Oral Answers to Questions

Jeff Smith Excerpts
Monday 24th February 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Simon Clarke Portrait Mr Simon Clarke
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I thank my hon. Friend for his question; it is great to have an MP for North West Durham who is committed to fighting hard for his community rather than grandstanding. Our £1 billion future high streets fund is key to levelling up the economy of all parts of the country. There will be a second phase of the fund and we will bring forward further details in due course.

Jeff Smith Portrait Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)
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Earlier in this questions session, the Secretary of State announced a new homes ombudsman, which will be welcome if it has the right powers. Will he also consider requiring an escrow account for each new build property, so that a proportion of the house price can be withheld until the snagging is completed and remedial work is carried out?