Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Smith Excerpts

Monday 17th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Brandon Lewis]

None; every local authority is responsible for delivering growth in its area. With this plan, we have given local authorities the tools and the power to be part of driving economic growth, getting more people into work and ensuring that work pays.

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

I welcome my hon. Friend to his new position. Will he clarify in further detail the guidance to councils that have high numbers of pensioners in their communities?

[Brandon Lewis]

I thank my hon. Friend. He is right to highlight the issue of pensioners. We are protecting all their current rights.