Business of the House

Paula Barker Excerpts

Thursday 5th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As I have said, the Government are committed to more investment, but that requires local authorities to perform—that was the bit I missed out. Local authorities have an obligation to do that, and I hope that the hon. Lady’s local authority area has heard her words today.

[Paula Barker (Liverpool Wavertree) (Lab)]

Transforming Choice, led by Frances Molloy and her amazing team, is an alcohol detox and rehabilitation service based in Sefton Park in my constituency. It does incredible work to support people who are struggling with alcohol dependency and who have often also experienced homelessness, and the results are literally life-changing. It is supported in turn by Penny Lane Builders, who maintain its heating free of charge, ensuring that people accessing this life-changing service have heating and hot water—a totally selfless act and a demonstration of social cohesion. Will the Leader of the House join me in praising Transforming Choice and Penny Lane Builders, and will he make time for a debate in Government time on the social purpose of businesses, and the vital role that those like Penny Lane Builders play in their local communities, which often goes unnoticed?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in praising what is happening in her constituency and across her city. She is on a bit of a roll, because next week she has secured a debate in Westminster Hall on rough sleeping among families with children. When she has finished with that, she may well seek a further debate to address the follow-on issues, including those she has raised this morning.