Topical Questions 2022-06-27
2022-06-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific background or context given.
I am concerned about my departmental responsibilities. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
I had the enormous privilege on Wednesday last week of attending the unveiling of the Windrush memorial, which marks the fantastic contribution made to this country over more than 70 years by migrants from the Caribbean and the wider Commonwealth. I wish to place on the record my thanks not just to the Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden (Kemi Badenoch), but to Baroness Floella Benjamin for the fantastic work she undertook to ensure that that fitting memorial could be unveiled.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was about departmental responsibilities and the answer provided information unrelated to the actual question, focusing on a different topic entirely.
Changed Subject
Unrelated Information
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The government has published the 'A fairer private rented sector' White Paper, which includes proposals to extend the decent homes standard in the private rented sector.
I welcome the proposals to extend the decent homes standard in the private rented sector. Is it the Government's intention to include their stated targets on private rented sector energy efficiency in homes in the decent homes standard? If they do that, what sanctions will the Government be proposing for landlords who fail to make their properties energy-efficient?
The hon. Gentleman is right that energy efficiency is a critical part of making sure that homes are decent, safe and warm, and we will be considering what steps and what proposals we might be able to put in place to ensure that landlords live up to their responsibilities.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not specify whether energy efficiency targets would be included in the decent homes standard or provide details on sanctions for non-compliance by landlords.
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Local authorities are facing major difficulties in recruiting social care staff, which is causing issues across the health and social care system.
Local authorities such as Suffolk County Council are facing major challenges in recruiting social care staff. That is cascading right through the health and social care system and causing major difficulties for hospitals in discharging patients, getting on top of the backlog of operations and getting ambulances quickly back on the road. Can my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State outline the discussions he has had with local government to remove this logjam?
Local authorities such as Suffolk County Council are facing major challenges in recruiting social care staff; that is cascading right through the health and social care system and causing major difficulties for hospitals in discharging patients and getting on top of the backlog of operations. I agree with my hon. Friend and want him to know that I have been working on the issue very closely with my counterpart in the Department of Health and Social Care. We have provided £462.5 million to local authorities to support them with those workforce pressures, and there is more that we will continue to do.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been a week of travel chaos, with local government workers struggling due to record inflation.
We have had a week of travel chaos while the Transport Secretary has sat idly by, and there is another crisis on the horizon: the local government cleaners, social workers and refuse workers who cannot afford to feed their families on the wages they are paid. They need and deserve a pay rise. The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities knows that workers and council leaders struggling with record Tory inflation cannot square the circle alone. Nobody wants rubbish piling up in the streets, nobody wants older people left in their homes, and nobody wants families left to break. Will he commit to making a better fist of this than his hopeless colleague at the Department for Transport? He should do as they ask and come to the table to protect our vital workers, who kept this country going during the pandemic, and the communities they serve so well.
I am surprised that the hon. Lady talks about “Tory inflation”—presumably the inflation in Germany is Social Democratic inflation, inflation in France is En Marche inflation, and inflation in the United States is Democrat inflation. The truth is that when it comes to dealing with the cost of living crisis and ensuring that our economy is on the right track, she and her colleagues would be better served by using their links with the trade unions to get workers back to work, rather than she and her colleagues supporting the RMT in strike action that gets in the way of our economy moving forward.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was about making commitments to address current crises but the answer attacked the opposition's stance on inflation and strikes.
Personal Criticism
Political Attack
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is following up on the previous question, emphasizing the government's failure to address economic issues and calling for the Secretary of State to take action.
It would be laughable if the Government's failure to do their job had not brought this country to a standstill and was not about to get much worse. The Secretary of State talks about Labour Members doing their jobs, but the last time we had strikes on this level was under the Thatcher Government in 1989, and he was on a picket line—I prefer his earlier approach. If he is serious about getting the economy moving, why does he not do his job? My hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North (Alex Norris) talked about the billions of pounds that the Government have poured down the drain on levelling up, because the Secretary of State does not have the first clue how to spend it. He knows that the only way out of this low growth, high tax spiral that his Government have created is to get the economy firing on all cylinders. Can he remind me again whose job that is? It is his. If he will not do it, why will he not get out of the way and give that money to local council leaders so that they can?
That was beautifully scripted. I offer my support to the hon. Lady in her leadership bid; I am behind her 100% of the way, as, I am sure, are her friends in the RMT and that other figure who joined Labour MPs on the picket line last week: Arthur Scargill. She talks about going back to the future, but she would take us back to the future of the '80s with strikes, inflation and borrowing. She is the Marty McFly of politics: someone who lives in the past, even as she aspires to greater things.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was about economic responsibilities but the answer criticized the opposition's stance on historical events and politics rather than addressing current issues.
Personal Criticism
Historical Attack
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Wrexham area is supporting a petition to redevelop the Kop stand at the racecourse and create an international sporting stadium.
Wrexham's levelling-up gateway bid is supported by a 16,000-signature petition, which we will present to No. 10, to redevelop the Kop stand at the racecourse and create an international sporting stadium in north Wales for the first time. Does the Minister agree that people are at the heart of the Government's levelling-up agenda and the amount of people who have signed the petition shows its true value?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. I pay tribute to her leadership on this issue. We look forward to seeing the bid.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledged the petition's support but did not provide a definitive commitment or detailed plans for supporting Wrexham's gateway bid.
General Praise
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is proposing a fusion energy plant project and seeks confirmation of the government's willingness to discuss this.
Will the Secretary of State confirm his willingness to meet me, North Ayrshire Council and key partners to discuss the robust proposals for a fusion energy plant at Ardeer in my constituency? Does he agree that a successful Ardeer bid would provide a step change in local and regional economic prosperity, as well as being a catalyst for long-term sustainable investment in North Ayrshire?
Yes and yes. Even though they are not in my party, I must say that North Ayrshire's elected representatives in this House and in Holyrood do a fantastic job for their constituents in championing nuclear power.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
In Liverpool, 88% of alcohol is sold at below 50p a unit, with 24% of the population drinking at high risk levels. Premises are increasingly seeking to open.
There is an alcohol harm paradox where people in deprived communities drink less but suffer larger consequences. Will the Secretary of State look again at making public health a licensing objective and review how licensing fees are set nationally so they can be set locally?
A health disparities White Paper is forthcoming, and I will discuss the precise point with my right hon. Friend the Health and Social Care Secretary.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics on making public health a licensing objective or reviewing how fees are set
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Communities feel excluded from the decision-making process due to lack of awareness about local plan procedures.
Could Ministers ensure that, in the planning reforms being introduced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, there will be changes so that communities can take an active part from the beginning?
The measures being introduced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill aim to allow opportunities for communities to influence and comment on emerging local plans, enhancing powers so that people can engage easily.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
Delays continue for funding from the building safety fund, affecting three blocks in Fleur Anderson's constituency.
The Secretary of State promised an overhaul of the building safety fund to end endless delays. Will he meet me to discuss these blocks and stop applications getting stuck?
Absolutely, I will ask Lord Greenhalgh to investigate and we will follow up with a meeting.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
Nutrient neutrality guidance from Natural England is causing delays for developers, including those in the Burtree garden village project.
What can be done to rectify nutrient neutrality issues and unblock bureaucratic backlogs between Homes England, Treasury, and the Department?
We are working with DEFRA and Natural England on nutrient neutrality. On the bureaucratic backlog, I will apply appropriate pressure.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of flooding is important for Hull and the East Riding. Emma Hardy previously introduced a ten-minute rule Bill on this topic.
Will the Secretary of State enact schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, ensuring minimum standards of sustainable drainage systems on every new property?
Sustainable drainage systems are a vital part of future developments, and I will look closely at the recommendation.
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Assessment & feedback
Enactment of schedule 3
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Currently, only local authorities can initiate Levelling-up Fund bids. James Grundy suggests giving other organisations the ability to submit LUF bids.
Has consideration been given to allowing community interest companies or charities to submit LUF bids if they have the backing of their local MP?
That is an intriguing idea and a significant development. I look forward to working closely with him on this.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics of allowing other organisations to submit LUF bids
Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Since the Tories came into power, there has been a significant decline in home ownership among younger people, an increase in renting costs, and a reduction in affordable housing.
Is the Secretary of State ashamed of this record which is failing a generation of young people?
No, but there is more to do.
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Assessment & feedback
Not Ashamed
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 repealed the Vagrancy Act 1824. Clause 187 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill is concerning.
When will a repeal not be a repeal? The new bill disregards the repeal of the Vagrancy Act.
There will be no return to the Vagrancy Act. We will work with the Home Office to ensure appropriate measures for antisocial behaviour, but criminalising rough-sleeping and begging is not on the agenda.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Some leaseholders in Warwick and Leamington cannot sell their properties due to the lack of property maintenance by freeholders.
Why have the Government postponed leasehold reforms from this Parliament?
They are coming: we are going to introduce those reforms in the next Queen's Speech.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or reasons for postponement
To Be Introduced Later
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
MP notes overwhelming support for a code to make parking fairer. Parliament passed the Parking (Code of Practice) Act with all-party backing in 2019.
Is the Secretary of State aware that in 2019 I took through Parliament the Parking (Code of Practice) Act with all-party support? This measure mandates the Government to introduce a code to make parking fairer for motorists. In view of the overwhelming support for this measure on both sides of the House, why are the Government now dragging their feet on the matter?
There is a challenge to some of the proposals we are putting forward, with which we have to deal in the courts.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reason for delay and timeline
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
Scotland receives 40% less money from levelling-up funding than it received from the EU. The UK government has been criticised for this disparity.
Scotland receives 40% less money from levelling-up funding than it received from the EU. When does the Secretary of State estimate Scotland will get the same amount of funding as we had as a member of the EU?
Scotland is just as generously funded as ever before, but it would be even better for Scotland if the Scottish Government were not spending £20 million on campaigning for independence, because as we all know, breaking up the United Kingdom would be an economic disaster for Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for equal funding levels
Campaigning For Independence
Economic Impact Of Independence
Response accuracy
Q19
Direct Answer
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Context
The learned societies in Burlington House are facing rent increases proposed by the Government, causing uncertainty. The Secretary of State has promised a meeting to resolve this issue.
Ministers are aware of the long-standing limbo the learned societies of Burlington House find themselves in because of the proposed rent increases from the Government, and I declare an interest as a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. Apparently the Secretary of State has promised the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) a meeting to get everybody around the table to sort this out. May we urgently have that meeting before the summer recess, and will he give us a date now?
My hon. Friend is a distinguished archaeologist and antiquarian—although still a youthful-looking antiquarian. Yes, we will have that meeting; it will happen before 22 July and I will invite both my hon. Friend and the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant).
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill is intended to remove the impediment of a subsidy control mechanism that prevents Northern Ireland from benefiting fully from levelling-up funding.
The Secretary of State has mentioned that there will be more opportunities for all of the UK as a result of the levelling-up programme, and of course we welcome that. He also knows there is a subsidy control mechanism in operation in Northern Ireland that prevents Northern Ireland from benefiting from levelling up and other generous benefits that flow from this place. Will the Secretary of State today ensure that everyone on his side of the House—and I encourage Members on the Opposition side of the House to do this too—votes for the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, in which clause 12 will remove that impediment to progress?
The Foreign Secretary will open the Second Reading debate, and I hope people will listen to everything that she and indeed the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland say, in order to make sure Northern Ireland can fully participate in all the benefits of being part of the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Securing votes today
Second Reading Debate
Listening To Arguments
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
A development in Jane Hunt's constituency will essentially combine two villages, raising concerns about the lack of a five-year land supply.
I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. There are two villages in my local area that will essentially become one due to a development that was granted approval on appeal. How is the Secretary of State addressing the current problem of the lack of a five-year land supply circumventing local planning decisions?
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill and our forthcoming national planning policy prospectus will address precisely that question.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to address the immediate issue
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State has shown recent interest in the Scottish Parliament, which has been criticized for not honouring its manifesto commitments.
I welcome the Secretary of State's new-found enthusiasm for the Scottish Parliament. Does that enthusiasm extend to recognising the mandate that Parliament has to honour the manifesto commitments on which a clear majority of its Members have been elected in 2021, 2016 and 2011?
In 2014 the people of Scotland voted to remain part of the United Kingdom and were told at the time by the Scottish National party that it was a once in a generation vote. Eight years on from that vote it would be folly indeed, at a time when there is war on the European continent, we face cost of living challenges and we are all committed to working together to deal with the legacy of covid, to spend even more money attempting to break up and smash the United Kingdom instead of working to heal and unite.
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Assessment & feedback
Once In A Generation Vote
Cost Of Living Challenges
Legacy Of Covid
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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Context
Eastleigh Borough Council is expected to have £670 million in debt by 2025, with no signs of improvement.
Eastleigh Borough Council is scheduled to have £670 million of debt by 2025, with no sign of it reducing. Does the Secretary of State think this is acceptable, and what plan does his Department have to tackle such profligate councils?
As Eastleigh Borough Council is so profligate, I presume—I do not know; I do not have the facts in front of me—it must be a Liberal Democrat-controlled council, because profligacy and fiscal incontinence on such a level could only be engineered by the opportunistic gang that masquerades as the Liberal Democrat party.
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Assessment & feedback
Liberal Democrat-Controlled
Opportunistic Gang
Response accuracy