—without finding a rapid charger. When you do get to one, you discover that “rapid charger” is a misnomer, because National Grid cannot deliver the necessary power. Even if you get to one that is working, it is often full because of the number of electric cars now on the road, so you end up waiting in a queue for half an hour or more. When will the Government develop a proper national network so that what should be a pleasant day out for motorists does not mean hours of planning in advance and then hours of frustration and delay on the journey?
Context
The MP raised issues of difficulty finding rapid chargers and connectivity problems.
Jesse Norman
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that there were very specific problems over Christmas.
Session: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
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Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the best way to stop building housing in unsuitable areas is to build more on brownfield sites? Is it not tragic under Labour Mayor's policies that good projects are stopped?
Context
Mayor of London's housing targets are causing delays in house building, affecting both social and market housing development.
Lucy Frazer
We do agree that it is important that we build first on brownfield land. That is why we have a brownfield-first policy and a fund to encourage investment in those areas.
Session: Potentially Unsuitable Development Proposals
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The Minister quite rightly wore the armband in Qatar. Does he agree that it is completely disgraceful that FIFA stopped Harry Kane and other captains from wearing the armband as a demonstration of solidarity? Will he encourage our Football Association to work with other, like-minded FAs to ensure that FIFA changes its approach to the awarding and running of World cups?
Context
Speakers felt it was disgraceful that FIFA stopped Harry Kane from wearing a solidary armband.
Stuart Andrew
That was one of the reasons why I wore the armband. It was totally unacceptable that both the Welsh and English teams, at the 11th hour, were faced with an impossible decision. I thank those teams for wanting to wear the armband; it means a lot to all of us. I have already spoken to the FA about where we go from here. We cannot, at the end of this tournament, just let the matter come to an end. We need to talk about the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about the disintegration of bus services in my constituency due to route cuts and scrapping of services. Will you confirm that the covid grant will be extended for another full year, as it's currently keeping some services running? Also, can we have a meeting with Ministers on this matter?
Context
In Sheffield, bus routes have been cut and scrapped since the last Prime Minister promised London-style frequent service. The current grant helping to keep some buses running is set to expire by March.
Mark Harper
I confirm that we extended the support through March. We will keep it under review depending on what is required. The impact of the pandemic on buses is challenging, but the important thing is to encourage people back to using them to ensure financial sustainability.
Session: Local Transport Levelling Up
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Surely £3.5 billion versus £0.6 billion means significant cuts to council services or the prospect, as the LGA has said, of some councils going bankrupt next year?
Context
The question highlights the Local Government Association's calculation that councils are facing extra inflation costs of £2.5 billion this year and additional £3.5 billion next year, questioning the adequacy of government funding support.
Lee Rowley
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman who brings a huge amount of experience from his Select Committee perspective, but the combination of what the Government have offered is a substantial increase in funds from 2023-24 plus recognition that local councils can make decisions about their council tax bases.
Session: Local Service Delivery
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There is support for the fan-led review's principles. Can we have a commitment from the Front-Bench team to implement these principles—an independent regulator, fairer funding, and no parachute payments?
Context
The fan-led review made recommendations for better football governance, including an independent regulator and fair funding distribution.
Stuart Andrew
The hon. Gentleman's points are noted; all details will be checked before making commitments.
Session: Topical Questions
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It seems that investment zones are one of the few bits of the mini-Budget that are still on the table. Can the Secretary of State clearly explain how investment zones will be financed? Will it be completely new money, and, given the pressure that local authorities have been under from austerity and now from inflation, will he give an assurance that the money for investment zones will not be found by transferring it from other parts of the local government budget and particularly from levelling-up funds?
Context
MP asked about the financing of investment zones, particularly whether it is new money and not found by transferring from other parts of local government budgets.
Simon Clarke
Yes, this is new money. It is coming from the Treasury as part of the settlement. Clearly, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will be setting out the medium-term fiscal plan on 31 October and that will be the moment of confirmation.
Session: Investment Zones
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The Minister will not necessarily know what the 8, 27 and 655 bus routes in my constituency have in common. The answer is that they have all been cut completely, or substantially reduced, in the last few weeks. That means that NHS workers cannot travel to their shifts, pensioners cannot travel to the Crystal Peaks shopping centre, and kids cannot travel to and from school. Will the Minister reflect on the fact that the previous Prime Minister told us that people would not need a timetable, because the service would be so good that they could just walk to the bus stop and get on a bus? They do not need a timetable for many routes now, because there are no buses running. Will the Minister, as a matter of urgency, agree to meet the Mayor and Members of Parliament for South Yorkshire to discuss the cuts, and how additional Government funding could save these essential services?
Context
Local bus routes 8, 27 and 655 in the constituency have been completely cut or substantially reduced recently. This affects NHS workers, pensioners, and schoolchildren.
Lucy Frazer
I will, of course, pass on the hon. Gentleman's request to the Minister responsible for buses, Baroness Vere. I am sure that she will consider it. I point out that the South Yorkshire mayoral combined authority received £1.6 million from the local transport authority recovery funding from April to December this year.
Session: Bus Services
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Urban Transport: Future Funding
31 March 2022
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
["Public transport is crucial for low-income families and young people in urban areas. The bus service in Sheffield has been declining, facing cuts to services at weekends and evenings with a drop of 21% in passenger numbers over the past decade. Government funding per head for buses is significantly lower outside London compared to £75 in London, with only £5 allocated to Sheffield. Post-covid recovery remains uncertain; current figures show that passenger numbers are still down by 25%, and there's a concern about another funding cliff edge if support ends in September."]
Specific Asks
['The Government must outline a clear strategy for public transport funding, commit to long-term financial support, expedite the franchising process, and provide estimates of upfront costs. Additionally, they should develop a plan for light rail systems that includes green hydrogen buses as part of a comprehensive approach towards cleaner transportation.']
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Timms Review: Interim Report
09 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Steel Tariffs
17 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pension Schemes
22 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Steel Strategy
19 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government’s steel strategy aims to reverse decades of decline in the British steel sector by committing £2.5 billion of investment and introducing a new trade measure to reduce imported steel quo...
Post Office Green Paper
25 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
91.8%
90 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
34
34.7% of votes
No Votes
56
57.1% of votes
Abstentions
8
8.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 NO
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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 AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
4
PMQs Asked
79
Ministerial Questions Asked
196
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+489% above average
This MP:
79
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3933% above average
This MP:
196
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+33% above average
This MP:
91.8
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 Clive Betts's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.