All 2 Debates between Oliver Heald and Lord Pickles

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Lord Pickles
Monday 10th November 2014

(10 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Oliver Heald Portrait Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)
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T9. Has the Minister seen the disturbing reports from Tower Hamlets that £400,000 was given to organisations that did not meet minimum standards and that council land was sold off to friends of the administration? The mayor, Mr Rahman, says they have done nothing wrong, but surely this has to be tackled—a very serious situation has arisen.

Lord Pickles Portrait Mr Pickles
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As my hon. and learned Friend will recall, I made a statement to the House last week, and we are currently waiting to hear what the mayor has to say in response to the report. As the House will recall, I asked for two specific undertakings regarding the disposal of property. We have received those undertakings, and I hope to make an announcement very soon.

Local Government Finance

Debate between Oliver Heald and Lord Pickles
Monday 18th July 2011

(13 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nigel Evans Portrait Mr Deputy Speaker
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I apologise. I call Mr Pickles.

Lord Pickles Portrait Mr Pickles
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You can be forgiven for that mistake, Mr Deputy Speaker, as I do not recall a single question in the tirade from the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint).

I am grateful for the right hon. Lady’s welcome, but it seems that it was a pointless gesture to supply her with the statement so far in advance—well in advance compared to what Labour used to do—if she just reads out something that had clearly been typed long before she received it. She should not rely on The Times. She needs to understand what will happen after the first year. The tariff and a levy will continue.

Perhaps we can look at the issue in these terms. If the system is designed to punish our enemies and reward our friends, what will it mean for Doncaster, which includes the constituency of the Leader of the Opposition, the Opposition Chief Whip and the right hon. Lady? Under this system, Doncaster will do particularly well. It will do better under this system than it has for the last five years. Instead of the right hon. Member for Don Valley trying to invent reasons why things will go wrong, she should recognise that this is a way for her to stand up for the people of Doncaster and explain that it is a wonderful place to invest, with a great market and a wonderful rail link. She should get on the side of the people of Doncaster and stop opposing a system that will benefit them.

Oliver Heald Portrait Oliver Heald
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rose—

Oliver Heald Portrait Oliver Heald
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I welcome the message that councils should roll up their sleeves and help their local businesses to create jobs and growth, but can the Secretary of State assure me that the guide and scout hut—I am a guiding ambassador for my area—and all the voluntary bodies that currently get rate relief will continue to do so?

Lord Pickles Portrait Mr Pickles
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I can absolutely give that assurance. My hon. Friend can continue his good work with the guides and scouts safe in the knowledge that the rate relief will remain.