Severn Bridge: Tolls

Debate between Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Lord Kinnock

Wednesday 24th June 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

The noble Lord raises a valid question about the issue of maintenance costs. It is estimated that by the end of the concessionary period, £88 million of the actual costs of construction will still need to be recuperated. On current estimates, on the basis of what is currently collected, a period of one to two years will be required after that concessionary period ends. There is no specific calculation with regard to maintenance costs.

[Lord Kinnock (Lab)]

My Lords, few would argue that a toll was not justified in order to finance the construction and early development of the second Severn crossing. The question now being posed, as it has been posed by the noble Baroness, Lady Randerson, is what is to happen in future. At the very least, should not the toll be hugely modified to cover the essential maintenance costs, while no longer being at a level that will impede the development of the Welsh economy by inflicting unnecessary and abnormal costs?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

This Government support the Welsh economy. Indeed, the usage of both crossings has actually shown a marked increase. The noble Lord raises the valid issue of the continuation of the tolling. However, if the tolls were taken away today, that would have an impact on the concession agreement that was reached. For that to be recovered, a further period of time would have to be taken into consideration. That said, at the end of the concessionary period all stakeholders, including the Welsh Government, will be part and parcel of the discussions on the ongoing maintenance and management of the two crossings.

Algeria

Debate between Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Lord Kinnock

Thursday 27th March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

I think the organisations to which my noble friend has alluded, not just in Algeria but across the world, play a very important role. It has to be made clear that this is not about interference; it is about the value of sharing good practice and governance procedures. I would point out that Algeria increasingly sees itself as an exporter of stability. For example, it recently hosted peace talks between the Malian Government and opposition groups, and it co-operates well on border security with Mali. Over recent months, Algeria and Tunisia have also increased their co-operation on security issues of mutual concern.

[Lord Kinnock (Lab)]

Will the Minister acknowledge that the British Council’s commitment in Algeria has been highly commendable and, on many occasions in recent years, courageous? Will he further acknowledge that the very welcome strengthened engagement of the council in Algeria, which he referred to, is in spite of significant cuts by the Government in grant in aid and has been made possible by the strengthened commercial performance of the British Council?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

The noble Lord will know that I certainly agree with his first statement. On his second statement, the British Council is supported by the FCO and by Her Majesty’s Government. Together we are demonstrating how important the British Council’s influence is, not just in Algeria but across the world, and long may that continue.

Homelessness

Debate between Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Lord Kinnock

Thursday 27th June 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

My noble friend raises another important point. As I have said in a previous answer, 53% for example of the homeless in London constitute non-UK nationals. I share with him that it is important that the Home Office together with others take initiatives to ensure that people who travel to our shores are checked and vetted for their employment opportunities and whether they can afford to sustain their lives here. If not, that information needs to be shared with them at the port of embarkation, not in the UK. We are working with some of our partners in Europe to produce that information, and translating and making it available in Europe and other countries, to ensure that, before travelling, people are aware of what they are doing and that if they do not have a job or a place to live they need to reconsider their options.

[Lord Kinnock]

Is the Minister aware that while, to their credit, the Government are spending the £470 million that he mentioned in combating homelessness, they are simultaneously pursuing policies that will increase homelessness, notably the way in which the changes that they have made are gradually taking effect on housing benefit? How much extra have the Government committed to try to combat the further homelessness that will arise as a direct result of their policies?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

Let us put the issue of the welfare benefit cap into context. In 2010-11, £201 billion was spent on welfare and pension payments. We simply cannot sustain that. The Government are ensuring that we tackle homelessness. I am delighted to say that my right honourable friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has just announced in the other place a new, three-year affordable homes programme for 2015 that adds close to £2.8 billion to what has already been committed up to 2015. The Government are taking action across the piece to tackle homelessness and the availability of affordable housing.