House of Commons · Westminster Hall
08 February 2022 · 4 other contributors · 3,828 words
Opened by Robert Largan Con High Peak
Responding minister: Not recorded
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Robert Largan raised concerns about grit bins in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I urge the Government to consider legislative changes to clarify responsibility for grit bin provision in two-tier authorities and encourage developers to include basic amenities such as grit bins when building new developments.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The provision of grit bins in the High Peak area is inadequate due to the extreme weather conditions and the lack of clarity over responsibility between different tiers of local government. Residents face difficulties accessing work, school, and medical appointments due to untreated icy roads. In addition, there are concerns about emergency service access during severe weather events and the long-term health impacts on elderly residents.
In Congleton, the provision of grit bins is an issue each winter. Residents in Mow Cop with steep gradients are concerned about safe access for elderly residents and emergency vehicles during icy weather. The Minister should consider the Highways Act 1980, section 41(1A), which states that highways authorities are under a duty to ensure safe passage along highways is not endangered by snow or ice.
District nurses and community care workers sometimes put their lives at risk when accessing housing developments without grit bins. Legislation should be extended to allow grit bins in areas where they are needed.
In Basildon and Billericay, former pit villages need provision of grit bins due to micro-climates. There is a problem when councillors have to use their local grant allocation for grit bins instead of council or national funding. The MP asked the Minister whether councils could stipulate the provision of grit bins as part of planning consent for new-build properties, highlighting an example in Consett where councillors had to fund a new bin themselves. Welcomes the Minister's commitment to levelling up and discusses the possibility of Government offices moving out of London into regions such as Durham, asking for further engagement on this issue.
Severe weather affects residents in High Peak and Hyndburn and Haslingden, causing delays for school children. Local councils need to focus on providing grit bins where they are needed.