Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Q8. Whether she has reviewed with Cabinet colleagues the status of land used for environmental mitigation along the A14 in Huntingdon constituency. (908525)

Question Mr. Speaker.

10:07

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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National Highways has assessed the status of the land and is taking steps to improve its condition, including replanting substantial numbers of trees, protecting ecological sites and creating new wildlife habitats.

10:07

Ben Obese-Jecty MP (Huntingdon, Conservative)

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Ben Obese-Jecty thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for his response to my written question the other day, which made it clear the other day, which made it clear that the trees were going to be replanted alongside the A14. I've surveyed that area in recent weeks and it is a real mess. I think the problem is that the land has simply not been maintained once those environmental management schemes have been put in place, so it is reassuring to hear the trees will be replaced.

But there are other problems with some of those schemes. Some of the buildings alongside that that were compulsorily purchased haven't been maintained and have been left to become dilapidated. As well as the problem that national highways are ransoming off access to the land for local developers by charging a 30% shared value increase just so that developers can gain access to the A14, as well as a dangerous at grade junctions that we have to. Would he meet with me to discuss some of these problems that we have around access to the A14 in Huntingdonshire, so that my constituents can be reassured that we're working hard to make sure that road works as it should.

10:08

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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On the specific topic of trees. >> On the specific topic of trees. Look, it's an absolute scandal, frankly, that something like frankly, that something like 600,000 trees died as part of the previous government's road schemes. 90% of this 90% of this particular scheme died as well. But of course, I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your individual issues.

10:09

Q10. What recent steps her Department has taken to support motorists. (908527)

Thank you. Charlie Dewhirst question number ten, Mr. Speaker. >> Secretary of State Mr. Speaker, this government is taking significant action to make journeys significant action to make journeys safer and smoother whilst helping motorists save money. We are

10:09

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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investing £27 billion in motorways and trunk roads, and a record £7.3 billion to fix potholes and billion to fix potholes and resurface local roads. We've extended the fuel duty freeze, launched a fuel price finder and launched a fuel price finder and introduced a £2 billion grant to support motorists who want to go electric. I know events in the electric. I know events in the Middle East will be unsettling for many, but I can assure the House of this we have strong and diverse this we have strong and diverse fuel supplies in the UK and we will stand by the British people in the face of international turbulence.

10:09

Charlie Dewhirst MP (Bridlington and The Wolds, Conservative)

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Charlie Dewhirst thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank you. Thank the Secretary of State for her answer. But anyone who has been to the pumps in the last couple of weeks will have felt the pain of these will have felt the pain of these price rises, and I do not blame her for that. Obviously, international events have taken over. So can she guarantee the House that there will be no further rise in fuel duty for the remainder of this calendar year? So stay.

10:10

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, the government has already taken significant steps to already taken significant steps to keep the costs of motoring low, extending the fuel duty cut that was due to end this month until was due to end this month until September and launching the fuel finder tool, which together will save motorists £129 compared to previous plans. We will, of course, be monitoring developments in the Middle East closely, and I repeat what I said in my original answer we will stand by the British people turbulence.

10:10

Greg Smith MP (Mid Buckinghamshire, Conservative)

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Karin Smyth. Minister. costs of motoring are going up and they are going up for everyone later this year, because of the choices of this Labour government and a set of motorists that are too often forgotten are the motorists who drive our heavy goods vehicles and our light goods vehicles who, as the chairman of the Transport Select Committee, said in an earlier answer, are suffering with the Rest facilities they have and in particular, we are seeing fuel thefts going up from our hauliers.

Freight crime is an incredibly serious matter. So can the Secretary of State set out clearly what she is doing with urgency to support our hauliers who keep our economy quite literally moving, get the facilities they need that won't just give them good rest space, but keep them safe.

10:11

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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So stay. facilities and truck stops for HGV drivers are part of that. I know my colleague, the local transport Minister, formerly the roads Minister, formerly the roads Minister, has met a number of times with colleagues in the Home Office to ensure that haulage firms, logistics companies can be sure that their vehicles are safe and that their fuel supplies are secure.

10:12

Lilian Greenwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Nottingham South, Labour)

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Worcester blunder. >> Number 11. >> Mr Speaker Minister. >> This government believes in better buses across the UK, and half of the £1.4 billion local authority bus grant resource funding is going to support services in mayoral strategic authorities. Altogether, they will receive over £11.5 billion of consolidated funding up to 2030 to improve and deliver better local transport services and modern infrastructure, including £1.6 billion for Greater Manchester.

10:12

Mrs Elsie Blundell MP (Heywood and Middleton North, Labour)

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As the Minister knows, since my election I've been campaigning for an express bus service from my from an express bus service from my from my constituency to Manchester city centre. Following key improvements to the network across Greater Manchester. We still need to see the introduction of that express bus service. Following a consultation that I did across my constituency. What conversations are therefore taking place between DfT Treasury and our transport authorities specifically to prioritise closing gaps in bus provision and to ensure that there is sustained long term funding for buses to make this possible.

10:13

Lilian Greenwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Nottingham South, Labour)

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Minister well, my hon. Friend is >> Minister well, my hon. Friend is a great champion for local transport and this government is committed to supporting improved bus services and at the spending review, confirmed over £3 billion review, confirmed over £3 billion in long term funding until 2029. We believe that local leaders are best placed to make decisions about services in their areas, and this funding includes £133.5 million for Greater Manchester, which the local authority can use to expand the B network, as she suggests.

And of course, we meet very regularly with Mayor Andy Burnham to discuss.

10:13

Anna Sabine MP (Frome and East Somerset, Liberal Democrat)

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Alison Bennett Mr Speaker, part of my constituency falls within the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, which oversees some Authority, which oversees some local bus services. And although recent government funding has been allocated to improve bus transport across the authority, much of it appears concentrated on getting people in and out of Bristol rather than around surrounding towns and villages. If the government is committed to driving economic growth, does it recognise the importance of investing in reliable rural transport networks to enable these communities to grow and thrive?

10:14

Lilian Greenwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Nottingham South, Labour)

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Claire Hanna Minister. >> Well, she's absolutely right that rural communities also need access to good public transport, and that's why we're exploring the and that's why we're exploring the way in which we can better support rural bus services. As I mentioned earlier, there are five pilots looking at the possibilities of franchising in rural areas, which I know will be of interest to people, including Mayor Helen Goodwin.

10:14

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Alistair Carmichael number 12, Mr Speaker. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My department continues to engage with a range of aviation stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Authority, to better understand the impacts of the loss of access to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. This also includes the practicalities, costs and benefits for industry and the taxpayer. If we were to rejoin.

10:14

Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP (Orkney and Shetland, Liberal Democrat)

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Mr. Carmichael to speed things >> Mr. Carmichael to speed things up, I'll tell them exactly what the impact has been since we lost access to Egnos. The number of access to Egnos. The number of cancellations to island communities has trebled and that in turn has put up the cost of of tickets. And put up the cost of of tickets. And we occasionally find that we are not able to get air ambulance flights. And that has been the cost of coming out of Egnos.

Really, it is about time that we found our way back into it. Would he meet with me, and perhaps with his hon. Friend from Na h-Eileanan an Iar, so that we might find a way of progressing this without any further delay? Mr.

10:15

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would be very glad to meet with the hon. be very glad to meet with the hon. Member and his colleague. I understand that the important role that Egnos played in making sure we that Egnos played in making sure we had those vital connectivity links to the Scottish Highlands. That's why we intend to review the role that technologies such as Egnos can play, to ensure that our airspace is resilient, that it's fit for purpose, but especially for remote airports that are more susceptible to adverse weather conditions.

And I'm very happy to take that conversation forward with the hon. Member.

10:16

Torcuil Crichton MP (Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Labour)

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Torcuil Crichton thank you, Mr. Speaker. 40% of flights diverted from Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra airports in my constituency could have been avoided if we were part of Egnos, which was shamefully abandoned during Brexit by the Conservatives. This is a huge ask them right now, member for Orkney and Shetland pointed out. This is huge kind of social and financial implications. Schedules are cut. People are considering not just their travel arrangements, but their living arrangements, because without 21st century connectivity, we cannot live 21st century lives.

So I would urge the Minister to consider the cost benefit of rejoining Egnos and by all means, meet with me on the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland and some Cornish MPs as well who have raised this Minister.

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I thank him for his repeated and consistent advocacy on this issue, and I'm cognisant of the fact, Mr. Speaker, that air connectivity in Speaker, that air connectivity in the Scottish Highlands is not a nice to have. It is an absolute necessity. As well as meeting with the two members, my officials would be keen to engage with a variety of stakeholders as part of the review stakeholders as part of the review on to obtain evidence on the benefits of the Egnos solution. This evidence will be really critical to ensuring that the government works out its future position carefully, and that any future decision delivers value for money to the taxpayer.

10:17

Q13. Whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that open access rail services continue to be available in Beverley and Holderness constituency. (908530)

Stewart 13 Mr. Speaker, Minister oh. oh. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are clear that open access will continue to play an important role continue to play an important role on the reformed railway under GBR, which will oversee a network designed to deliver better outcomes for passengers. Existing open access operators, such as Hull Trains, will be able to continue running under their current access agreements serving communities including in Beverley and Holderness.

10:17

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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As the Minister knows before Hull trains, Hull and East Yorkshire were a forgotten part of

10:17

Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP (Beverley and Holderness, Conservative)

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the rail network. Hull trains put that right connecting the great port city of Hull and indeed port city of Hull and indeed Beverley to London directly. It's also one of the most popular train also one of the most popular train services in the whole country, so I'm pleased to hear the words that the Minister said. Would he agree the Minister said. Would he agree to meet with me and perhaps colleagues to discuss the future of open access and Hull trains to make open access and Hull trains to make sure it is safeguarded? As I know he wants into the 2030s and beyond.

10:18

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Minister are indeed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the hon. Gentleman for his request for a Gentleman for his request for a meeting, which I'll be sure to be reflected through to the Rail Minister. I understand the importance of the contribution that Hull trains makes both to the East Riding of Yorkshire, but also across the country under the Railways Bill. It's absolutely right that GBR can be the directing mind for the railway to ensure that we can make best use of the network.

But we're also very clear that where open access represents best use they will get on the network. Hull trains is a very important part to play in rail connectivity in the United Kingdom.

10:18

Q14. What steps she is taking to improve transport connectivity in Dudley. (908531)

Mr Speaker Jo Stevens. empowering the mayor of the West Midlands to deliver the better, more reliable connections that communities in Dudley need and deserve. Mayor Richard Parker is already putting the £2.4 billion in more flexible, integrated funding more flexible, integrated funding that we are providing to good use in delivering on transformative local priorities like metro local priorities like metro expansion, bus franchising and light rail Alan Campbell.

10:19

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

10:19

Sonia Kumar MP (Dudley, Labour)

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For far too long, communities across the Black Country have had to put up with poor transport links. to put up with poor transport links. That's why the long awaited opening of the metro station later this year is such welcome news for people and businesses in Dudley. Even after delays, this is key. Investment will help bring visitors to Dudley High Street and drive the renewal of our town centre, but our area desires one more project. So what further investment will the Department for transport commit to bringing to Dudley? And will she commit to attending the opening of the Metro? And I'm happy to treat her to some orange trips from Dudley.

10:19

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, the Metro expansion >> Mr. speaker, the Metro expansion represents a major boost for growth in Dudley in the West Midlands, delivering fast, affordable and reliable connections to Birmingham, Wolverhampton, the Black Country and beyond. Together with Dudley interchange, it will transform local transport, unlocking access to jobs, education and new opportunities for the community. I very much enjoyed my last visit to Dudley in the Black Country Living Museum, and I will certainly ask my office to check my availability for the opening.

10:20

Q15. What steps she is taking to repair potholes on the strategic road network. (908534)

Chris Webb 15. Please. serious potholes for repair within 24 hours under the new road investment strategy published today, they must keep 96.2% of road surfaces in good condition and resurface around a quarter of their network over the next five years. network over the next five years. In addition to national highways work on the strategic road network, Lancashire Combined County Lancashire Combined County Authority are eligible to receive £268 million in highways maintenance funding over the next maintenance funding over the next four years, as part of our £7.3 billion investment in local roads.

10:20

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Sarah Smith. constituents in Hyndburn and Haslingden are blighted by potholes, causing them hundreds of pounds. But to add insult to injury, twice recently reform led county council

10:21

Sarah Smith MP (Hyndburn, Labour)

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have come out and redrawn, repainted our road markings before coming a day later to complete coming a day later to complete resurfacing works on the same bit of road. Now, Lancashire County Council have had record levels of funding for this government, with £100 million confirmed over two years. So does the Minister agree years. So does the Minister agree with me? It is unacceptable that they are refusing to update residents on their repair times and whether they are meeting their

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whether they are meeting their demands, their requirements. It's absolutely not acceptable for this reform led council to refuse to provide basic information to my friends, constituents and as I mentioned earlier on, 25% of reform led councils have been rated red. That's the lowest rating. And it won't surprise you to hear that it won't surprise you to hear that Labour councils have come out on top. I hope, I hope that my hon. Friend will. Constituents will keep Friend will. Constituents will keep in mind this when they go to the polling station a couple of weeks.

10:21

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Lincoln Jopp thank you, Mr. Speaker. The scourge of potholes is pretty universal, but could the Minister join me in encouraging all my Spelthorne residents who have a complaint about a pothole to report complaint about a pothole to report that pothole via the Surrey County Council website, because reporting it is the only way to get it sorted. Yeah.

10:22

Lincoln Jopp MP (Spelthorne, Conservative)

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I absolutely agree. Constituents should report potholes to their local authority. The good news, of course, is by the end of this Parliament, it will almost double the amount of funding to allow the amount of funding to allow those councils to get on top of this pothole plague. Yes.

10:22

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Emma Foody topicals.

10:22

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Topical one Mr Speaker. >> Mr. Speaker. This government. Excuse me. Give me one second. Sorry. Mr. Speaker, this government is today announcing one of the is today announcing one of the biggest ever investments into England's major roads. £27 billion spread over five years is a down payment on better motorways, smoother journeys and less congestion across the country. We will finally kick off dualling the A66 between Cumbria and North Yorkshire. We will unlock private investment to deliver the transformational Lower Thames Crossing, and we will renew and repair our main highways.

With a record £8.4 billion worth of investment. But that is not all. Today I am giving the green light to 16 local road schemes that previous governments left in limbo, from the Norwich Western link to the Wigan east west link from the A650 Tong Street in Bradford to the A259 South Coast Road in Brighton, we'll get these projects built, strengthening local economies and breaking down barriers to opportunity. Mr. speaker, for too long this country failed to tackle its crumbling infrastructure. This government is putting its money where its mouth is, with fewer potholes, quicker journeys.

We're building a road network that people and businesses can finally rely on.

10:24

Emma Foody MP (Cramlington and Killingworth, Labour )

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Emma Foody. for that answer. But the Secretary of State and others, Mr. Speaker, in this place will be aware of my campaign for investment in New Farm Roundabout. Now, the current situation causes misery for local people and is choking investment, not just in my constituency but across the North East. I've held debates, asked questions, meetings with Ministers, national highways, investments. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I've spoke about it more than 50 times in this place. But I'm feeling lucky today. So I wonder whether the Secretary of State has any update on my campaign to secure the crucial upgrades.

10:24

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Yes. >> Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to confirm that improvements to the A19 Moore Farm have been included A19 Moore Farm have been included in the pipeline of schemes that we have asked National Highways to develop for construction. I would develop for construction. I would like to thank my hon. Friend for her tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents, and for making such a strong case for this scheme. In particular.

10:24

Rt Hon Richard Holden MP (Basildon and Billericay, Conservative)

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Richard Holden share of Secretary of State. Secretary of State. >> Indeed, Mr. Speaker, in September last year, the Secretary of State told the House I know the of State told the House I know the importance of the fuel duty freeze. That was when diesel and petrol were significantly cheaper than they are today. So why is Labour hiking fuel duty by £0.05 a litre this September?

10:25

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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We have extended the fuel duty cut that was due to end this month cut that was due to end this month until September, and we have launched the Fuel Finder tool, which together will save motorists £129 compared to previous plans.

10:25

Mr Calvin Bailey MP (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

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Luke Taylor. >> Luke Taylor. >> Two please, Mr. Speaker. >> Just a question. >> As the Us-iran war pushes up

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As the Us-iran war pushes up petrol prices, ensuring that people can own electric vehicle is an economic as well as an environmental necessity. And to do this, it's essential that families can reach a charging point within a four minute walk of their house, which is something that Waltham Forest Council has enabled for 86% of its residents. But continue this continuing barrier to ownership and costs of charging at public stations is something that needs to be addressed.

Can the Minister highlight to me.

10:26

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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The grip of the question? November, the government announced a comprehensive review of public charging costs. This will examine what's driving higher prices and potential measures to make public charging affordable for all users. The review is set to report this autumn. spokesperson.

10:26

Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An October 2020 for Active Travel England analysis of case studies England analysis of case studies found that walking and cycling schemes typically generate a benefit to cost ratio of between benefit to cost ratio of between 3.5 to 1 and 19 to 1, given plans for significant devolution of transport funding, how will the government ensure that local authorities deliver consistent standards and improvements to streets and routes to enable walking and cycling, and the huge accompanying economic and health benefits?

10:26

Lilian Greenwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Nottingham South, Labour)

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Dining Minister. >> Well, he's absolutely right to highlight the benefits of active travel, and that's why this travel, and that's why this government is so enthusiastic about it. Setting out £626 million in active travel funding to support it, and very shortly, we'll be publishing our cycling and walking investment strategy, which will guide local authorities how best to spend it.

10:27

Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)

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Mr. McAllister. Scotland's goal >> Mr. McAllister. Scotland's goal is to. >> SMP the basics right the UK Labour government funding to repair Labour government funding to repair potholes adds to the significant Barnett consequentials flowing to Scotland. So does the Minister Scotland. So does the Minister agree that Scottish Labour's pledge to establish a new road repair fund

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worth £350 million to fix 5 million more potholes, is one worth voting for on 7th May? Yeah.

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Yeah. I agree with my hon. Member. We have ambitious plans in England and have ambitious plans in England and a record £7.3 billion investment and clear standards to ensure councils fix roads properly for the councils fix roads properly for the long term, only Scottish Labour have a plan to build on this approach and to end the pothole plague north of the border.

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plague north of the border. Bob Blackman thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday came the welcome news that Queensbury station in my constituency is one of five new stations that will be considered for step free access. That makes

10:28

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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the almost the entire Jubilee Line in London step free, except for in London step free, except for Stanmore Station, which TfL classify as step free. Yet my residents face 49 steps on the main staircase, ten at the side and then access by a very steep ramp from access by a very steep ramp from the car park, which even a Paralympian can't manage. So could Paralympian can't manage. So could the Minister. When whoever answers the debate this afternoon agree to a proper new legal definition of step free access.

Yeah.

10:28

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Thursday. >> Thursday. >> Mr. Speaker, I visited Stanmore station and I understand the the difficulties that will be presented difficulties that will be presented to his constituents. We are investing in the access for all scheme nationally, and transport for London, as he has indicated, is investing in his constituency, too. We are ambitious in this space because the railway should be there for everyone, and it should be an inclusive service that we offer to the entire country.

10:29

Lorraine Beavers MP (Blackpool North and Fleetwood, Labour)

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Lorraine Beavers thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recently met with the Rail Minister who agreed with me Rail Minister who agreed with me that the reintroduction of the Fleetwood to Portland rail line would be transformative for the would be transformative for the many people in my constituency, but this can only happen. This can't happen without the support of Lancashire County Council. Will the Secretary of State join me in calling for the Reform Council to put reopening of the rail line at the top of their transport plans so we can finally see this happen?

10:29

Lilian Greenwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Nottingham South, Labour)

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Minister well, my hon. Friend remains a great champion for this remains a great champion for this project. The government is delivering on devolution. We're providing Lancashire Combined providing Lancashire Combined County Authority with £641 million. This spending review, whether to progress this scheme is as a local priority, is a decision for the authority and I encourage my hon. Friend to continue engaging with them with the same enthusiasm with which she engages with our department.

10:30

Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP (Orkney and Shetland, Liberal Democrat)

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Alistair Carmichael Mr. Speaker, we are already seeing airlines we are already seeing airlines adding fuel surcharges to ticket prices as a consequence of current events. That is maybe not surprising, but does the Secretary of State agree with me that if they are going to do that, then they should at the same time publish a trigger point so that customers will know when those fuel surcharges will be removed from the ticket prices.

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So the hon. Gentleman raises an interesting question, but if I could just reassure the House in could just reassure the House in our many conversations with airlines and airports in recent weeks, there haven't been any immediate disruptions to jet fuel supply indicated to us, but we will supply indicated to us, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with airlines and closely and work with airlines and jet fuel suppliers to understand what mitigations might be required should any disruptions arise.

10:31

Callum Anderson MP (Buckingham and Bletchley, Labour)

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Callum Anderson. >> Mr. Speaker. Residents across Winslow and Bletchley are increasingly frustrated at the lack of East west rail passenger of East west rail passenger services. Can the Minister update the House on what discussions the government is having with rail partners to resolve the outstanding issues, and when my constituents can get a clear timetable of when they can use that vital rail link.

10:31

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Yeah. I'm as keen as they are, and I know that he is to see services start on this section of infrastructure. I know discussions continue between Chiltern and trade unions on operational arrangements and the preparatory works to trains and stations, and I can assure him that as soon as we have a start date, he will be the first to know Jo White.

10:31

Jo White MP (Bassetlaw, Labour)

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My register of interest. Last summer, Hull trains played for pay for 32 teenagers who travelled to London to attend my parliamentary London to attend my parliamentary summer school. But Mr. Speaker, this time last year I was advocating for more connectivity for my constituents back in Hull, trains application for a service between Sheffield and London King's Cross via Worksop and Retford. Despite disappointment at the refusal, I'm keen that companies like Hull Trains continue to make open access bids. Can the Minister advise how GBR will ensure this independent oversight, and what resources will the IRR be given to guarantee there's transparency, independence in the.

10:32

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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I thank my hon. Friend for her question. Under GBR, the organisation will have the responsibility for ensuring that it responsibility for ensuring that it has the capacity to run services that are paid for by the British taxpayer in which they are tasked to operate. Outside of that, they will decide best use of the network and open access can play a vibrant

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role within that system, including constituency. Lisa Smart speaking, my. Constituent now has has been in

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Constituent now has has been in touch with me with real concerns about the financial impact roadworks are having on his small business. If the roadworks are business. If the roadworks are caused by gas or water, then he may be entitled to compensation, but be entitled to compensation, but not if it's telecoms or electricity. The impact is the same on local businesses, whether it's cables or businesses, whether it's cables or pipes. Could the department look at this discrepancy because the impact is the same on our local constituents.

10:33

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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So stay. >> The hon. Lady will know that roadworks on local roads are the responsibility of each local highway authority. As she says, there are some specific routes for there are some specific routes for businesses to claim losses when the works are carried out by utilities like gas or water companies. If she like gas or water companies. If she has proposals for a wider scheme and would like to write with me, write to me about them, I will consider it.

10:33

Sir Christopher Chope MP (Christchurch, Conservative)

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Mr. Christopher Chope. government is doing to address the problem of number plate fraud? Number plates are being falsely registered to address wrong addresses by the DVLA. We've got vehicle number plates being cloned and we've got the use of false number plates, and all that is contributing to an increase in petrol theft from our forecourts. What's the government doing about it?

10:34

Lilian Greenwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Nottingham South, Labour)

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Will Forster well, he's right to raise this question, which a number raise this question, which a number of my hon. Friends have also been raising. The DVLA are working very closely with the National Police Chiefs Council and, as he will know, in the road safety strategy, we have a consultation on motoring offences which includes proposals around tougher penalties for those who display illegal plates.

10:34

Alistair Strathern MP (Hitchin, Labour)

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Alistair Strathern Madam Speaker rail uses a Hitchin and Aylesbury station to my constituency have to station to my constituency have to put up with services that simply aren't reliable enough. I'm glad that after pushing the operator, Ministers and officials, we've been Ministers and officials, we've been able to drive up, drive up recruitment and secure crucial investment to rely and upgrade backup signalling capacity. That has caused a lot of disruption over the last 12 months. But with the operator coming back into public ownership later this year, what further steps can we do to finally give my constituents a rail service they deserve?

10:34

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Secretaries of State thanks to >> Secretaries of State thanks to my hon. Friend's steadfast support, major works are underway. Renewing electrification, installing axle counters and improving drainage to prevent flooding, and these upgrades will boost Thameslink reliability, including services to his constituency. I can also tell him that driver numbers have risen by 50 since July 2024, and will continue to press GTR to strengthen performance and cut cancellations.

10:35

John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> I continue to hear from residents and businesses about the timetable changes at Berwick upon Tweed Station, particularly the Tweed Station, particularly the loss of many direct services from Berwick down to London. What department, what assessment? department, what assessment? Economic assessment is is the Department undertaking to assess how those changes are working?

10:35

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Lowestoft he's right to reflect upon the fact that a reliable and frequent train service is important to economic growth. I'd be happy to speak about the detail of those particular changes with the Rail Minister and come back to him, including whether there's any potential mitigations that we could bring in in future.

10:36

Emma Lewell MP (South Shields, Labour)

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Amelial thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Q Street Bridge and South Speaker. Q Street Bridge and South Shields was closed over four months ago by the Council as they deemed ago by the Council as they deemed it unsafe. It was used by over 5000 vehicles per day. This closure is damaging my local economy. The damaging my local economy. The council are currently unable to give any timescales for reopening it, and I am led to believe there is no funding for them to do so.

Anyway, can my right hon. Friend please assist us in any way at all.

10:36

Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP (Skipton and Ripon, Conservative)

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And my friend for her question. This sounds like a scheme that could benefit from the structures fund. >> Sir Julian Smith. >> Focussed on.

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Bus services, but can I urge it to also think carefully about safety in bus stations? Whether. safety in bus stations? Whether. Big problem at Skipton bus station. At the moment there is no CCTV and I would encourage her to focus on local authorities and the mayors to get obligatory CCTV in our bus

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station to keep people safe. Yeah. Mr. The government has committed to

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The government has committed to a number of ideas to improve the safety of the travelling public, especially women and girls, and especially women and girls, and that includes looking at safety in bus stations. And I will ensure that the particular issue that he raises is examined.

10:37

Lilian Greenwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Nottingham South, Labour)

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raises is examined. Speaker. >> Can I again thank the ministerial team for doing what they have to get the Midlands Rail they have to get the Midlands Rail Hub project so far along so quickly, with funding now unlocked for the West and East central sections. But East is dragging behind that ever so slightly. And I wonder if they would again look at the South Staffordshire line, whether that Staffordshire line, whether that can be included in Rail Hub East and unlock the wonderful benefits of cross-regional travel via the South Staffordshire line benefiting South Staffordshire line benefiting my constituents, those in Uttoxeter and Derby.

10:37

Dave Robertson MP (Lichfield, Labour)

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So I was grateful to my hon. Friend for his time a couple of weeks ago when we discussed this matter, and he's right to highlight the transformative benefit of the Midlands rail hub, expanding capacity into Moor Street Station and I will come back to him on the potential around the South Staffordshire line.

10:37

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Final question. >> Final question. Speaker. >> The Labour Mayor for York and North Yorkshire is now tinkering with the Dft's highways funding with the Dft's highways funding ratio, reallocating about £4 million from North Yorkshire to the City of York. When the North Yorkshire Council has already lost the Rural Services Delivery grant. How can the Minister think this is fair? fair?

10:38

Tom Gordon MP (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)

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Minister so the the Department continues to give funding devolved

10:38

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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to local leaders. It is up to the democratically elected local leaders to decide how to spend that. Right. Right. We Right. We come Right. We come to Right. We come to the urgent question, Sir James Cleverly.

10:39

Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government if he will make a statement on local government reorganisation.

Yes. the Secretary of State for housing, Communities and Local Government if he will make a statement on local government reorganisation.

10:39

Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP (Braintree, Conservative)

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Minister? Gentleman for his urgent question. And you, Mr. Speaker, for the.

10:39

Always happy to be at the despatch box. I don't know what the hon. Gentleman is talking about. And you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to set out the latest steps in local government reorganisation. For too long, many areas have been served by complex two tier structures that divide responsibilities, slow down divide responsibilities, slow down decisions, duplicate costs and blur accountability. The government's aim on local government aim on local government reorganisation is simple clearer structures, stronger councils, quicker decisions, more homes and better services for local people.

We are getting on with delivering that aim. And yesterday the Secretary of State announced the next steps on local government reorganisation in six areas of England. He has decided, subject to parliamentary approval, to implement proposals for 15 new councils in Essex, Southend on Sea and Thurrock, Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Suffolk, in addition to the Isle of Wight that will see 16 councils operating across these areas. In place of the current 44, these proposals are supported by two thirds of councils within these areas and many local communities.

They will help expand key towns and cities, deliver housing and growth, and simplify public services for residents. We will bring the secondary legislation forward to implement the proposals for the new local councils in due course on East Sussex, Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. We have carefully considered the four proposals submitted alongside the views expressed during the consultation, but no final decision has been taken at this stage, reflecting the need to address a number of important matters. Proposed modifications will form the basis of a further technical consultation to be carried out after the May local elections.

This will allow councils and partners to provide focussed views before any final decisions are taken. Taking the time to get this right now provides the strongest foundations for delivery, supporting improvements to people's lives in the places where they live and enabling councils to operate effectively. From day one, we have set out the timetable with elections to new unitary councils taking place in 2027, ahead of them going live in April 2028. Reorganisation for the April 2028. Reorganisation for the benefit of all residents is a shared endeavour and we will continue to work with councils to see that these reforms are see that these reforms are implemented with the interests of residents at heart.

10:41

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Sir James. an act of gross gerrymandering and political opportunism, or an act of gross incompetence and stupidity. I can inform the House. It is both.

10:42

Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP (Braintree, Conservative)

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Yes. >> Yes. >> And there is no mandate for this. Nothing in their manifesto. This is Nothing in their manifesto. This is an imposition from Whitehall. And if the government was so proud of this work, why did they try and sneak it out in a written ministerial statement and then be dragged to the despatch box to justify their decisions? I, unlike the hon. Lady, have spoken to local government leaders in the areas affected. They were presented with a plan and told to comply.

The outcome was predetermined. This is a stitch up for Labour. Labour redrawing boundaries from the centre, overriding local identity and local consent to maximise party political advantage. And the government is Mr Speaker has announced £63 million for this transformation. Yet it turns out that is the same £63 million that they've already committed to deal with. The consequence of their botched attempt to cancel local elections. So how can they now claim that is going to refund wholesale reorganisation? The government is telling well-run councils to subsidise poorly run councils money that should be filling potholes, actually filling black holes, resources that should be for collecting waste and supporting vulnerable residents instead will be diverted into restructuring and bureaucracy.

Estimates point to a borrowing a borrowing requirement. Because of these changes, running into the hundreds of millions of pounds potentially approaching £1 billion, all to fund their vanity project. And the cost will fall on local people. So some questions. How can she claim this to be local led when it is imposed on communities? Why are Ministers determining these boundaries rather than the Independent Boundary Commission? What estimates will be made of the total borrowing requirement? How much money has been set aside for the inevitable judicial reviews that will flood out after this announcement? Mr.

speaker, this is not reform. This is vandalism. It is not empowerment, it is imposition, and it is local people who will pay the price for this government's incompetence and arrogance.

10:44

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, nobody could accuse the right hon. nobody could accuse the right hon. Gentleman of not saying what he really thinks about this proposal. So I'm glad that he's had the So I'm glad that he's had the opportunity to do that. He asks about proposals being locally led, and of course, these proposals have all been put forward by the areas that they affect, and residents and others have had their chance to feed into the consultation. And we weighed those consultation responses alongside other factors that he will be aware of, and he mentioned some of them, including finances.

He asks about the Boundary Commission officials have engaged with the Boundary Commission extensively, and I have met them myself to talk through the process, and I'm confident that they have the ability to do the work that they need to do to make this process success. And finally, on finances, Mr. Speaker, having spent the past six months or so, day after day after day listening to councils with deficits caused by a failure on send, a failure on children's care, a failure on adult social care, a failure that was presided over by a government of which the right hon.

Gentleman was an active part. I would be cautious if I was him lecturing other people

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about council borrowing. Just to let people know there are. Normally Frontbenches wouldn't speak on this particular issue because it affects their constituency and they've got a direct involvement. There is dispensation today just to say,

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dispensation today just to say, let's start with Steve Race. Thank you. Mr. Speaker. I welcome the government's move to reorganisation government's move to reorganisation that will benefit cities such as Exeter. The Minister may, though, have seen yesterday official

10:46

Steve Race MP (Exeter, Labour)

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communications from Devon County Council, which said that reorganisation will put the lives of vulnerable people at risk now, of vulnerable people at risk now, not notwithstanding the fact that children's services and send services in Devon have been failing per officer for many, many years. per officer for many, many years. Does the Minister agree with me that this is irresponsible? It's not true. And should reorganisation not true. And should reorganisation happen in Devon, as I hope it does, it will be up to those authorities to make sure that services are

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safely and effectively moved to new structures. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I agree wholeheartedly with my hon. Friend. I've been working very closely with the Minister for Children's Care and with other Ministers in DfE to improve our children's services. We will make sure that we do that through this reorganisation process. Nothing matters more than the fortunes of our kids, and it's up fortunes of our kids, and it's up to us in central government and local government to work together to deliver good childhoods for all of them.

of them. spokesperson.

10:47

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is deeply disappointing that this matter has been addressed to an

10:47

Zöe Franklin MP (Guildford, Liberal Democrat)

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urgent question, rather than it being through a proper statement from the government yesterday. Exactly as I have said before, the Liberal Democrats support devolution and reorganisation where they strengthen communities, but changes must be locally led, properly consulted on, adequately properly consulted on, adequately funded and never top down. And in recent months, I have spoken with local government leaders across the country and their message is really country and their message is really clear and consistent. First, trust us. Second, work with us to fix the broken local government funding system, which is leaving councils struggling to meet rising costs and needs.

So while the decisions announced for Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk provide clarity even if areas remain concerned about viability and sustainability, they failed to address these fundamental issues. And in Sussex, the government has essentially said that local proposals. They dismiss them and they instead chosen to consult on their own plans, leaving the county in another period of uncertainty. Does the Minister recognise that this approach undermines trust between national and local government? Has her department fully assessed the financial consequences of reorganisation? Proposals in these areas and across the country, and will she commit to a cross-party piece of work with local leaders, with local leaders? I note, to create a fair, adequate and long term funding settlement for councils.

10:48

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Minister thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to thank the hon. Lady for her. The points that she has for her. The points that she has made there. Just on the process for announcing it, we followed the precedent set by the previous round of reorganisation in 2021, as it happened under the previous government in relation to Sussex. It's really important that we get this right. We had concerns about proposals not sufficiently addressing the criteria, particularly on economic growth, service disaggregation, community identity and financial sustainability.

And we will work quickly now with Sussex so that we can enter into that period of intense discussion and consultation after the local elections. It won't affect the overall timings of the programme, though, and for new Unitaries to go live in 2028. And she also mentions about working with local government on the overall finances, having just dealt with the fair funding review. Mr. speaker, I can honestly say that I've spent most of my life over the recent months since I've been appointed, along with members right across this House, actually talking in detail about financial sustainability for councils.

And I've no doubt that she and I will engage on it many times in the future.

10:50

Peter Swallow MP (Bracknell, Labour)

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Peter Swallow thank you, Mr. >> Peter Swallow thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I genuinely welcome my hon. Friend stressing the need for locally led decision making, she'll know that there is widespread support for a foundation strategic authority for Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon across the Thames Valley and that a bid is currently with her ministerial colleagues on that line. At the moment. She'll also know there is genuine concern that a different proposal, wholly unacceptable to local leaders, is being mooted.

So could she take this opportunity just to reassure me and colleagues across the House that when it comes to FSA's MSAs, SDS or any initialisms she so chooses, there will always be that priority of local LED decision making.

10:50

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank my friend for making his way through the alphabet soup of way through the alphabet soup of devolution there. I'll make sure that the Minister for devolution hears his points. She will have hears his points. She will have read his letter and I'm sure will respond to it. That's the next stage of our plans, to make sure that all places in this country have a plan for growth and will listen to what he says as we move forward.

10:51

Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP (Gainsborough, Conservative)

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Father of the House Edward Leigh. geographical county that there's no enthusiasm for abolishing districts, but be that as it may, the government is determined to override local residents. So override local residents. So there's a rumour coming out of Labour controlled Lincoln city that the government is going to go with a greater Lincoln. This would be a disaster for West Lindsey and leave Gainsborough out on a limb and carve. Carve us out of the county. So before she makes any final decision, will she please meet with me so I can put to her the concerns of West Lindsey District Council? We could live with a Central Lincolnshire idea or the, you know, the whole of Lincolnshire, but not Greater Lincolnshire.

Will she meet

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with me, please? Minister Mr. speaker, I'm always glad to meet with the Father of the glad to meet with the Father of the House. We'll just make sure that it's within the process for taking the decisions. But I'm always glad

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to meet with him, sir. John Whittingdale Mr. Speaker. How does. The Minister expect local

10:52

Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP (Maldon, Conservative)

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>> The Minister expect local authorities in Essex to be ready for elections for unitaries in a year's time, while at the same time undertaking local government reorganisation? A new Greater Essex ICB for the NHS, dealing with unprecedented demand for social care and the implementation of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. As Essex County Council has said, the breakneck speed of change across the board is simply unmanageable. And will she even now rethink this proposal and call off elections for the new Unitaries next year?

10:52

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We're committed to the timetable that I've just set out to the House. We are working very closely with are working very closely with colleagues right across government on reorganisation, including the Department for health, to address these issues that he's mentioned, and I've already responded about the importance of children's services.

10:53

Sir Christopher Chope MP (Christchurch, Conservative)

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Not just not. Sir Christopher. >> Not just not. Sir Christopher. >> Mr. speaker, 84% of the people in Christchurch voted against the being forced into a unitary merger being forced into a unitary merger with Bournemouth and Poole, and they are still living with the consequences. A debt free council, now burdened with enormous debts and inefficiency. And. This year the Minister agreed that they could increase their council taxes even more than the 5%. That is what happens when people are forced into unitary reorganisation against the

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wishes of the local people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it's safe to say that people have a it's safe to say that people have a range of views on this topic. I'm happy to listen to them all, but in the end, we need to move forward

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the end, we need to move forward and improve services. Lewes Dudley. Lorraine Beavers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The

10:53

Lorraine Beavers MP (Blackpool North and Fleetwood, Labour)

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>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The children we send in my constituency are being let down and ignored by the two large Lancashire County Council, but my constituency that are also served by Blackpool, much smaller unitary, are getting the same services that they deserve and need. Does the Minister agree with me that by making this smaller and getting away from the two tier system actually helps our constituents by making the services

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better and looking after our children and our elderly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to thank my hon. Friend for bringing us back to the most important people in this the future of this country, our children. I was very pleased to meet with her

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was very pleased to meet with her and representatives of Blackpool only recently and hear about the work that they're doing. Steff Aquarone. Mr Speaker and I draw members

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Mr Speaker and I draw members attention to my register of interests as a serving county councillor. Can I thank the Minister for seeing through Norfolk

10:54

Steff Aquarone MP (North Norfolk, Liberal Democrat)

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Conservatives self-serving scheme for a mega council for Norfolk? The three unitary model will ensure that my residents get the that my residents get the efficiencies of joined up services, while still ensuring decisions are being made locally as possible. We being made locally as possible. We know that conservative county council will be throwing yet another strop, but they'll be gone in May, so the transition work in May, so the transition work needs to start now. Can the Minister confirm that adequate support, which actually funds the cost of authorities transitioning, cost of authorities transitioning, will be made available and rule out expecting them to make cuts to services to do this? Mr.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to thank the hon. Gentleman for putting his point of view, which is different to other points which is different to other points of view we've heard this morning on the record. I can confirm that we are supporting councils through the transition, and if you've got any specific concerns at all, he knows that he can come straight to me.

10:55

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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that he can come straight to me. >> Bernard Jenkin thank you, Mr. Speaker. When it comes to Essex, can I inform the hon. Lady, the can I inform the hon. Lady, the Minister, that the previous conservative government listened to

10:55

Sir Bernard Jenkin MP (Harwich and North Essex, Conservative)

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the people of Essex and the MPs in Essex, and county councils and district councillors and cancelled district councillors and cancelled any plans for LGR. And that's because county government in Essex actually pre-dates the Norman Conquest. It is more embedded in our history than almost anything our history than almost anything else, except perhaps the church that all our churches and ancient that all our churches and ancient buildings. But the. Nobody wants to live. Nobody intending. District or Colchester city wants to live in an amorphous area called North East Essex.

And what's more, they know that this upheaval and reorganisation will cost public services, inflict damage on continuity, push up council taxes and it's good for us because we will simply blame this wretched gerrymandering. Labour government.

10:56

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I mean, nobody Speaker. Again, I mean, nobody could accuse the hon. Gentleman, right, hon. Gentleman, of not having an opinion on this subject. I. I hear what he's saying. It close to me is the County of Cheshire, which was reorganised some years ago, and nobody would say that Cheshire no longer exists. So we will move forward with these proposals because in the end there is of course, nothing we politicians like more than discussing the architecture of power.

But our job is to never lose sight of the well-being of

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residents that we represent. Sir Julian Lewis. When the honourable. Lady achieved her present

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Lady achieved her present promotion, I wrote to her to promotion, I wrote to her to explain why the independence, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives and the Greens on New Forest District Council, their leaders had co-signed with me a

10:57

Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)

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leaders had co-signed with me a letter to her predecessor, explaining that out of the four options on offer, the one option they should not choose was the only one to split up constituencies and interfere with boundaries. The only thing it had going for it was that Southampton City Council, led by Labour, wanted to do a land grab across constituency boundaries. I entered into this process in good faith and I was prepared that out of the four options, the one that would be selected might not be the one I preferred, but the one thing I thought they would not have the sheer effrontery to do would be the one that was disastrous, and that went against their own criteria.

I am ashamed of this, and I bitterly regret that I supported Hampshire being part of the first tranche. I should have known better. Yeah.

10:58

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I do hear what the hon. Gentleman is hear what the hon. Gentleman is saying, and I respect his views. The five unitary proposal offered The five unitary proposal offered financial stability, balanced with care for rural and urban needs, and creates the building block for successful devolution. And I do understand that we will respectfully disagree on some of these, but I nonetheless thank him for sharing his opinion so clearly. Speaker.

10:59

James Wild MP (North West Norfolk, Conservative)

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The government's approach to devolution and local government reform has been chaotic and costly. With the delay of the mayoral With the delay of the mayoral election in Norfolk and Suffolk costing our counties £50 million in investment funding, can the investment funding, can the Minister confirm the government judges? The three unitary model for Norfolk can be delivered on a sustainable basis and guarantee funding will be there to ensure that is the case.

10:59

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Minister thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Minister thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. In relation to Norfolk. We think that relation to Norfolk. We think that this option reflects Norfolk's communities and local identities, and we think that the proposal also had wide support, which is important when it comes to investment. And he makes he makes a very important point on the need for investment in this country. I'm glad that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has managed to secure investment for housing, public transport and across a whole other range of areas that we need to help this country grow.

So I think our record on investment is a strong one.

11:00

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP (Witham, Conservative)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on the backbenches about this issue. That has profound consequences for my county and my constituency. I am appalled by the government's proposal to break up the great county of. Essex into five unitary authorities, which is simply not acceptable. My constituents don't want this at all and they were not part of any engagement. So can the Minister tell my constituents across the Witham constituency how much more they're going to pay in council tax? The member has already said that she's been forensically looking at the finances, including the impact of council tax harmonisation.

What level of government grant funding will there be for each new council? How much of the countryside will be at risk now? Because the Member for Maldon has already said about the impact on social services education. But what about planning? This is going to lead to a major upheaval now in terms of government planning policies, what does this mean for Essex? What does this mean for my constituents and why on earth? How can she justify to the constituents across the Essex county why they should be paying more in council tax for a policy that they simply do not support for?

11:01

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to thank the right hon. Lady for setting out her views and her for setting out her views and her concerns in the way that she has done there in relation to finances. done there in relation to finances. I'll happily write to her with further detail, because there are issues in Essex in relation to the finances relating to previous decisions that were taken that were of great concern to me, so I'll happily write to her with details of that.

If I might just say to her, as I mentioned before, in relation to Cheshire, but also other counties, the the counties remain. They're part of our history and our culture. What we're looking for is effective unitary authorities.

11:01

Andrew Griffith MP (Arundel and South Downs, Conservative)

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Yeah. >> Andrew Gwynne thank you. >> Mr. Speaker, and thank you for your dispensation to speak on behalf of my constituents today. behalf of my constituents today. Mr. Speaker, not once in six years in this House have my constituents written to me saying that the thing we need to do is Cleeve, West Sussex, into two with two educational catchment areas, two different highways authorities, two social care services and two expensive town halls and council offices. So will the Minister.

Now, at this late stage, listen to my constituents reject the proposals put forward by Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens to cleave our ancient county into two and join me in saving West Sussex.

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Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to thank the. Speaker, and I'd like to thank the. Well, it's always worth a try. I'd like to thank the hon. Gentleman like to thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. As as as I mentioned in response to others, this is not about the identity of this is not about the identity of our historic counties. It's about effective councils. And if I may say, the point that he made about say, the point that he made about what his constituents write to him about it gives the game away.

The reason why we're doing this is to improve services and deal with the things that people really care about, and making sure that councils are able to give people a good quality of life wherever they are in England.

11:03

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Andrew Rosindell Mr. absolutely right. Essex has existed for since before the Norman

11:03

Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Reform UK)

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Conquest, and during those years, everything from the River Lea to everything from the River Lea to the North Sea was part of the great county of Essex. Yet today the people of Havering and my constituents of Romford are not included in any discussion, any consultation, any meaningful way of being part of these discussions being part of these discussions about how we want to go forward. So will she please agree with me that it's time that the people of my borough were given the right to also become a unitary authority, free of the control of the Greater London Authority and City Hall, but at least allow Havering to become part of the ceremonial county of Essex so that our identity with the ancient county of Essex remains strong today.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and it's good to hear somebody on that side of the House speaking in favour of of the House speaking in favour of reorganisation. But he raises an he he raises. He raises an important he raises. He raises an important point about ceremonial counties. And if he would like to write to me

11:04

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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about it, then I will respond as he would expect. >> Mr. speaker, sir. There was only

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Mr. speaker, sir. There was only one voice demanding the sacrifice of part of rural New Forest district. It was Labour in Southampton, wasn't it? Yeah, yeah.

11:04

Rt Hon Sir Desmond Swayne MP (New Forest West, Conservative)

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And. Mr.

11:05

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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It was not. >> Martin Vickers. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following on from the Father of the House reference to Lincolnshire, I can warn the government that this will come back to bite them. It's over 50 years since Northern Lincolnshire was put into County Humberside, and it's still an issue that divides local opinion. We have two unitaries that were carved out of Humberside when it was, you know, put to death North and North East Lincolnshire. They both want to stay the same and like the Father of the House, we don't want change in Lincolnshire.

Can the Minister get on with making a decision so

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that we can have the certainty that we need? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've got

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've got some sympathy with the hon. Gentleman, given that I grew up in the Wirral, where for many years people have been in a heated debate people have been in a heated debate about whether that's Cheshire or Merseyside. But I would just say to him that I take account of his

11:06

Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham, Conservative)

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him that I take account of his views as we move forward. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Labour are causing. >> Chaos in local government in

11:06

Dr Kieran Mullan MP (Bexhill and Battle, Conservative)

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>> Chaos in local government in East Sussex after firing a starting gun on tearing up our local government boundaries that no resident in East Sussex wanted and wasn't in their manifesto. They now won't let us out of the blocks. My references are absolutely clear. They do not want to be lumped in with Brighton and Hove City Council, Labour on Brighton and Hove City Council, which will dominate any new unitary authority. It's going to suck all the money and resources and attention. And isn't it true that the only reason the government are not letting us get on with the East Sussex proposal, because they want to help out their Labour mates in mismanaged, disastrously run Brighton and Hove City Council.

11:06

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank him for putting his views on the record. As I've said in relation to Sussex, it is important relation to Sussex, it is important that we get it right. We want to make sure that we achieve our objectives on economic growth and making sure services can be delivered well and we will move forward quickly. But this next intensive period of consultation won't affect the overall timetable.

11:07

Lewis Cocking MP (Broxbourne, Conservative)

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Lewis Cocking here. >> Lewis Cocking here. choosing. >> The government's. >> Preferred options for local government reorganisation seems to government reorganisation seems to have been applied differently in Surrey than it has in Hampshire and Essex. Will the government release their reasoning behind this? And their reasoning behind this? And let me be clear, when it comes to Hertfordshire, I don't want any reorganisation at all. But if this is forced upon us within Broxbourne, I favour the four unitary option. Will the Minister meet with me to discuss this so I can put forward my case for my Broxbourne constituents, as it was wrong? How many colleagues yesterday found out from their options from the media?

11:07

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Yeah. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a couple of questions there. I have met with the hon. Gentleman before, and I will happily comply with the process that we undergo with the organisation. I'll happily meet with him again, and he's put his views clearly on the record and Smith.

11:07

Rebecca Smith MP (South West Devon, Conservative)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The local government reorganisation consultation for Devon closes today. It's had many responses that have all been completed in good faith. So can the Minister reassure So can the Minister reassure Devonians that responses to the consultation will be digested and taken into full account, especially in light of the strength of feeling against the plans put forward by the Labour controlled cities in Devon to expand into Devon's beautiful Greenbank greenbelt, which is surely a land grab to deliver the Labour government's housing targets.

11:08

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the hon. Lady for putting her views the hon. Lady for putting her views on the record about Devon. And can I just take this opportunity to reassure her that the views of the reassure her that the views of the consultation are taken fully into consideration and that our team at MCHLG have worked extremely hard to do that, and I want to use this opportunity to thank them on the record for doing so.

11:08

Ben Obese-Jecty MP (Huntingdon, Conservative)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a Minister well knows, the consultation for local government reorganisation in Cambridgeshire closes today, and I would urge all closes today, and I would urge all of my constituents to have their say and to make sure that they fill that out by midnight this evening. And as the Minister well knows, And as the Minister well knows, because she sat through my half hour debate on the topic, she knows my feelings about option E and Huntingdon unitary authority very, very clearly.

But can she reassure my residents that the steps taken, the feedback given will be taken on board? Because at the moment there is a real fear locally that Huntingdonshire will be split in two, and that the identity and character of our historic county will be lost forever in favour of being merged. The northern half of Huntingdonshire being merged with Peterborough with option D. Option E is very much the option that district council wants to go for. Could she reassure me that Huntingdonshire will not be split in two?

11:09

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to thank the hon. Gentleman not only for his question. For giving me the opportunity to listen giving me the opportunity to listen about the wonders of Huntingdonshire on a couple of occasions. I can't obviously comment on the proposal comment on the proposal specifically, but he's never shied away from putting his views on the record, and he's done so again today.

11:09

Lincoln Jopp MP (Spelthorne, Conservative)

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Lincoln Jopp thank you, Mr. Speaker. In answer to my friend the Member for North West Norfolk, the Member for North West Norfolk, the Minister referenced the importance of local identities. And as she of local identities. And as she knows, my Spelthorne constituency will be subsumed into something called West Surrey under the local government reorganisation, and I'm very much looking forward to meeting her on the 22nd of April to make representation that this actually be called West Surrey and South Middlesex. To take account of Spelthorne specials.

Circumstances if she is going to be commissioning her officials to do any research work in advance of that meeting, can I recommend a book called The Real Counties of Britain, written by a Mr. Russell Grant? Because I think that would that would set the context for our discussion perfectly.

11:10

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Minister. such a book, I might be able to see the future. Hey, I thank him for meeting me and I thank him for meeting me and for allowing us this pre-meeting so that we can make sure that we make best use of the time.

11:10

Mr Gagan Mohindra MP (South West Hertfordshire, Conservative)

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Gagan Mohindra this will be a longer. >> Mr Speaker, I'm sure my hon. Friend from Hamble Valley on the frontbench will appreciate this question, given that Labour run Southampton City Council has huge debts and Liberal Democrat Eastleigh has £800 million worth of debt and are proposed to be merged. What will the government do about this debt, or will they allow this new council to fall immediately? Are.

11:11

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. As I've mentioned before in relation to other members, local in relation to other members, local authority debt is of very serious concern to the government that the process of transition will work through the issues that he mentions. I'm happy to provide him with more technical detail on that. But as I say, overall, if you look at the picture for local authority debt, it is not a happy one.

It arises from policy failure emanating from this place, and we have a collective responsibility to put it right.

11:11

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Hey. connection. I didn't realise Strangford was under reorganisation. >> Jim Shannon having having

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Jim Shannon having having slogged through ten years of reorganisation, restructuring in Northern Ireland and not a penny saved. Can I ask the Minister this? Indeed, if anything, the prices have went up and the rates went up and this year the rate of rates this year has been exceptional. So can I very gently say to the Minister, perhaps it might be time to look at what Northern Ireland has done and maybe learn from where it went wrong to do better here.

11:12

Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Birkenhead, Labour)

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I'm not sure whether you're being dragged into a devolved matter, but if you're happy Minister. Minister. >> Mr Speaker, it wouldn't be the same if I didn't get to answer the hon. Member for Strangford. Can I hon. Member for Strangford. Can I just say to him that throughout the time that I've been in government and before, I've always tried to look at what's happening in Northern Ireland and learn the

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lessons from it, and I really thank him for bringing that to the house today. Sure. Right. We'll let the front bench

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Right. We'll let the front bench

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Right. We'll let the front bench change over. Right. We now come to the deputy Shadow leader. Over to you.

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you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To ask the leader for the forthcoming business.

11:13

Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The business for the week commencing the 13th of April will include Monday the 13th of April debate on a motion on send, provision and reform. The subject of this debate

11:13

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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was determined by the backbench Business Committee. Tuesday the 14th of April. Consideration of Lords amendments to the Crime and Lords amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill. Wednesday the 15th of April. Consideration of Lords amendments to the Pension Schemes amendments to the Pension Schemes Bill, followed by consideration of Lords messages to the Children's Wellbeing and Social Schools Bill, Thursday the 16th of April. General debate on the Modernisation debate on the Modernisation Committee's first report of the 20 2426 session on access to the House of Commons and its procedures, and the House administration's response.

Friday the 17th of April. The House will not be sitting the provisional business for the week commencing the 20th of April includes Monday the 20th of April if necessary. Considering consideration of Lords messages to the Victims and Courts Bill, followed by, if necessary, consideration of Lord's message to the Crime and Policing Bill. And on Tuesday, the 21st of April, consideration of Lords amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. I can also announce to the House that the State Opening of Parliament will take place on Wednesday the 13th of May, 2026.

As is usual, the current session of Parliament will be prorogued ahead of the King's speech and this time will be used to enable logistical and security preparations for the State Opening

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of Parliament. The likely date of prorogation will be confirmed in due course. John Lamont thank you, Mr.

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John Lamont thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I begin by echoing your remarks around our colleague David, former colleague David David, former colleague David Winnick, and pay my respects to him? We must all condemn the We must all condemn the anti-Semitic arson attack against the Hatzolah ambulances in Golders Green on Monday morning. This was a sickening attack on the Jewish community. Anti-Semitism has no place in our country and we must stand together against this hatred and intimidation. Mr. speaker, today is Purple Day, the International Day of Epilepsy Awareness.

It is an important opportunity to raise understanding of a condition affecting many people across the United Kingdom. Can I ask the leader to join me in recognising the work of charities, campaigners and clinicians who support people with this condition? Can we also take a moment to remember Salih Mohammadi, aged 19, a talented wrestler and to all those executed by the Iranian government, their courage must not be forgotten. Every member of this House should stand in solidarity with the people of Iran in their pursuit of freedom, justice and dignity.

We all want to see the conflict in the Middle East brought to an end as quickly as possible. But with rising oil prices, the government must clarify what it is doing to control inflation and pressures on household budgets. The Labour Party promised before the general election to cut energy bills by £300. So can I ask the leader if that promise still stands, and when does the leader expect the

11:16

John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)

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Chancellor to come forward with her next inevitable U-turn on fuel duty? next inevitable U-turn on fuel duty? With less than 50 days to go until much of the country goes to the polls, the former deputy Prime Minister and former deputy leader Minister and former deputy leader of the Labour Party, has given a damning assessment of the government and Prime Minister. She government and Prime Minister. She said Labour is running out of time, that it is not delivering change that it is not delivering change fast enough and represents the establishment, not working people.

She also described some of the Labour government's policies as un-british. So does the leader agree with that assessment or is the right hon. Member for Ashton under Lyne wrong? Mr. speaker, there are of course, also critical Scottish Parliament elections. The smart way to stop the SNP majority is to vote Scottish Conservative on the peach ballot paper. The SNP are distracted by independence and divisive issues, while people facing rising prices, weak growth and job insecurity. John Swinney now proposes another push for independence, admitting nobody knows his tactics.

Meanwhile, the Labour government is failing to deliver change. It has abandoned the oil and gas industry in Scotland and broken promises to pensioners and farmers. The Chancellor is driving up bills whilst increasing debt. Labour's

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