Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alison McGovern and Monica Harding

Monday 13th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I have mentioned the increased charge that the Chancellor introduced, because this Labour party believes in fairness when it comes to council tax. I will work with councils right across the country to get their costs down so that people are not left paying sky-high bills in future.

[Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)]

The presumption in favour of development at transport nodes and on the so-called grey belt means that in my constituency of Esher and Walton, which is half green belt and has a disproportionately high number of stations—everybody lives within 15 minutes of a station—everywhere can be developed under the Government’s proposals. What should I say to my constituents who are facing concrete everywhere?

Local Government Reorganisation

Debate between Alison McGovern and Monica Harding

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I agree: Luton deserves far better, and it is about time that people in Luton had their fair share.

[Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)]

Can the Minister confirm that elections in Surrey will go ahead in May 2026?

[Alison McGovern]

Yes.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alison McGovern and Monica Harding

Monday 13th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)]

The Government have now delayed their decision on local government reorganisation in Surrey. Can the Minister assure me that the Government are using this delay to protect my constituents in Esher and Walton from the Tory debt of neighbouring councils with which they might be grouped? Will the planned elections in May go ahead?

[Alison McGovern]

As I have said a number of times on different aspects of this policy, the process is under way. If the hon. Member would like to write to me directly, I will make sure that she receives a response.