Investing in Britain’s Future

Debate between Pauline Latham and Danny Alexander

Thursday 27th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Danny Alexander]

As part of the proposed arrangements, excesses would be capped to deal with the problem the hon. Gentleman mentions. We will bring forward the amendments to the Water Bill in the autumn.

[Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con)]

I particularly welcome the announcement about the A38 in my constituency, as there is a huge problem there for both local and long-distance traffic, because it is the one place where drivers have to stop at two roundabouts. I therefore know everybody locally will welcome that. May I also welcome the house building measures? We do need that to get the economy going locally; we need more houses, and we certainly need more affordable homes.

[Danny Alexander]

I agree with both my hon. Friend’s points. We need to invest in the road networks to support growth and the economy and this is the biggest plan for road investment since the 1970s. Affordable house building by housing associations accounts for 40% of all new housing starts this year. It is very important we maintain that record and build on it in the years to come.