Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Russell Excerpts
Monday 3rd March 2014

(10 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Kris Hopkins Portrait Kris Hopkins
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Our new guidance will ensure that only those who have lived in the area for two years or more, or those from a well-established local association, can put their name down on the housing waiting list. The guidance also encourages councils to be more open and transparent about who is applying and how the housing is being allocated in their local area to strengthen public confidence in the allocation system.

Bob Russell Portrait Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)
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Next month marks the 40th anniversary of local government reorganisation, when the word “local” was diluted. Does the Minister agree that localism means local councils making local decisions that should not be subject to diktat from central Government?

Kris Hopkins Portrait Kris Hopkins
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I think I completely agree with that sentiment.