Oral Answers to Questions

Rachel Blake Excerpts

Thursday 22nd May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I think we’ve got the return of Sir John Hayes.

[Rachel Blake (Cities of London and Westminster) (Lab/Co-op)]

I thank the Minister for his encouraging remarks about the progress of the UK-EU deal. Does he agree that the changes that we are making will support the vitality of London’s west end, and provide a strong foundation for tackling the issue of carnets in our future negotiations with the EU, so that we can continue this great work?

[Chris Bryant]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The west end of London is very important to not just our film industry, but our tourism. Cultural exchange with other countries in Europe is a really important part of the deal that we have struck, and we want to build on that. The more we can do so over the coming months, the better. Mr Speaker, I do not know if you talk to your counterparts anywhere else in Europe, but if you could raise the matter with them as well, that would be very helpful.

--- Later in debate ---

[Marsha De Cordova]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. Justice must be served regardless of the institution a crime is committed in.

[Rachel Blake (Cities of London and Westminster) (Lab/Co-op)]

7. What steps the Church Commissioners are taking to ensure value for money for leaseholders.

[Marsha De Cordova]

The Church Commissioners property team regularly meets and engages with residents associations, as part of its programme of support for its tenants, to ensure best value for money for leaseholders.

[Rachel Blake]

I thank my hon. Friend for the time she spent with me and my constituents of the Hyde Park estate to discuss tackling some of the high service charges they are facing. Does she agree that it is vital that the Government continue to make progress on the regulation of managing agents so that these high costs are clamped down on and there is more accountability for leaseholders?

[Marsha De Cordova]

I commend my hon. Friend for all the work she is doing on this important issue, which affects many constituencies, and it was a pleasure to meet her and members of that residents association. We all know that many managing agents behave in ways that are not fit for purpose. It is absolutely right that we need legislation to deal with unscrupulous managing agents, because things cannot continue in the current vein. I thank her for all the work she is doing.