Oral Answers to Questions

Clive Jones Excerpts

Tuesday 8th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Torsten Bell]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and congratulate his wife on what is a significant achievement; I am sure the whole House is supporting her. He is absolutely right that we want to see more young people having the income, opportunities and purpose that work provides, which is why it is welcome that employment is up. However, we do need to do more. We will keep providing national insurance relief for employees aged under 21 and apprentices under 25, and we are rolling out our youth hubs, including in North Somerset.

[Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)]

T8. Given the chronic underfunding of Wokingham borough council, which is facing difficult choices and placing increasing pressure on local services, what steps will the Government take to ensure that Wokingham receives a fairer settlement and can provide the services that residents deserve?

[Emma Reynolds]

We are improving funding for local government as a result of the spending review, and I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss that further. It is also obviously a question for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.