Topical Questions

Question

It is vital that we remember what happened so that we can learn the lessons of the past, so will my right hon. Friend reassure me and the House that the Government remain committed to delivering a national holocaust memorial?

Question

With millions of people living in homes that are cold, damp and expensive to heat, in the midst of a respiratory illness pandemic, with millions more looking to the Government to give hope for the good jobs of the future, and with a climate change crisis as well, what part of cancelling Labour's zero-carbon homes standard does the Secretary of State think was a good idea? When will he commit his Government to returning to a zero-carbon—not low-carbon but zero-carbon—homes standard?

Question

The Government are absolutely right in their commitment to building more homes, but we also need to look after the ones that we have. I am especially thinking of those predominately council estates that were built in the '50s, '60s and '70s, with many homes falling into a state of disrepair. Will the Secretary of State commit to looking at ways in which we can regenerate those estates and build back better?

Question

Scotland has had more structural rules on cladding than the rest of the UK for several years now and has different tenancy forums from England, so does the Secretary of State have any idea of the potential consequences of the internal market Bill on Scottish housing regulations and building standards, including those on cladding?

Question

In Crewe and Nantwich, we have seen recently another example of planning permission being given for a housing development without sufficient consideration of the impact on the local NHS, which really causes concern among my residents, especially as the development went against both the neighbourhood plan and the local plan. What more can we do to ensure that the impact on NHS services is more consistently taken into account in planning decisions?

Question

The current top-down centralised response to covid is not working anywhere near as well as it needs to. Properly integrating council leaders and metro Mayors into the decision-making process will help protect lives and livelihoods. May I ask the Minister or the Secretary of State to ensure that, together, we work to achieve properly joined-up Government and that local and regional leaders are treated like partners and not passengers? [R]

Question

I am concerned about residents moving into new build homes facing considerable issues such as flooded kitchens. Will my right hon Friend ensure the new homes ombudsman service will be established promptly to protect residents in this situation?

Question

You and Ministers will remember New Ferry's tragic gas explosion three and a half years ago. I am meeting a minister this week. Will you join me to publicly thank residents, businesses, and charities for rebuilding efforts?

Question

Does my right hon Friend agree that we need to address the inherent unfairness in the operation of the housing infrastructure fund by directing funding to areas with greater affordability challenges?

Question

Managing the pandemic has cost Cheshire West and Chester Council over £35 million, leaving them behind by £8 million in their current budget, already depleted by £330 million since 2010 due to Government cuts. Will Ministers commit to providing support for this deficit?

Question

I thank my right hon Friend for financial support provided to regenerate Blackpool town centre, not just £8.6 million received but also expected £50 million from the towns and future high streets funds. Can he reassure me that regenerating towns like Blackpool will remain a priority?

Question

It is 232 days since Storm Dennis flooded many properties in Rhondda, a quarter of all UK flood-damaged properties. Despite promises and letters from the PM, no funding has arrived. Can you sort out the issue by the end of today?

Question

Millions are trapped in unsellable, cladded flats. Mortgage companies refuse to remortgage and shared ownership tenants face 100% costs despite owning only 10%. When will the Secretary of State help our constituents?

Question

Covid regulations prevent homeless shelters from opening. Will the Government extend the severe weather emergency protocol to cover all areas affected by any lockdown, both to protect homeless people and to prevent the virus from spreading?

Question

My constituents in villages such as Burton Joyce and Stoke Bardolph want to protect their green spaces and their village identity. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that the Government's proposed planning reforms will ensure local people can decide on the shape of their community?

Question

Will the Secretary of State guarantee not to reduce Scottish housing standards given fears arising from Grenfell and other cutbacks, or will it be proven that only an independent Scottish Parliament can protect these rights?

Question

Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me, representatives of the London Borough of Richmond and the Department for Education to find a workable solution to this £15 million deficit issue?