Business of the House

Steve Race Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

I will get everybody in, but may I remind Members that business questions should pertain to the business of the House, and that it is customary to ask the Leader of the House to grant Government time for a debate or a statement? We appear to have had a run of questions to which the business has not really been that relevant.

[Steve Race (Exeter) (Lab)]

Last week, I was delighted to welcome £20 million of long-term Pride in Place funding for Heavitree East and Whipton in Exeter. This funding will be transformational for those communities, after years in which they have felt left behind by the last Government. Will the Leader of the House join me in celebrating the most exciting aspect of Pride in Place, which is that it is designed to give residents a full say in how the funding is used in their community, and might there be a debate in Government time on community engagement?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in celebrating receipt of this funding. We have committed £5.8 billion to almost 300 neighbourhoods, and we have begun to set up neighbourhood boards, so that local people can decide for themselves how best to spend the money. He may wish to apply for a Westminster Hall debate on this important programme when we return after the recess.