Rural Poverty

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Elystan-Morgan

Tuesday 5th December 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, that is why I mentioned the £9 billion in the affordable homes programme scheme. We did this precisely because we want people working in the countryside to be able to ensure that communities tick and that they have affordable homes. Last week I was at a very interesting rural affordable housing development in Warwickshire—another fine example of the many sensitively built and small-scale schemes doing exactly what we need to do to keep villages vibrant.

[Lord Elystan-Morgan (CB)]

My Lords, while rural poverty is of course of immense importance, does the Minister not agree that as far as rural areas are concerned there is a comprehensive disadvantage? In almost any heading of amenity they come a long way down in the list. It is a question of not just poverty but a whole range of amenities.

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, as a Government we want to ensure that disadvantage is eradicated, but I am very proud of coming from a rural background. Rural areas are wonderful places to live, work and play. They are beacons of excellence in looking after our natural environment. In truth, unemployment, poverty and homelessness are lower in rural areas. I very much want us to ensure that all these indices are reduced wherever we are in the United Kingdom.

Devolution: Arts and Culture

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Elystan-Morgan

Monday 15th December 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, there are many good examples of cities and towns that realise that arts and culture are at the very heart of their opportunity for economic growth. I very much hope that Newcastle will take a different turn, because cities such as Derry/Londonderry, or Hull, which will soon be City of Culture, have recognised that there is an opportunity. I very much encourage Newcastle to think the same.

[Lord Elystan-Morgan (CB)]

My Lords, in relation to broadcasting in Wales, will the Minister undertake that the Welsh broadcasting authority, S4C, will be given a special status and strength either by statute or in the new charter for the BBC, which comes into force on 31 December 2016? That would honour the solemn pledge given by the Prime Minister in the heady days following the Scottish independence referendum that Wales would be at the very heart of the devolution settlement.

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I will reflect on what the noble Lord said. I would want to think about it, but the devolution arrangements that we want to have in place are so that there is local identity and national identity. Welsh language and culture are very important.

Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Elystan-Morgan

Wednesday 15th January 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Elystan-Morgan]

Surely—

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I apologise to the noble Lord, but I am very conscious of the Companion and I am very conscious that we are at Report. I sense that noble Lords would like to make progress. I apologise for intervening.

Libraries: Closures

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Elystan-Morgan

Monday 11th February 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, there are some very strong examples of community-managed libraries, and I very much support the work that they are undertaking. Indeed, guidance for local authorities on community-managed libraries has only just been published by the Arts Council and the Local Government Association. Professionally qualified librarians are also key to the public library service, and the librarians I met in Diss and Eye were an example of dedicated commitment.

[Lord Elystan-Morgan]

My Lords, the Minister said, I am sure quite accurately, that the closure of a public library does not of necessity mean a breach of the statutory obligations on that particular local authority. Bearing in mind the scale shown by the noble Baroness, Lady Bakewell, of the closure of public libraries, however, at what point is there a clear breach of everything that statute intended in that connection?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

As the noble Lord has referred to, this is about a comprehensive and efficient system. I shall expand quickly and briefly on the fact that we have heard about closures but there are in fact some incredibly good success stories of openings and relocations. One of the key challenges for public library provision is where we locate them so that they can be an even greater part of the modernised situations—for instance, new libraries alongside cafes and adult learning classes. These are areas where we can have new openings in urban and rural areas and expansions in certain areas. There will be cases where they will be rationalisation but there is a responsibility to ensure that it is a comprehensive network.

Living Wage

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Elystan-Morgan

Thursday 8th November 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I am most grateful to the noble Baroness—I checked with Conservative Central Office this morning because I rather thought that this might come up. I can assure her and, indeed, the House that Conservative Central Office not only pays the living wage but above the living wage.

[Lord Elystan-Morgan]

My Lords, does the Minister accept that, as far as the national economy of Wales is concerned, the income per head is only 74% of the average of the United Kingdom as a whole? Does he also accept that only the most massive and dedicated effort on the part of government can fundamentally change the situation?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

The noble Lord raises the issue of Wales. Indeed, this was raised not only in the debate last night but a few weeks ago when I was in a position to say that the number of jobs created in Wales since the last election has increased very favourably. Clearly this is all part of a UK strategy to ensure that growth comes to all parts of the kingdom. I am particularly pleased, therefore, that the news in Wales is improving. We need to do more to ensure that it gets better.

Devolved Administrations: Industrial Strategy

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Elystan-Morgan

Wednesday 17th October 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I thank the noble Lord for his initial remarks, but I have to say that the Government’s plan for growth is very clear and outlines 250 measures to deliver the four growth ambitions: the creation of the most competitive tax system in the G20, at the lowest level in the G7; as I said before, to make the UK the best place to start a business; to encourage investment and exports; and to create a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe.

[Lord Elystan-Morgan]

My Lords, the Minister has assured the House that regular discussions take place with regard to devolved subjects. I am sure that the House will agree that that is most laudable, in that it in no way trespasses on the distinctiveness of the devolved Assemblies, but at the same time brings about as much cohesion as possible. However, perhaps I may ask him about matters that have not been devolved. Does the Minister recollect that when the legislation of 1998 was being considered by both Houses, solemn undertakings were given with regard to matters that were not devolved, whereby concordats would be formed so that there could be such a discussion, even in relation to matters that still remain under the authority of this House?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I reassure the noble Lord that all matters, whether reserved or devolved, are regularly discussed with the devolved Administrations. As I said before, the whole purpose of what the UK Government and the devolved Administrations are doing is to work in the national interest to achieve greater economic growth.