Local Government Finance

Debate between Alison McGovern and Andrew Pakes

Wednesday 17th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

Yes.

[Andrew Pakes (Peterborough) (Lab)]

The Conservatives have some brass neck when they blame councils like mine for being poor, given that they oversaw 14 years of austerity, underfunding and cuts. The initial figures suggest that by 2028-29 Peterborough city council will be receiving £65 million more from this Government, which will be a life-changer for many people. Can the Minister explain how we can use that money to transform the communities that people like me represent in this House?

[Alison McGovern]

I thank my hon. Friend for his consistent championing of Peterborough in this House—and, frankly, in my ear—at all times. He always stands up for his constituents, and I have been pleased to visit Peterborough on a number of occasions. I want to see the significant investment that we are making in Peterborough help it to thrive. It has great potential and fantastic young people, and I look forward to being invited back to see exactly what is happening there.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alison McGovern and Andrew Pakes

Monday 3rd February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

As I have already mentioned in a number of responses, we understand the scale and seriousness of the problem the hon. Member mentions. We have already published the terms of reference for the child poverty taskforce, and we will continue to keep the House updated as we move forward, given the seriousness of the issue.

[Andrew Pakes (Peterborough) (Lab)]

T7. On Friday last week, we held our first NEETs—those not in education, employment or training—and youth opportunities summit in Peterborough, bringing together Peterborough college, Anglia Ruskin University Peterborough and employers to see how we can tackle our youth unemployment problem. Will the Secretary of State commit to working further with places such as Peterborough to ensure we can deliver decent apprenticeships and more opportunities for young people who need them?