Topical Questions 2023-03-27

2023-03-27

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The Home Secretary and Prime Minister have launched an antisocial behaviour action plan.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Regeneration is taking place across Burnley and Padiham, but to realise the potential we must crack down on antisocial behaviour in our town centres. What steps are being taken to crack down on ASB in town centres?
My hon. Friend is right. Across the country, we need more uniformed officers in crime hotspots and faster justice so that those responsible for damaging areas make reparation. We also need to ensure a robust pro-law-and-order response from this Government.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or measures not detailed
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The Government's levelling-up policy has a low spending rate, while significant amounts were spent on tax cuts for the richest 1%.
It takes some brass neck from a Government whose Prime Minister has two fixed penalty notices to accuse us of moral relativism. In fairness to the Secretary of State, he has had a busy weekend: another week, another promise and another press release—he is at least consistent with that. But I have here a document that reveals that even on his flagship levelling-up policy, he has been able to get only 8% of his funds out of the door. He is good at getting press releases out the door—why not our money?
In the Budget, tens of millions of pounds were spent across the country to level up. The Chancellor was responsible for making sure that funds were allocated, including £20 million in the hon. Lady's constituency.
Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons why only 8% has been spent not detailed
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Lisa Nandy Lab
Wigan
Context
The Government spent three times more on a tax cut for the richest 1% than they have managed to spend on the whole of the north of England in over a year.
The desperation is absurd, Mr Speaker—8% of the levelling-up funds have been spent. In just one day, his Government spent three times more on a tax cut for the richest 1% than they have managed to spend on the whole of the north of England in well over a year. Doesn't that just sum the Government up?
The hon. Lady does not have to wait for the truth. The truth is that in the Budget, we adopted a policy put forward by Labour to get waiting lists down.
Assessment & feedback
Specific spending details and reasons avoided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Lisa Nandy Lab
Wigan
Context
Many constituents renting in the private sector have been refused pets.
Next month is National Pet Month. Sadly, I have been contacted by a number of constituents renting in the private sector who have been refused pets. Will he confirm whether he is still committed to enshrining, in the renters reform Bill, the right for tenants to request a pet and for such a request not to be unreasonably refused?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight that issue. Pets can bring joy, happiness and comfort, which is why the Government will prevent landlords from unreasonably refusing a tenant's request to have a pet.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
A third tranche of levelling-up funding is yet to be distributed, £90 million of which should go to Scotland.
May I add to the Secretary of State's congratulations to Humza Yousaf? May I ask the Secretary of State some questions on intergovernmental relations? A third tranche of levelling-up funding is yet to be distributed, £90 million of which should go to Scotland. Rather than the botched and broken system seen in the last month or so of funding distribution from this place, is it not time to devolve the funding to devolved Administrations to enable its fair and efficient use?
We will work with the Scottish Government to ensure that funding is spent as effectively as possible, but it is UK Government money that supplements the block grant over which the Scottish Government have total control.
Assessment & feedback
Specific devolution details not provided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, sent a letter to the Chancellor raising several concerns which were ignored.
Before the spring Budget, the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, sent a letter to the Chancellor raising several concerns, all of which were ignored. What does it say about the state of intergovernmental relations when the UK Government refuse to consider even a single concern raised by devolved Administrations at Budget time?
We not only consider, but meet regularly with our colleagues across the devolved Administrations. Last year, we had over 270 intergovernmental ministerial meetings.
Assessment & feedback
Specific refusal of concerns or regular meetings details avoided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Context
The MP noted a campaign in Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove and Talke to secure safer streets through new alley gates and CCTV. The campaign has gained 400 signatures from constituents concerned about antisocial behaviour.
I am concerned that the government's announcement does not provide enough funding for local initiatives such as the one in Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove and Talke. Will the Secretary of State meet with Staffordshire police and crime commissioner Ben Adams to see how we can get the necessary funding to our local area?
I absolutely will and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the work he has done to ensure that our antisocial behaviour action plan hits criminals where it hurts.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The MP questioned the concept of levelling up being undermined by footage of Conservative MPs earning £10,000-a-day contracts while also receiving their MP salary.
Does the Secretary of State believe that footage of MPs in his party earning substantial amounts from external work undermines the concept of levelling up? If so, will he condemn this behaviour?
Obviously, the capacity of people who are Members of this House to do work to supplement the role they perform here is one that is properly—if there is anything improper about it—a matter for the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Privileges Committee.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not condemn MPs' earnings from external work but referred it to the appropriate committee.
Referred To Proper Procedure
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
The MP raised concerns about new homebuyers encountering major problems with their homes that developers refuse to rectify.
Does the Secretary of State agree that when homeowners encounter significant issues in newly built houses, developers should be compelled to address them immediately? Will he ensure this happens?
That sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable. We are committed to providing buyers of new build houses with strong powers of redress.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem
North East Fife
Context
The MP questioned the likelihood of regulations being in place to enable overseas voters to participate in the next election.
With an election expected within 18 months, will the Secretary of State provide assurances that regulations allowing overseas voters to vote are in place by then?
We will do everything possible to give effect to that democratic extension of the mandate.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide a specific update or timeline on the regulations, only general commitment.
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q11 Direct Answer
Context
The MP noted that her local council has imposed a ban on replying to casework from now until the next election.
Does the Minister agree that Eastbourne council's ruling preventing MPs from receiving responses about critical issues such as eviction orders and safety conditions during the pre-election period is disproportionate?
Yes. Eastbourne council is wrong. The pre-election period does not stop councils from responding to Members of Parliament, and they should do so.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Marsha de Cordova Lab
Battersea
Context
The MP highlighted complaints from constituents facing issues like fire safety risks, poor building maintenance, high service charges, and poor customer service in leasehold properties.
Does the Secretary of State agree that the Government should bring forward legislation to end feudal-style leasehold systems this Session?
Very good points. That is the plan.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide a clear commitment or specific details on legislative plans, only general agreement.
General Agreement Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Simon Hoare Con
North Dorset
Context
The MP mentioned issues faced by community groups in Northern Ireland due to the lack of a functioning Executive, affecting EU fund replacements.
Can the Secretary of State update us on the status and continuity of funding for services affected by the lack of a functioning Executive in Northern Ireland?
My hon. Friend has been vigilant on behalf of communities in Northern Ireland. We will make a statement later this week.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem
Bath
Context
The MP noted that the south-west is one of the least affordable regions, with the Liberal Democrat council in Bath aiming to build 1,000 social homes but facing significant barriers.
Will the Secretary of State give councils the first right to purchase public land as it becomes available, so they can develop desperately needed social housing?
We will do everything we can. I congratulate Bath and North East Somerset Council on wanting to build more social homes.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not confirm a policy or commitment on land purchase rights for councils, only a general support statement.
Support Statement Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The MP highlighted charities working to ensure all play parks are accessible for children, including those with disabilities.
Will the Minister hurry officials up to clarify national design codes so that play parks can be fully accessible for all children?
Absolutely. My hon. Friend and I had a fantastic chat about this issue recently.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific timeline or action plan for clarifying design codes, only general support.
Support Statement Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Hilary Benn Lab
Leeds South
Context
A meeting in Leeds saw nearly two-thirds of leaseholders affected by the cladding scandal unsure about when their homes would be made safe, six years after Grenfell.
At a meeting in Leeds on Saturday of leaseholders affected by the cladding scandal, nearly two thirds said that they have absolutely no idea when their home is going to be made safe—six years after Grenfell. Does the Secretary of State agree that that is completely unacceptable? What is he going to do to make their homes safe?
I saw reference to that meeting on the right hon. Gentleman's Twitter feed. I owe him a visit to Leeds to talk to his constituents about that.
Assessment & feedback
What will be done to ensure affected leaseholders' homes are made safe
Changed The Subject
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Luke Evans Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Context
A Liberal Democrat-run borough council in Hinckley has not updated its local plan, causing problems for the community.
I thank the Secretary of State for coming up to Hinckley only last month to hear about the problems we are having with the Liberal Democrat-run borough council, which does not have an up-to-date local plan. The biggest problem it causes is to my community, who put in neighbourhood plans that are ridden roughshod over. What is his message to my constituents?
Well, I think the message has to be “Vote Conservative”, because as we have heard there is a Liberal Democrat council in Eastbourne that is not answering letters, a Liberal Democrat council in Hinckley and Bosworth that is not ensuring that it has a local plan in place, and a Liberal Democrat council in St Albans that is paralysed in the face of the need for new housing. The message is very, very simple: if you want action, get the Liberal Democrats out.
Assessment & feedback
What actions are being taken to address local planning issues
Attacking Political Opponents
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Sammy Wilson DUP
East Antrim
Context
Groups across Northern Ireland face funding issues due to problems with the Shared Prosperity Fund, which was meant to replace EU structural funds.
This Friday, hundreds of groups across Northern Ireland will face a situation where their funding finishes and they will have to close their doors. Will the Minister give us an assurance that the problems with the shared prosperity fund, which was meant to replace the European structural funds, will be sorted out and that those groups, including Monkstown boxing club in my constituency, will be given an assurance of funding?
The Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, my hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Dehenna Davison) has been working incredibly hard. I am grateful to Members of Parliament from the DUP and to the Chairman of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee for holding our feet to the fire.
Assessment & feedback
Concrete assurance about resolving issues with Shared Prosperity Fund
Acknowledging Work Is Being Done But Not Providing Specifics
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
Devon needs a devolution deal to deliver new powers and funding for affordable housing, public transport, and local skills.
Devon needs a devolution deal to deliver new powers and money to the towns there. A good deal would give local leaders the levers they need over affordable housing, public transport and local skills. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss how we can get the best deal for Devon?
Absolutely. My hon. Friend is a formidable champion for Devon, unlike the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Richard Foord), who is not in his place today when these issues are being raised. I do not know what he is doing, but what he is not doing is working for people in Devon, which my hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Simon Jupp) does so effectively.
Assessment & feedback
Meeting to discuss a devolution deal for Devon
Attacking Political Opponents
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Context
Private sector landlords raising rents above inflation is a significant issue in Vauxhall, with one resident's rent doubling in a year.
I welcome the Secretary of State's words in the media yesterday, saying that it is unacceptable for private sector landlords to raise rents above the level of inflation, which is a big issue in Vauxhall. Just last week, someone in Brixton contacted me to say that their rent had been doubled in a year. Is it not the truth that the Secretary of State needs to hurry up, put words into action and bring forward the renters reform Bill now?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right; I should get on with it.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for bringing forward the Renters Reform Bill
Acknowledging Need To Act But Not Providing A Specific Plan
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
The town or parish council in Morecambe raised the precept from £200,000 to £1.5 million for land purchase.
First, I thank the Secretary the State for the money for the Eden Project Morecambe; it has been gratefully received in Morecambe.
However, we have another problem that I would love to meet the Secretary of State to discuss. The town council or the parish council has raised the precept from £200,000 two years ago up to £1.5 million. Apparently, that is to buy a piece of land that is already owned by the public for a knock-down price of £1 million, when it was bought for £3 million. If that is not the case, the remaining money will go into a fund. As we both know, funds cannot be raised against what is already there, unless it is half. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss the issue as soon as possible?
We can definitely meet. I congratulate my hon. Friend on being reselected as the Conservative candidate for Morecambe and Lunesdale, with a unanimous vote. I look forward to him being re-elected as MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale.
Assessment & feedback
Meeting to address concerns about town council precept increase
Changing The Subject
Response accuracy
Q22 Direct Answer
Dan Jarvis Lab
Barnsley North
Context
The government made a manifesto commitment to ensure no region loses out as a result of EU structural fund loss.
Do Ministers still intend to honour their manifesto commitment to make sure that no region loses out as a consequence of the loss of EU structural funding?
Yes, that's the plan.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Alicia Kearns Con
Rutland and Stamford
Context
Solar companies are putting in for less than 50 MW to avoid national approval, and the Mallard Pass solar farm is proposed with ties to Uyghur labor.
Solar companies across the country are cynically putting in for just 49.9 MW to avoid having to get national approval from the Government for their solar farms. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this playing of the system and the Mallard Pass solar farm proposed in my constituency, which will be built with Uyghur blood labour?
Those are three very important points; I am happy to meet my hon. Friend. We must not have the system gamed. We certainly need to be vigilant about any commercial ties with firms that exploit people in China, but we do need more renewable power.
Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting details and addressing Mallard Pass solar farm concerns
Acknowledging Importance But Not Providing Specifics
Response accuracy
Q24 Direct Answer
Context
There is ongoing concern about the feudal system of leasehold and its need for legislative reform.
Will the feudal system of leasehold finally be kicked into the history books with the next tranche of legislation in the King's Speech—yes or no?
Yes, that's the plan.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Martin Vickers Con
Brigg and Immingham
Context
The Planning Inspectorate is often overturning decisions made by local planning authorities, causing issues for communities.
In response to an earlier question, the Secretary of State said how important locally-led planning policies were, but frequently the Planning Inspectorate drives a coach and horses through decisions made by local planning authorities, as was recently the case in the village of Wootton, in my constituency. What is he going to do to ensure that the Planning Inspectorate takes more notice of local opinion, expressed through local councils?
Our changes to the national planning policy framework are designed to do exactly that. I talked to the new chief executive of the Planning Inspectorate earlier last week to reinforce the point that my hon. Friend has consistently made on behalf of his constituents in Cleethorpes.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for ensuring respect by Planning Inspectorate towards local planning policies and decisions
Acknowledging Changes But Not Providing Specifics
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Context
The Electoral Commission's analysis of the 2021 elections highlighted minimal instances of voter impersonation, prompting questions about the necessity of voter ID plans.
Earlier today, the Minister cited the Electoral Commission to support the Government's voter ID plans. How many cases of voter impersonation in the 2021 elections across Great Britain produced enough evidence for a police caution? If she does not know, I suggest it is half the number of people on the Government Front Bench right now.
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. The point is to ensure that the integrity of our democratic system is maintained, which is something I will never apologise for.
Assessment & feedback
Number of voter impersonation cases resulting in police cautions
Deflecting Onto Principle Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Ruth Cadbury Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Context
Many constituents are facing financial burdens due to building safety issues without the developers signing the Government's latest pledge, leading to a need for urgent action.
I have many constituents who are leaseholders and stuck in limbo with astronomical bills through no fault of their own. Developers such as Galliard have refused to sign the Government's latest pledge. What is being done to address this aspect of the building safety crisis?
Applying a vice-like grip to their nether regions.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions by the Secretary of State on developer non-compliance with pledges
Changing Subject Entirely
Response accuracy