Oral Answers to Questions

Nickie Aiken Excerpts

Wednesday 15th March 2023 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

As I said in a previous answer, the Government are committed to the new hospitals programme; we have committed record sums to NHS capital, not just for that programme, but for smaller-scale upgrades across the country. The conversations with her trust and others are happening in the same way across the country and I look forward to those conversations continuing.

[Nickie Aiken (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con)]

Government at all levels, national and local, should always strive to deliver value for money for the taxpayer, particularly in a cost of living crisis. Therefore, does the Prime Minister share my astonishment that my local Labour-led Westminster Council voted last week to raise council tax by 2% and council housing tenants’ rent by 7%, and increase allowances for its senior councillors by up to a staggering 45%? [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Prime Minister, you have got to answer. I do not know who is giving you advice, but take it from the Chair: please answer.