Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Hoare Excerpts
Monday 27th February 2017

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Barwell Portrait Gavin Barwell
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I can certainly commit to the last part of what the hon. Lady asked for. In London, the Government are providing £3.15 billion of funding to the Mayor, who has been generous enough to say that that is the best ever settlement for affordable housing in London. On the other matter, we need to ensure that private landlords still have the confidence to let to younger people and we are considering that issue.

Simon Hoare Portrait Simon Hoare (North Dorset) (Con)
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As important as the funding formula debate is, does my right hon. Friend agree that the way in which councils organise themselves is also important to ensure the maximum bang for the taxpayers’ buck? Against that backdrop, I hope that my right hon. Friend will give Dorset’s innovative proposals the thumbs-up, because they are the best way—indeed the only way—of securing services for local people.

Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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My hon. Friend highlights that we have rightly encouraged councils to be creative and innovative as they deal with challenges, and some have come forward with proposals to reorganise. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on any particular one at this stage, but we will consider those proposals carefully and seriously.