Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Sonia Kumar Excerpts
Thursday 4th September 2025

(3 days, 19 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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I know how hard it is for people to see churches go in their area and to transition to going to a new church. She raises an important issue, and I will ensure that she gets a response.

Sonia Kumar Portrait Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)
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The Sycamore adventure centre in Upper Gornal has been a lifeline for children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, for over 15 years. Yet despite pledging funding for it for five years in April in a public Q&A, the Conservative-led council is now forcing it to be privatised, with uncapped entry costs, reduced play areas and hours, and no proper consultation. Children face losing vital access to this centre. Does the Leader of the House share my outrage and will she grant time for a debate on protecting community assets?

Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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I am sorry to hear of the action of her Conservative council in her area in relation to the Sycamore adventure centre. We had the Second Reading of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill this week, and we will give more local communities like hers the power to take over such provision as she describes.