Peter Aldous
MP for Waveney
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The east of England is playing a lead role in delivering the UK's energy security, and without our contribution the country will not be able successfully to transition to a renewable energy supply system. In recent months, our coast has taken a battering, and projects such as the Lowestoft flood defence scheme have been postponed. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that Departments are fully co-ordinated, so as to provide the region with good supporting infrastructure, proper protection for coastal communities, and every opportunity for local people to take up exciting new jobs?
Context
The MP highlighted the east of England's role in energy security, noting coastal projects such as flood defences being postponed due to weather impacts.
Rishi Sunak
We are levelling up across the United Kingdom and investing in places that need it the most, including, as my hon. Friend rightly highlights, our coastal communities. Almost £1 billion of levelling-up funding has been allocated to the east of England, including £75 million for coastal places. I know that he welcomes the town deal for Lowestoft in particular. I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss how we can further support his region with its role in our energy security, and, in particular, its coastal communities.
Assessment
The PM did not commit to departmental coordination now but promised meetings later.
Levelling Up Across The Uk
Allocating Levelling-Up Funding
Session: PMQs
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With the ongoing national crisis in NHS dentistry being raised here most weeks, can my right hon. Friend advise as to when the dentistry plan produced by the Department of Health and Social Care will be published? Can he ensure that any clawed-back unspent funds are ringfenced for NHS dentistry, so as to deal with emergencies and to help clear the backlog?
Context
Ongoing crisis in NHS dentistry being raised regularly, with concerns over unspent funds.
Rishi Sunak
We are investing £3 billion in NHS dentistry, and the reformed dental contract is helping to improve NHS access for patients. I am pleased to say that NHS dental activity in the past year increased by almost a quarter compared with the year before, but the forthcoming dental recovery plan, which will be out shortly, will include action to incentivise dentists to deliver even more NHS care.
Assessment
The specific ask about unspent funds was not directly addressed with commitment or timeline.
Session: PMQs
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Mr Speaker, there are great opportunities to create exciting new jobs in low-carbon energy along the East Anglian coast, and East Coast College is up for the challenge of providing local people with the necessary skills. However, it and other colleges are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain teachers in such work as fabrication, engineering and construction. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the Government come up with a cross-departmental strategy to address this staffing crisis in our further education colleges, which could undermine the levelling-up agenda?
Context
East Coast College faces difficulties recruiting and retaining teachers for work such as fabrication, engineering, and construction. The question references the levelling-up agenda.
Dominic Raab (Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, which is why we are investing nearly £52 million to support the sector in recruiting and retaining excellent staff, and in particular looking at and focusing on the experience and skills that we often find in industry, to train the next generation of technical experts.
Session: PMQs
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In East Anglia, there are, on the one hand, tremendous opportunities in such sectors as low-carbon energy and sustainable fishing, and yet, on the other hand, significant challenges with deep pockets of deprivation, particularly in coastal communities. I acknowledge the investment that has been made, but there is a concern locally that the Government are yet to comprehend the scale of the opportunity that our region has to be a global exemplar in new and revitalised industries, and in doing so to bring transformative and long-term benefits to local people. Will my right hon. Friend meet me and other East Anglian MPs so that together we can put in place a strategy to realise the full potential of the east of England?
Context
East Anglia has opportunities for low-carbon energy and sustainable fishing but faces challenges like deep pockets of deprivation, especially in coastal areas. Investment has been made, but there is concern that the Government do not fully grasp the potential.
Boris Johnson
Yes, but I also want to say that I understand completely the massive opportunity and the potential that exists in those coastal communities. That is why we are already investing £120 million in five new town deals, including for Lowestoft.
Assessment
Did not commit to a specific meeting but acknowledged existing investments and opportunities in coastal areas.
Mentioning Current Investments Without Committing To Future Meetings
Session: PMQs
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The fishing industry in East Anglia has had a hard time of it in recent years. However, with Brexit done, albeit in a way that left many disappointed, there is now an opportunity to turn the corner. The REAF—renaissance of East Anglian fisheries—strategy sets out an exciting and ambitious programme for the future. Is the Prime Minister able to say how the Government will work with fishing communities, such as that in Lowestoft, to revive the industry in East Anglia?
Context
The REAF strategy outlines an ambitious programme to revive the fishing industry in East Anglia, including Lowestoft.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for what he is doing to champion the fisheries industry in East Anglia. I like his REAF plan. I think it has lots of interesting ideas, which we will take forward as part of our £100 million package to support the fishing industry and get ready to take advantage of those opportunities that are coming very swiftly down the track towards us.
Assessment
The PM did not specify how the government would work with fishing communities but acknowledged REAF ideas.
Highlighted General Support
Session: PMQs
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The Government have put in place an extensive system of support to help employers and employees through the pandemic. However, a group that has been overlooked, many of whom are now really struggling, are those self- employed who set up their own businesses after April 2019 and were unable to submit a complete tax return. Ten months on, that obstacle to providing support no longer applies. To assist them, will the Prime Minister emulate the Northern Ireland Government's newly self-employed support scheme, which is subject to straightforward criteria and guards against fraud?
Context
Self-employed individuals who set up businesses after April 2019 have been struggling to receive support due to tax return submission issues.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is right to raise those concerns, because there are some people in the self-employed group whom it has been hard to reach and to support in the way that we want. They are fewer in number than is sometimes suggested in this House, and I can tell him that 2.7 million self-employed people have received support totalling over £18.5 billion.
Assessment
Specific request to emulate Northern Ireland's scheme was not directly answered. Instead, PM provided general numbers about support given to self-employed individuals.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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I recently discussed the consultation on changes to the personal independence payment with Waveney SHIMS—Suffolk Help in Multiple Sclerosis. It highlighted the need for a more targeted and fair approach for those with fluctuating conditions, which should include the scrapping of the 20 metre and the 50% rules, and the need for assessments to be carried out by those qualified and with a full understanding of neurological conditions. Could he confirm that the review will take these matters into consideration?
Mel Stride
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and considerable interest and knowledge in this area, and for the discussions he has held with me on these matters. As he will know, we are currently going through a 12-week consultation on how PIP can be reformed. I certainly subscribe to the view that we want to examine the issue of one size fits all and whether there are better ways of looking after people.
Session: Welfare Reform
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Why does he insist on holding residents in contempt by not telling them the fate of their local flood defences? We learned from the Public Accounts Committee report that 500 flood defence projects have been cancelled, like the one in Lowestoft. Whether the Minister chooses to use the words 'cancelled,' 'deferred,' 'delayed' or 'on a long list' makes no difference, because he is still refusing to tell us where those projects are.
Context
The MP highlights that over 500 flood defence projects have been cancelled, causing concern for residents. The Public Accounts Committee report revealed this issue.
Robbie Moore
I and my officials have been reviewing applications. Announcements will come soon. The Government invest £1.3 billion in flood defences, more than ever before, ensuring better coastal community protection.
Session: Coastal Defences
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What steps his Department is taking to strengthen coastal defences. The East Anglian coast has taken a real battering in recent months, with projects such as the Lowestoft flood defence scheme delayed. Our region is most vulnerable to climate change and essential for net zero efforts, so will my hon. Friend consider a climate change risk assessment to prepare a regional coast defence strategy protecting homes, businesses, ports, farmland, infrastructure, and nurturing the unique coastal environment?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impacts of climate change on coastal areas and seeks specific steps to improve coastal defences.
Robbie Moore
The Environment Agency is developing a new national flood risk assessment and an updated coastal erosion risk map. These will include the potential impact of climate change on flood risk and coastal erosion, informing better protection for homes, businesses, farmland, and infrastructure.
Session: Coastal Defences
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Research highlights the decline of level 2 apprenticeship starts. What work is being carried out to reverse this trend?
Context
There has been a significant drop in level 2 apprenticeship starts, affecting social mobility and regional development.
Luke Hall
At levels 2 and 3, apprenticeships make up 65% of all starts so far this year with almost 140 at level 2. We have invested £50 million over two years to boost starts in sectors including engineering.
Session: Topical Questions
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Lowestoft is the largest town in the UK without formal flood defences, with the tidal barrier project on hold due to cost increases. I am most grateful to Ministers for considering the compelling case to fill the funding gap that would enable a scheme to proceed that will protect property and unleash the provision of new homes and business opportunities. Will the Secretary of State assure me that he will leave no stone unturned in working across Government so that the project can restart?
Context
The tidal barrier project in Lowestoft is on hold due to cost increases, raising concerns about property protection and development opportunities.
Steve Barclay
I pay tribute to the amazing campaign led by my hon. Friend on behalf of those in his constituency. Already, £80 million of support has been secured from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for that scheme. He will be aware that the local authority has changed the scope and driven the cost, so there is a question as to what contributions are made by partners, but he is a formidable champion of the scheme and £80 million has already been allocated.
Session: Topical Questions
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To remove that barrier, will my right hon. Friend consider embedding English and maths elements into the apprenticeships standards so that they are relevant to the job role?
Context
The MP notes progress in increasing apprentice opportunities but highlights the barrier presented by current maths and English functional skills requirements.
Gillian Keegan
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education works closely with employers to ensure that all essential skills, including English, maths and digital, are embedded into apprenticeship standards. Funding has been increased by 50% to help more apprentices achieve up to a level 2 English or maths qualification alongside their apprenticeship if they do not already hold one.
Session: Apprenticeships Occupation Range
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What steps her Department is taking to help increase the number of occupations for which apprenticeships are available. This includes recognising that while progress has been made, there might still be barriers such as maths and English functional skills requirements that could prevent wider employer engagement in apprenticeships.
Context
The MP is concerned about the availability of apprenticeship opportunities across various occupations.
Gillian Keegan
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education works closely with employers to ensure that all essential skills, including English, maths and digital, are embedded into apprenticeship standards. Additionally, funding has been increased by 50% to help more apprentices achieve up to a level 2 English or maths qualification alongside their apprenticeship if they do not already hold one.
Session: Apprenticeships Occupation Range
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Will she consider commissioning a long-term workforce plan for adult social care equivalent to that for the NHS?
Context
The MP questioned the importance of a long-term workforce plan for adult social care equivalent to that for the NHS.
Helen Whately
My hon. Friend is right about the importance of the social care workforce: social care is its workforce. I can assure him that we already have a plan for the care workforce, set out in the “People at the Heart of Care” White Paper, and now we are putting it into practice. Our care workforce pathway is already being implemented, our new accredited qualification for care workers will be launched later this year, and we are backing social care with up to £8.6 billion in extra available funding.
Session: Social Care
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Acknowledging that the Procurement Act is expected to solve many issues, can he confirm it will definitely come into force at the beginning of October and that necessary secondary legislation is ready?
Context
The question focuses on the upcoming implementation of the Procurement Act and its effectiveness in overcoming current challenges.
Alex Burghart
Despite the complexity, we are on track to meet our targets with secondary legislation, learning and development programs for contracting authorities, and a new online platform designed to simplify procurement processes for both suppliers and procurers.
Session: SMEs Public Sector Procurement
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What steps his Department is taking to improve access to public sector procurement processes for small and medium-sized businesses. The question notes that there are significant barriers preventing SMEs from participating in tendering processes despite their economic importance.
Context
The question addresses the need for small and medium-sized enterprises to have better access to public sector procurement opportunities.
Alex Burghart
The landmark Procurement Act 2023 will simplify public sector procurement and help small and medium-sized enterprises secure a greater share of £300 billion in annual expenditure. The Act includes measures to address the barriers faced by SMEs and encourages contracting authorities to consider these issues.
Session: SMEs Public Sector Procurement
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Offshore Energies UK's industry manifesto highlights the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that a home-grown energy transition provides to bring investment and jobs to communities all around the UK. This requires close collaboration between the private and public sectors. Can Ministers confirm that the Government are absolutely committed to such a partnership?
Context
Offshore Energies UK's manifesto highlights the opportunity to bring investment and jobs through close collaboration between the two sectors.
Graham Stuart
I can. What the sector does not need, of course, as OEUK has itself set out, is the tens of thousands of job losses that would be driven by the ideological and climate-damaging obsession of the right hon. Member for Doncaster North (Edward Miliband) with ending new UK oil and gas licensing.
Session: Topical Questions
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Over 1 million girls lose interest in sports when they become teenagers, mainly due to lack of confidence and feeling judged. How has the Department included gender in the implementation of the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme?
Context
MP asked about the implementation of gender inclusivity measures in sports programmes.
Lucy Frazer
We have a national sports strategy aiming to get 3.5 million people more active, with focus on women and girls who are less active than boys and men. A national taskforce brings together all relevant Departments and national governing bodies to ensure more women and girls involved in sport.
Session: Multi-sport Grassroots Facilities
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What recent progress has been made on implementing her Department's multi-sport grassroots facilities programme? The development of multi-sport grassroots facilities often faces barriers preventing other sports authorities from participating, leading to obstacles for projects. What steps are being taken to remove these barriers and promote collaboration between different sports?
Context
MP inquired about the progress on implementing multi-sport grassroots facilities.
Lucy Frazer
The Government have committed over £325 million to multi-sport grassroots sites across the UK. 40% of projects need to benefit a sport other than football, such as cricket or rugby. The Football Foundation and Sport England work closely with national governing bodies to encourage development of multi-sport projects and promote collaboration between clubs at local level.
Session: Multi-sport Grassroots Facilities
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Last month, the pension provider Royal London reported that women lose an average of £92,000 due to balancing part-time work and childcare. What are the Government going to do about this issue?
Context
A report by Royal London shows women lose on average £92,000 as a result of juggling part-time work and childcare.
Paul Maynard
The proportion of women saving for their pensions has increased from 40% ten years ago to 89% now.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. Many SMEs and new businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to open a bank account and to then obtain the support and services that used to be available in the rapidly diminishing branch network. What steps is he taking to address those challenges that SMEs are facing?
Context
The MP is concerned about SMEs finding it increasingly difficult to open bank accounts and access the support and services available.
Kevin Hollinrake
Leading banks and alternative lenders are committed to the SME finance charter, helping small businesses and start-ups. Banking hubs are also available for those without a bank on their high street, providing face-to-face support. Thirty have already opened, and 70 more are in the pipeline.
Session: SMEs Access to Finance
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What steps she is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to help increase access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises?
Context
The MP is inquiring about steps being taken with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to improve access to finance for SMEs. No specific statistics or incidents are mentioned.
Kevin Hollinrake
The Government works with the British Business Bank to improve access to finance for smaller businesses through targeted programmes, such as £12.4 billion of finance backing more than 90,000 businesses across the UK and £1 billion in start-up loans for 105,000 small businesses since 2012.
Session: SMEs Access to Finance
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Local commercial radio, whether in Lancashire or Suffolk, can fill the gap left by the reduction in BBC local radio coverage, but in the Lowestoft and Waveney area it is constrained in doing so, as the local digital audio broadcasting network has not been extended to cover the area. Please can my right hon. and learned Friend arrange for that important infrastructure, which is available throughout most of the UK, to be extended to north-east Suffolk as soon as possible?
Context
The local digital audio broadcasting network has not been extended to cover the Lowestoft and Waveney area.
Lucy Frazer
I completely agree with my hon. Friend on the importance of local radio to listeners across the UK, and I know that he is an effective campaigner for his local area. The BBC and commercial radio are responsible for the operation of their respective radio networks, including the DAB radio networks, but I have asked my officials to engage with local DAB multiplex operators and broadcasters to look at whether there is a desire to increase local DAB coverage further.
Session: Topical Questions
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I emphasise to the Government the point made by my right hon. Friend about pressing ahead with the Ely junction and Haughley junction schemes. Network Rail has done much of the preparatory work and is poised to get on with it as quickly as possible.
Context
Network Rail has done preparatory work for the Ely junction and Haughley junction schemes, which are important for local transport infrastructure.
Mark Harper
We are able to make progress on the scheme. Network Rail has what it needs to make progress, and I know my hon. Friend will be wishing it every speed.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Suffolk and Norfolk coasts have taken a real battering over the last six weeks with homes being lost to the sea not least in my own constituency of Pakefield. Will you review the support provided to such households and businesses to ensure they receive parity of support with those impacted by pluvial and fluvial flooding?
Context
Over the past six weeks, significant damage has occurred on the Suffolk and Norfolk coast. Homes have tragically been lost to the sea, including in Pakefield in Peter Aldous' constituency.
Steve Barclay
As a fellow east of England MP, I know what a fantastic champion my hon. Friend is for his constituents and how rigorously he will ensure that those points are made. He, as an experienced parliamentarian, will also know that many of those fiscal issues are for colleagues within the Treasury, but I am very happy to have discussions with him and to make representations where required.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft enterprise zone, which was set up in 2012, has been very successful. With no investment zones in the east of England, will my hon. Friend meet my right hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Sir Brandon Lewis) and me to consider how best the enterprise zone can be enhanced, so that it can continue to create jobs in the low-carbon energy sector?
Context
The Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft enterprise zone has been successful since its establishment in 2012. There are currently no investment zones in the east of England.
Jacob Young
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth. We have no plans at present to amend enterprise zones, but I am keen to ensure that their constituents continue to reap the rewards of levelling up, including the £100 million of investment for Sizewell C and freeport east, which will generate thousands of jobs across his region in new low-carbon technology.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am most grateful for the answer provided earlier. However, it remains concerning that Suffolk police were promised draft proposals back in January. Can you get those to our local force as quickly as possible? Also, work with them to improve out-of-court disposals which would relieve pressure on officers.
Context
Concerns persist about the impact of police funding on local forces, particularly in relation to out-of-court disposals. There is a need for improved communication between central government and local police.
Chris Philp
Suffolk police currently have 1,425 officers, which is a record high. I support out-of-court disposals as they address drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues effectively. Work with Suffolk and other forces to ensure these are widely used.
Session: Police Funding Formula
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What progress has been made on reviewing the police funding formula? Suffolk police were promised draft proposals back in January, but they have not yet received them. I urge to get those to our local force as quickly as possible and work with it to improve out-of-court disposals.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the current police funding distribution and its impact on local forces. There are specific issues regarding promised draft proposals for a new funding formula.
Chris Philp
Suffolk police currently have 1,425 officers, which is more than at any time in their history. The number of out-of-court disposals has an important role to play, particularly in treating drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues. I will work with Suffolk and other forces to ensure these are widely used.
Session: Police Funding Formula
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Research and development tax credits have been remarkably successful in promoting investment by small and medium-sized enterprises. However, the Suffolk chamber of commerce has highlighted that the system has ground to a halt due to the sledgehammer approach of His Majesty's Revenue and Customs to tackling fraud. Will my hon. Friend liaise with HMRC and the Treasury to ensure that a more pragmatic approach is adopted?
Context
The Suffolk chamber of commerce has raised concerns about the current system for R&D tax credits, which has reportedly slowed due to HMRC's aggressive approach to fraud prevention.
Andrew Griffith
My hon. Friend is a champion of his constituency, and I am happy to speak to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on that important matter on his behalf.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend endorse that campaign and also look at how we can reduce the reliance on education, health and care plans?
Context
There is a campaign called f40 urging significant investment in SEN, which I signed.
David Johnston
It is probably worth saying that I am an f40 MP myself, and I met the group just last week to hear its concerns. On my hon. Friend's point about EHCPs, through the reform plan we are working to get parents the support they need for their child at an earlier stage so that they do not always need an EHCP to get that support.
Session: SEND Provision
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The launch last week of the Great British insulation scheme was very welcome. So as to build on this and to kickstart a mass retrofitting revolution, will my hon. Friend liaise with the Treasury to obtain its support for the introduction of such fiscal measures as an energy-saving stamp duty and an employee benefits scheme similar to the cycle to work scheme?
Context
The launch of the Great British insulation scheme is seen as an opportunity to kickstart a mass retrofitting revolution.
Amanda Solloway
The Government set the aspiration in the clean growth strategy of upgrading as many homes as possible to energy performance certificate band C by 2035, where practical, cost-effective and affordable. We remain committed to that aspiration. Although tax policy sits with the Treasury, we are considering how to improve energy efficiency for owner-occupied homes and plan to consult by the end of 2023.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome my right hon. Friend to her place. The great advantage of the CfD scheme is that with forward planning it has the flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions. Can she therefore confirm that the Government will be working collaboratively and straightaway with industry to ensure a successful round 6 so that offshore wind can get back on track, and UK consumers and the UK economy can benefit from low-cost, low-carbon energy?
Context
The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme has flexibility to adapt based on economic conditions.
Claire Coutinho
I thank my hon. Friend for his long-standing support in this area and I can confirm that we are wasting no time in engaging the sector in advance of AR6. I personally spoke to offshore wind stakeholders following AR5 and confirmed our commitment. The Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero held a roundtable with the sector on 12 September. We are listening to the sector and annual auctions mean we can respond quickly.
Session: Contracts for Difference Scheme
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In the period leading up to 2021, sector deals were a very effective means of boosting productivity, innovation and skills. What plans are there to review, revitalise and extend those public-private partnerships?
Context
Sector deals were effective in boosting productivity, innovation, and skills in sectors like aerospace, AI, and offshore wind.
Kemi Badenoch
My hon. Friend raises a good point. Those sectors are critical for the UK economy. While we did have plans around sector deals, I would focus on the Chancellor's five sectors that he thinks will drive growth in the UK.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am most grateful to my hon. Friend for that answer. The disappointing outcome of last week's contracts for difference auction in respect of offshore wind was a wake-up call that clear strategies are required if we are to retain our position as a global leader in that industry. That includes support for the supply chain, of which service operation vessels are a vital component. Can she confirm that the national shipbuilding strategy will be reviewed to fully take into account this great opportunity?
Context
Following a disappointing contracts for difference auction in the offshore wind sector, there is concern about strategies required to maintain global leadership.
Nusrat Ghani
We are proud of the UK's reputation as a leader in the offshore wind sector. Together with industry, we have delivered the four largest operational wind farms in the world. The National Shipbuilding Office has done a huge amount of work in that area and will do even more with the new shipbuilding guarantee scheme. I think my hon. Friend's other question relates to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Session: Shipbuilding
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What steps her Department is taking to support the shipbuilding sector. This includes concerns over the need for clear strategies and financial support for shipyards and related industries.
Context
During London International Shipping Week, the questioner inquired about specific actions to bolster the shipbuilding industry.
Nusrat Ghani
My hon. Friend asks a timely question, because this is London International Shipping Week, and I have engaged with the UK Chamber of Shipping and Maritime UK. This week, I was at the International Maritime Organisation, which was hosting an exhibition called “Rewriting women into maritime history”, sponsored by the Lloyd's Register Foundation—I mention in particular Nicola Good and Erne Janine, who made me this scarf reflecting on women in maritime. We are doing a huge amount, including launching the shipbuilding credit guarantee scheme to support our shipyards here in the UK.
Session: Shipbuilding
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In Suffolk, the backlog of criminal court cases remains stubbornly high. Can my hon. Friend produce a comprehensive and bespoke plan that first clears the backlog, and then sets out a long-term strategy for the efficient functioning of courts in the county?
Context
The MP asked about the stubbornly high criminal court case backlog in Suffolk.
Mike Freer
I can reassure my hon. Friend that disposals to March 2023 were up by 23% on the previous quarter, while outstanding case loads slightly reduced in the same period. We continue to work with the judiciary and local criminal justice board to ensure best practice is followed.
Session: Criminal Courts Backlog
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What steps his Department is taking to reduce the backlog of criminal court cases?
Context
The MP asked about steps to address the backlog in criminal courts.
Mike Freer
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and we remain committed to working with our partners across the criminal justice system to try to ensure that court processes are as efficient as possible. We have introduced a raft of measures including allowing courts for a third year in a row to sit for an unlimited number of days, with extended use of 24 Nightingale courtrooms. In addition, we have opened two permanent super-courtrooms in Manchester and Loughborough and are recruiting an additional 1,000 judges across all jurisdictions.
Session: Criminal Courts Backlog
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The Beccles lido does great work in promoting outdoor swimming in the Waveney area, but it and other lidos have been particularly hard hit by high energy costs and long-term fixed-price contracts, often arranged by rogue energy brokers. The swimming pool fund is extremely welcome, but I urge my right hon. Friend to work with lidos to put in place a long-term plan for their future.
Context
The MP highlights the financial difficulties faced by local swimming facilities due to high energy prices, urging for a long-term plan.
Stuart Andrew
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the importance of swimming pools and lidos. We announced the swimming pool fund to help those that have been particularly struggling with high energy costs. Sport England also plays a vital role in working with local authorities on managing sustainable facilities, and we will shortly publish our new sports strategy, which will set continued commitments in this area.
Session: Outdoor Swimming
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Whether she plans to support the uptake of outdoor swimming. Outdoor swimming represents one of the many ways to stay active. Through the together fund, Sport England has provided over £80,000 for outdoor swimming projects. Swimming and water safety forms a mandatory part of the primary PE national curriculum.
Context
The MP is concerned about promoting outdoor activities for public health, specifically focusing on the benefits of outdoor swimming.
Stuart Andrew
Outdoor swimming represents one of the many ways to stay active. Through the together fund, Sport England has provided over £80,000 for outdoor swimming projects. Swimming and water safety forms a mandatory part of the primary PE national curriculum.
Session: Outdoor Swimming
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What steps is the Minister taking to address capacity challenges in local planning authorities and increase the supply of social rented homes?
Context
The MP highlights the need for more resources in planning departments and social rental housing.
Rachel Maclean
My hon. Friend speaks with considerable expertise on these matters. We are developing a programme of support, working with partners across the planning sector, to put more skills and capacity into planning authorities. Our levelling up White Paper is committed to increasing the supply of social rented homes across the country.
Session: House Building
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Will the Government adapt the contracts for difference scheme to prioritize job creation in places like Lowestoft, and what strategic approach will be taken regarding infrastructure development?
Context
The questioner highlights the success of offshore wind through contracts for difference and seeks an update on how the Government plans to adapt this mechanism to enhance local employment opportunities.
Graham Stuart
We have recently completed a call for evidence on introducing non-price factors into the contracts for difference scheme, aiming to value more than just cost deployment. The Government want to maximize job creation in this country.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of the best ways of supporting those on lower incomes is to remove the barriers that prevent them from acquiring the new skills that are necessary for better-paid jobs. Will my hon. Friend confirm that the Treasury is working closely with the Department for Education and the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that the Lifelong Learning (Higher Education Fee Limits) Bill gets rid of those obstacles, and can she provide an update on the progress of the Barber review?
Context
The question builds on the previous query about financial support, focusing on removing barriers to acquiring new skills through training programs.
Victoria Atkins
I know that you like Ministers to answer briefly, Mr Speaker, so, if I may, I will answer my hon. Friend's first question now and respond in writing to his question about the Barber review. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor made employment one of the four Es in his drive for growth in the spring Budget, and we are working closely with the Department for Education to invest in exactly the way that my hon. Friend describes. That includes investment in free courses for jobs, which enable people to study high-value level 3 subjects and gain free qualifications, and employer-led skills bootcamps in high-growth areas—which, apparently, involve sectors such as digital, and are available to those who are either unemployed or in work and wanting to retrain.
Session: People on Lower Incomes Financial Support
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What steps he is taking to provide financial support to people on lower incomes.
Context
The question arises from the elevated cost of living and its impact on households, particularly those with lower incomes. The MP is seeking information about targeted financial assistance.
Victoria Atkins
The Government recognise the challenges facing households as a result of the elevated cost of living, and we took further action in this year's spring Budget to provide targeted support to protect the most vulnerable. That included the new cost of living payments this year, help with the cost of essentials through a further extension of the household support fund in England, and the uprating of benefits in line with inflation in April this year.
Session: People on Lower Incomes Financial Support
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Fish and chip shops have been part of British life for generations. However, they are now facing a triple whammy of high energy costs, high fish prices, and high cooking oil costs. The MP asks the Secretary to work proactively with the sector to ensure their survival and future flourishing.
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial challenges faced by fish and chip shops in his constituency due to high costs.
Kemi Badenoch
We recognise the importance of fish and chip shops in local communities. We have introduced support measures, such as changes to business rates worth £13.6 billion across the country, and we are supporting non-domestic energy customers through schemes like the energy bill relief scheme.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The questioner asks for an update on the priorities and initiatives under the Department for Business and Trade.
Context
The MP is asking about the Secretary of State's responsibilities in her new role.
Kemi Badenoch
As Secretary of State for Business and Trade, my priority is to support UK companies to thrive at home and abroad. This includes launching negotiations for an enhanced UK-Swiss free trade agreement worth almost £53 billion. We are also meeting representatives from SIX Swiss Exchange and fintech start-ups in the UK.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that answer. The Government's announcement, which he outlined, of an additional £5.6 million for legal aid to support family members seeking guardianship of vulnerable children is extremely welcome. I would be grateful if he considered whether that could be part of a wider review of the rights of family members, specifically grandparents who are very often best placed to provide a loving home, care and support.
Context
The question follows an initial query about legal aid for family members seeking guardianship and seeks to extend the discussion to a wider review.
Mike Freer
The rights of grandparents have risen up the agenda considerably over the last few years. Both colleagues who have spoken on this issue today, including my hon. Friend, make some valid points. I will give a commitment to discuss it with my colleague Lord Bellamy, who leads on this area, to see what further work we can do.
Session: Extended Family Guardianship Legal Aid
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Furnished Holiday Lettings: Taxation
01 May 2024
Responding: Nigel Huddleston
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned that the proposed changes to the taxation of furnished holiday lettings could have unintended consequences, particularly in areas where such rentals are a vital component of local economies. He highlights that only 0.4% of the UK housing stock falls within the FHL regime and argues there is no statistical evidence linking furnished holiday lets to the housing crisis or house prices. The MP also mentions potential job losses and economic impacts if the proposals are implemented.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for a full public consultation on the proposed changes, citing concerns over the lack of consultation prior to the proposal. He requests that the Treasury consider reversing mortgage interest relief restrictions and ensuring no retrospective taxation for entrepreneurs in the FHL sector.']
Colleges Week
29 February 2024
Responding: Damian Hinds
Main Concerns
['Colleges play a vital role in education and local regeneration but face challenges such as revenue funding shortages, structural issues, and the impact of the cost of living crisis. The Local Government Association notes that the national employment and skills system is too centralised, short-term in outlook, and lacks coordination. There are significant skill gaps across sectors, particularly in engineering, with EngineeringUK highlighting variability and quality issues in training provision. The Edge Foundation points out worsening skills shortages which impose costs on businesses and the economy.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should invest additional money from the immigration skills charge to address urgent priorities identified by employers through local skills improvement plans. Close the pay gap between college and school teachers, amend VAT Act 1994 for colleges to reclaim VAT, extend funding for tuition support to help students catch up on missed education due to COVID-19.']
Community Pharmacies — [Sir Mark Hendrick in the Chair]
14 September 2023
Responding: Neil O'Brien
Main Concerns
['The community pharmacy sector is facing enormous pressures due to a real-terms reduction in funding of 30% over the past seven years, coupled with inflationary pressures and workforce shortages. This has led to operational challenges, financial burdens, and delays for patients. The number of pharmacies reduced by 222 in the first six months of this year, and there are concerns about permanent closures. Pharmacists are cutting back on discretionary services due to funding cuts, impacting patient care and service availability.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should provide a stable, long-term, and sustainable funding commitment that addresses underfunding of existing core services through a review of the community pharmacy contractual framework. This includes additional funding, alignment of care pathways, and incentives within primary care systems to ensure pharmacies can realise their full potential.']
Renewable Energy in the East of England
11 July 2023
Responding: Graham Stuart
Main Concerns
["The east of England is leading in renewable energy, with East Anglia's portfolio powering 32% of UK homes last year. By 2035, this could rise to 90%. However, the scale of planned development requires a strategic approach from the Government, which includes infrastructure challenges and ensuring local businesses are part of supply chains. There is also concern about investment falling off after 2032 in offshore wind projects."]
Specific Asks
['The government needs to adopt a more strategic approach, work with business, councils, and universities, provide necessary resources for delivery, and implement measures such as increasing the contracts for difference budget and introducing permanent investment allowances for clean energy generators.']
Levelling-up Missions: East of England
31 January 2023
Responding: Dehenna Davison
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the low confidence levels in achieving five out of twelve levelling-up missions in the East of England, including improved educational attainment, more skills, better transport, longer, healthier living, and more affordable housing to buy and rent. He notes that despite the region's economic success, there are deep pockets of deprivation, particularly in coastal communities like Lowestoft. The MP also highlights issues such as insufficient funding for education, lack of recognition of opportunities in sectors like energy, health inequalities, and unaffordable housing."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for better policies to address the challenges facing the East of England, including revising the school funding formula, improving access to training, increasing investment in transport infrastructure, and ensuring a fair share of funding for healthcare. He also calls for measures to increase affordable housing and support retrofit programmes.']
Business Rates and Levelling Up
13 December 2022
Responding: Victoria Atkins
Main Concerns
['The current business rates system is a fixed cost that impedes regional growth, with businesses having to contend with high inflation, soaring utility bills, and stubbornly high rents. With the rateable value of properties assessed at up to half the rental value in many cases, it deters investment in retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors. Additionally, there are concerns about the transparency and fairness of property valuations conducted by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which often leads businesses to pay rates bills that exceed their actual rent.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should introduce a fundamentally reformed business rates system with a lower uniform business rate multiplier and annual valuations, alongside simplifying the relief structure. Specifically, reduce the UBR from 51p to 34p as it was in 1990, implement yearly valuations to reflect market movements accurately, and digitize the VOA systems for efficiency.']
Colleges Week 2022 — [Mrs Sheryll Murray in the Chair]
27 October 2022
Responding: Andrea Jenkyns
Main Concerns
['The MP expressed concern about the funding challenges facing colleges, noting that despite some recent improvements, further education funding still compares unfavourably with both university and school funding. He highlighted issues such as significant energy price increases affecting college budgets and difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff due to wage gaps compared to industry or schools. The MP also pointed out concerns over the speed of government reforms to level 3 qualifications, particularly regarding the withdrawal of funding for existing qualifications before clear replacements are in place.']
Specific Asks
["The MP urged the Government to provide necessary resources for colleges to support their role in driving economic growth and addressing regional inequalities. He asked the Minister to confirm that investment in schools would be a priority under the new Prime Minister's leadership."]
Support for Local Food Infrastructure
08 September 2022
Responding: Mark Spencer
Main Concerns
['The debate highlights the decline of local food infrastructure in areas like Suffolk, with issues such as long supply chains, high energy and fertiliser costs, and labour shortages. It emphasizes the need for investment in water infrastructure, abattoirs, processing facilities, digital connectivity, and public sector procurement to support local producers and improve economic returns. The speaker also noted that some areas will receive less funding under the shared prosperity fund compared to previous EU structural funding.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Government to provide targeted productivity grants for farmers, invest in research and development, and create a £300 million to £500 million local food investment fund using existing budgets. He also seeks improvements in procurement opportunities for regionally produced food and the development of local food strategies with LEPs.']
Access to NHS Dentistry
10 February 2022
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
['NHS dentistry has been the top issue in my inbox for nine to ten months. The situation is a national crisis, especially acute in Lowestoft and Waveney due to retirements of dentists and difficulties in recruiting new ones. The net Government spending on general dental practice has decreased by a third over the past decade. Since May 2021, while there have been improvements locally, these are short-term solutions. Access to NHS dentistry is particularly challenging in rural areas but also affects metropolitan regions. Recent data shows that 44% of patients new to practices cannot get an appointment; in my area, this rises to 56%. There has been a significant increase in DIY tooth extraction and undiagnosed mouth cancers, with children suffering the most. Mr Madders is concerned about the challenges faced by dentists and patients in accessing NHS dental services. He notes that waiting times are increasing, preventive action is being neglected, and health inequalities are rising due to a system that accommodates only half of the population. He mentions specific instances where constituents had difficulty finding a dentist willing to take on new patients, especially those requiring significant treatment. One constituent contacted 45 practices without success, while another faced issues with their registration being terminated during shielding. Healthwatch York found that it took over two years for 45% of York residents to find a dentist in 2018. The number of people who have not seen a dentist in the last two to three years has risen sixfold, and the number of children who have seen a dentist has fallen by 44%. Only one practice out of 39 is accepting NHS patients on to a waiting list, which already has 2,000 people. Some constituents are forced to travel up to 40 miles or more for dental care or even consider going abroad due to cost.']
Specific Asks
["The Government needs to provide long-term funding for NHS dentistry, step up recruitment and retention of dental professionals, complete the new NHS dental contract as soon as possible, highlight the role of water fluoridation, and ensure greater accountability in integrated care boards. There is also a need for more training places, recognition of EU-trained dentists, simplification of the PLVE process, allowing whole teams to initiate treatments, and creating a retention strategy. Mr Madders urges the Minister to listen to dentists and address the financial unviability of providing NHS services in high-need areas. He calls for contract reform that acknowledges the challenges faced by the sector and commissions dental services for a higher proportion of the population. I urge the Government to implement a national dental service that is free at the point of need and not dependent on people's ability to pay, reinstate the school dental service, ensure older people also access these services as poor dental health can lead to malnutrition and premature death, create new structures in our healthcare system to integrate mental health, physical health, social care, and dental care, support the York Health and Care Alliance, and establish a new dental school in York along with Hull."]
Levelling Up: East of England
18 January 2022
Responding: Neil O'Brien
Main Concerns
["Peter Aldous highlighted that the east of England is relatively prosperous but contains significant pockets of hidden deprivation, particularly in coastal and rural areas such as Lowestoft. He cited a 2019 study which found over 12,000 people in Lowestoft affected by income deprivation with 68% economically active adults but 15.7% on universal credit. Aldous noted that while the east of England is one of three net contributing regions to UK plc, there are concerns about the region's adult social care funding and infrastructure investment needs."]
Specific Asks
["Aldous asked for assurances from the Minister that the east of England will not be overlooked in the Government's levelling-up strategy. He requested seedcorn funding for offshore wind and nuclear power projects to transform coastal East Anglia economically while addressing adult social care funding gaps and improving transport infrastructure."]
Making Britain a Clean Energy Superpower
26 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's plan aims to address the challenges of energy insecurity, skyrocketing consumer bills, job creation in industrial heartlands, and climate change by investing in clean energy. The Ener...
Finance Bill
23 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Finance Bill is designed to reward work, encourage investment in the economy, and boost home ownership. It includes significant national insurance tax cuts for employees and self-employed individu...
Backbench Business
16 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate urges the UK Government to deliver prompt compensation to women born in the 1950s who had their state pension age raised. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report highlights th...
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
Finance (No. 2) Bill
17 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of State at the Treasury, Nigel Huddleston, moved that the Finance (No. 2) Bill be now read a Second time. He highlighted improvements in inflation rates, real wage growth, national insur...
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
12 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on improving productivity, a theme close to the heart of Laura Trott. She highlighted that under the current government, private sector productivity increased by an average of 0.7% ...
Petroleum Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1 - Duty to invite applications for offshore licences
20 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment proposed by Alok Sharma seeks to prevent the OGA from inviting new seaward area production application licences until a ban on flaring and venting is in place. It requires regulations to...
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Grant Report
07 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The funding settlement for policing is being increased by £843 million compared to last year, bringing the total funding envelope to £18.4 billion. This includes an extra £922 million available to pol...
6
PMQs Asked
120
Ministerial Questions Asked
118
House of Commons Debates Involved
12
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+795% above average
This MP:
120
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+377% above average
This MP:
12
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2328% above average
This MP:
118
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 (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
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 Peter Aldous's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.