Business of the House
Lauren Edwards Excerpts(1 day, 6 hours ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
Ministers are working hard on what is a sensitive Bill in many ways, and we will bring it forward in due course. If the hon. Lady seeks an update from the relevant Minister, I will get her one.
Lauren Edwards (Rochester and Strood) (Lab)
May we have a debate on the recent Valuation Office Agency changes to business rate classifications for flexible and co-working spaces? The agency says that it is just following case law, but the changes could have significant implications for businesses, some of which will face big backdated bills. Flexible working spaces are an important part of regenerating town centres, such as in Chatham in my constituency, because they drive footfall and mean people spend money in local shops. We desperately need a political solution to this problem.
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend: flexible co-working spaces play a vital role in high street regeneration, which is a priority for this Government. I would be happy to help her to arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss that should she wish. If she sought to secure a Westminster Hall debate on these matters, I am sure it would be popular.
Business of the House
Lauren Edwards Excerpts(3 months, 1 week ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I am grateful for that overestimation of my influence and power. I will bring everything I have to bear to get the right hon. Gentleman the answer that he wants. The Prime Minister does care deeply about such matters. If a commitment has been made—and I do not doubt that it has—we will ensure that it is fulfilled.
Lauren Edwards (Rochester and Strood) (Lab)
The Environment Agency budget was halved over the decade from 2010, and that contributed to the illegal waste sites that still blight our countryside today, including Brambletree Wharf in my constituency, which has been there since 2018. It is fantastic that the Government are doubling the budget for waste crime enforcement this year to almost £60 million, but can we have a debate in this House on whether the Environment Agency is using its existing powers appropriately and, indeed, whether new powers are needed, given the scale of the crisis? I am appalled that it has recently decided not to use its powers to prosecute those responsible for Brambletree Wharf, which, in my view, is a clear dereliction of its duty and worthy of further parliamentary debate.
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is not the first Member to raise concerns about the Environment Agency, and I imagine that it will have heard her concerns. We are committed to tackling waste crime, which is a blight on local communities and the environment. As she points out, the Environment Agency has a range of powers. Of course, we keep looking to see whether it has sufficient power, but if agencies have powers, they should be prepared to use them. She may wish to raise this at the next Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs questions or in an Adjournment debate.