Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Joshua Reynolds

Thursday 10th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Access to cash is an issue that is often most acutely felt by those in rural areas of the country that rely on cash. We are accelerating the roll-out of banking hubs, with over 240 already open, but we have also launched an independent review of access to banking services. The Financial Services and Markets Bill will allow us to take further action in future to protect access to banking services if needed. This has been a common theme in these sessions over weeks and months. If my hon. Friend seeks an Adjournment or Westminster Hall debate, I am sure it will be well attended.

[Mr Joshua Reynolds (Maidenhead) (LD)]

Leaseholders in Maidenhead and across the country are stuck with sky-high service charges, and many constituents have raised them with me. I have seen many of these service charge bills, and some of the costs are astronomical. Can we have a debate in Government time to discuss these massive service charges, which often prevent leaseholders from selling their properties?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I understand the concern that the hon. Gentleman raises. We are committed to making changes, as he knows, and to implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. We have published the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. The Prime Minister is absolutely determined that we get on with this, and when that happens, the hon. Gentleman will be able to raise his specific constituency concerns.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Joshua Reynolds

Thursday 16th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is a true champion for his constituency, and for community events and local organisations. Events such as Canal Quest and Bike for Good taster sessions are important for bringing communities together. If he is not able to catch your eye in the pre-recess Adjournment debate this afternoon, Mr Speaker, I encourage him to seek a Westminster Hall, when we return in September, on how major events can deliver even more for local communities.

[Mr Joshua Reynolds (Maidenhead) (LD)]

Over the last year, Royal Mail delivered just 75% of first-class post the next day, against a target of 93%. Ofcom has fined it nearly £40 million across three years and has opened a fourth investigation. Constituents in Maidenhead are still missing hospital appointments and other important business because letters do not arrive. The posties are doing their best, but the system is set up to fail. Will the Leader of the House allocate time for a debate on Royal Mail’s performance, so that the new Prime Minister’s Government can tell all our constituents when their post will actually get delivered?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

We have been very clear that Royal Mail’s service is unacceptable, and we will continue to say that as long as it is unacceptable. The public expect a well-run postal service, with letters arriving on time across the country. The Royal Mail has already been fined by Ofcom three times, and Ofcom continues to monitor its performance. As the hon. Gentleman may well know, the Business and Trade Committee has called Royal Mail into Parliament to hold it to account. I hope that Royal Mail listens to what he says this morning and reflects on what Parliament has done so far, because it is time that it provided his constituents, and all our constituents, with the service that it ought to.