Spending Review Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Spending Review

Jack Dromey Excerpts
Wednesday 26th June 2013

(11 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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There is a specific issue around borrowing powers and the M4 corridor through Newport. That has to be done in partnership with the Government in London, but we are very aware of the benefits of that scheme. The Welsh Assembly and the people of Wales will welcome what we are proposing to do on the devolution of further tax and borrowing powers. We will set that out shortly.

Jack Dromey Portrait Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab)
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With the Government’s own figures showing that, despite all the promises, house building is down, construction is down, homelessness is up, rents are up, and housing waiting lists are at a record level, does the Chancellor accept that it is the legacy of his actions, including the catastrophic decision to cut £4 billion in affordable housing investment in 2010, that brings him to the Chamber today, and that he is responsible for three wasted years?

George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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No, I do not accept that at all. The last Labour Government had a shocking record on house building, especially affordable house building. If the hon. Gentleman turns up in the Chamber tomorrow, he will hear some positive announcements about affordable house building.