Topical Questions

Question

A constituent recently came to my surgery with her seven-year-old son to show some appalling photographs of the private rented accommodation in which they live. The little boy asked me whether he is going to die because of the thick mould in his bedroom. Given the housing ombudsman's recent remarks, particularly emphasising the link between housing conditions and health, what urgent action will the Secretary of State take to address the appalling situation in the private rented sector?

Question

My local housing association, Flagship Newtide, has sold off three more homes in Aldeburgh at auction since the last Levelling Up, Housing and Communities questions. However, it is failing to take action on the antisocial behaviour that is affecting several of my constituents in Saxmundham. What powers can we apply to make sure that people who do the right thing and want to live peacefully in their home are not surrounded by people who deal drugs, breed illegal pets and make other people's lives a misery?

Question

This week's Budget will be a big one for young people—16 and 17-year-olds—who are starting work or making important education choices, yet they currently have no say on who will be the next Government. We on the Opposition Benches believe in our young people. Will the Government act now to give 16 and 17-year-olds a say in the next general election?

Question

Will the Minister join me in congratulating South Staffordshire Council on serving an enforcement notice to rebuild the Crooked House pub? Will he also look favourably at measures I will be bringing forward to ensure that heritage pubs are better protected, because, as he will know, the Crooked House and many others have had no protections at all?

Question

The Secretary of State is a strong supporter of green urban spaces, so will he urgently meet me to discuss the ancient Haven Green, which is currently under threat and on which he is due to make a decision soon?

Question

Since my election, I have urged Wolverhampton City Council to focus on city centre living, to bring footfall back to our city centre. What more can the Government do on that? I am delighted that the council is now changing its plans, but how can we get upper storeys converted as well, to really bring that footfall back?

Question

Will the Minister for the Union tell me what discussions he has had with devolved Administrations, and with the Chancellor, on the very important matter of infected blood compensation? Does he recognise the frustration and dismay from many campaigners at the delays? They have waited almost a year since Sir Brian Langstaff reported on his compensation framework.

Question

The Government are to be commended for taking through the first leasehold reforms for 20 years, but as the Bill now goes to the Lords, will Ministers go further and agree: first, to empower the 3 million to 4 million people trapped on fleecehold estates; and, secondly, to fundamentally end this scammy, dodgy, corrupt model once and for all?

Question

Last week we saw rough sleeping numbers up by more than a quarter. More than 100,000 households are stuck in temporary accommodation, including 140,000 children. Where is the national plan to end all forms of homelessness?

Question

Does the Minister agree that the Department needs to continue to be engaged with the local authority, which is appointing contractors, to make sure that this project gets delivered on time and on budget?

Question

In 2010, total wealth per head in the north was 16% lower than in the rest of England. Last week, a report estimated the disparity growing to 21%. Can the Secretary of State confirm that this Government's policies have achieved levelling up?

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that rural areas are particularly vulnerable to the high energy costs we have seen in the last two years? Would he support me in urging the Chancellor to increase that relief in the Budget?

Question

Will the Minister advise me how many people took up the offer of the former help to buy ISA scheme? Has another such scheme been considered?

Question

Today, the Charity Commission issued new guidance for charities that refuse to accept donations. Will my right hon. Friend support the right of communities throughout the British Isles to donate to charities?

Question

There are businesses in York that have not been able to trade for over four months because of flooding. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the fact that businesses in my constituency cannot get funding?

Question

Will the local government Minister issue guidance to councils, asking them to ensure that all parents are protected if their councillors find themselves in those most difficult of circumstances?

Question

Could the criterion around match funding take account of prior investment by the community, such as the very many small donations that people in the Axe valley area gave to build Seaton community hospital?

Question

Wellington is an 800-year-old market town that has received significant investment recently. In the last three years, £3 million from the towns fund, £10 million from the levelling-up fund and £800,000 have provided record investment into Wellington. The Labour council has just taken over the management of the market. Will the Secretary of State ensure that they do not mess it up?