Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Judith Cummins Excerpts

2nd reading
Monday 24th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Chris Curtis]

I have an essay in front of me, in which it is argued that when the Government pay for new infrastructure, new roads or new developments in order to unlock new housing, the landowner

“has only to sit still and watch complacently his property multiplying in value, sometimes manifold, without either effort or contribution on his part.”

The argument is that the landowner should not get that profit with no effort. That is not from Trotsky; that is from Winston Churchill—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

Order.

[Robbie Moore]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is not fair at all for the state, be it national Government or our local authorities, to step in and not pay a landowner the market value they deserve. It is absolutely outrageous that this Government are introducing legislation, and changing section 12 of the Land Compensation Act 1961 on that basis. I do not think that that will create any efficiency within the planning system, and neither—dare I say it?—will it create any better means of money being spent by local authorities to deliver public services.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

With an immediate four-minute time limit, I call Mike Reader.

--- Later in debate ---

[Rachel Taylor]

I am not going to give way; you have had your time. Before I came to this place—[Interruption.]

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

Order. I call Rachel Taylor.

[Rachel Taylor]

Before I came to this place—

[Lewis Cocking]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I wish to seek your advice. I have just been cited as saying something in my speech that I did not say. I was merely talking about developers and my time on the planning committee, when developers would come forward and propose utter rubbish. I did not say the houses my residents live in are rubbish.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

The hon. Member has made his point. It is a matter of debate, but his point is now on the record.

[Rachel Taylor]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker—[Hon. Members: “Withdraw!”]

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Order. I have made my ruling clear.

--- Later in debate ---

[Rachel Taylor]

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I no longer have a practising certificate as a solicitor, and I gave up practising as soon as I came into this House.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point of order, and I thank the hon. Lady for putting her clarification on the record.