Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Leech and Brandon Lewis

Monday 4th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Brandon Lewis]

Similarly, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will talk to Corby council about coming up with a scheme that will help people back into work. Our scheme will give local authorities the power to look at what their communities need and to deliver for their communities. It will then be up to the communities to hold their councils to account, as I hope they will in Corby.

[Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD)]

Manchester city council could more than make up the loss of council tax benefits from empty and second homes, but is instead planning to force thousands of people to pay extra council tax. Does the Minister agree that this is yet another example of Labour-run councils making the wrong choices and attacking the vulnerable?

[Brandon Lewis]

The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. Like the two Labour authorities that I have just mentioned, that is another that is not putting its local people first. It really needs to look at its schemes again and put local people first.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Leech and Brandon Lewis

Monday 17th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Brandon Lewis]

Yes, we will and I will liaise with the hon. Gentleman on the issue.

[Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD)]

The Secretary of State has already assured the House that additional permitted development rights for home owners will be restricted in conservation and other sensitive areas. Can he assure me that sensitive areas will include those subject to article 4 directions, and also those where family housing has come under attack from insensitive over-development of houses in multiple occupation?