Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Robert Neill
Robert Neill
I have to say that one comes across a lot of legal opinions—I have done so myself in a previous life—and I have every respect for the author of that opinion, but we will consider it along with all the other submissions we consider in relation to the NPPF.
Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)
Perhaps the difficulty is that the countryside is not defined and neither are green spaces or green areas. Could we perhaps refer to “appropriate” rather than “sustainable” development?
Robert Neill
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her contribution. Obviously, we will consider any constructive suggestions, as we have made clear. It is worth bearing in mind that the presumption enhances a plan-led approach. Indeed, the significance of up-to-date plans is strengthened under our proposal, which I note that another eminent QC described in the planning encyclopaedia as an “excellent piece of work”.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Robert Neill
Robert Neill
The local government grant accounts for only about 38% of the Shropshire fire and rescue authority’s total budget. Its spending power has therefore been reduced by only 2.1%, while its capital grant has been increased by 32%. The disposition of appliances and staff is, of course, a matter for the authority.
Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)
As my hon. Friend knows, following the floods of 2007 and the tragedy in Hull the Pitt report placed an obligation on fire services to provide the right equipment in the event of future floods. Will he ensure not just that that obligation exists but that money will be provided, and will he insist that local authorities make that happen?
Robert Neill
Some of the most important equipment made available for such purposes is the “new dimension” equipment that is provided through a central Government grant. The Government have continued to fund the equipment directly, and I am glad to say that, with the exception of one item, all of it is duly being rolled out.
Flood Control: Finance
Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Robert Neill(13 years, 10 months ago)
Ministerial CorrectionsRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Miss McIntosh
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effects of the comprehensive spending review on his Department's budget for flood resilience measures; and if he will make a statement.
[Official Report, 3 December 2010, Vol. 519, c. 1057W.]
Letter of correction from Mr Robert Neill:
An error has been identified in the written answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) on 3 December 2010.
The Notice of Question received by my Department referred to “food resilience measures” but this was later changed by the Table Office to “flood resilience measures”. Due to an administrative error, the notification of change to the text of the question was not correctly dealt with by my officials resulting in an answer being given on the basis of the original text, i.e. “food resilience measures”. I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this mistake.
The full answer given was as follows:
Robert Neill
The Department for Communities and Local Government does not hold a budget for food resilience measures because this is a policy responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. DCLG has made no assessment of the effects of the comprehensive spending review on food resilience measures.
The correct answer should have been:
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Robert Neill
Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)
T3. Mindful of the recent floods in Cornwall and the fact that from April next year, upper-tier and unitary authorities will have responsibility for flood risk management strategies, will the Secretary of State confirm that money for that purpose will be guaranteed in the comprehensive spending review? Will he please apply planning policy guidance note 23 to inappropriate developments on floodplains?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill)
Our colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs remain committed to funding fully local authorities’ new burdens under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Up to £36 million a year in total will be provided directly to lead local flood authorities for all those new burdens, and in addition local authorities will spend money supported by formula grant from our Department. I will certainly consult my colleagues on the PPG to which my hon. Friend refers.