Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between David Simpson and Lord Pickles(10 years, 3 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP)
Can we be sure that small local businesses are benefiting from the scheme whereby councils can come together and cluster to provide services and procurement?
Mr Pickles
I can see no reason why not. In terms of procurement, my Department has looked at helping small and medium-sized firms, and I think it is very important that local councils support local businesses.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between David Simpson and Lord Pickles
Mr Pickles
I congratulate my hon. Friend. Following the agreement on broadband that was reached with the European Commission, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire have been allocated £18.1 million. My hon. Friend has made a good point: this gives councils an opportunity to receive money as a right rather than approaching the Government with a begging bowl.
David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP)
What is the Government’s policy on allowing existing businesses in the rural community to expand their premises?
Mr Pickles
Our policy can be seen in the national planning policy framework, and also in local plans. A number of local authorities have pioneered the use of redundant farm buildings. Decisions are made on an entirely local basis.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between David Simpson and Lord Pickles
David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP)
What discussions have taken place with the regional assemblies about the new planning proposals?
Mr Pickles
We have engaged in a number of discussions with the assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They have been very constructive, especially at officer level, but it is still up to individual constituent parts of the United Kingdom to decide whether to implement the proposals.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between David Simpson and Lord Pickles
Mr Pickles
I think that the hon. Gentleman may be a little mistaken. As he will know, the Government have passported £6.5 billion to local authorities to support people, and we expect that money to be passed on to the most vulnerable.
David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP)
Does the Secretary of State agree that no element of human rights legislation contains any provision allowing antisocial behaviour, or enshrining any kind of right or protection allowing people in unauthorised encampments to participate in such behaviour?
Mr Pickles
We are trying to achieve a balanced approach. The last policy was unrealistic. To hit the 2011 targets set by the last Government, we would have to wait for a further 18 years because we are so far behind. I believe that that policy was predicated on conflict, whereas we want to ensure that there is firm action on retrospective planning applications and enforcement. We will end the continuous process of appeal on application, subsequent application and stop notice, but at the same time we hope to introduce mainstream provision for Travellers by including provisional sites in the new homes bonus.