Speeches by Alaba.

“I will make a bit of progress. Widening devolution is a chance to finally reverse this trend. It introduces a new community right to buy, giving community groups a formal right of first refusal to purchase assets of community value, and it extends the time period to 12 months for communities to raise funds and negotiat…”

“Young people across the UK who are not in education, employment or training are more than twice as likely to come from disadvantaged backgrounds. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that support reaches those who need it most?”

“16. What steps she is taking to support young people into employment, education or training in Southend East and Rochford constituency.”

“Digital inclusion and exclusion vary widely between individuals, households and even communities. Often it is those in low-income, rural and coastal communities who are left behind. What steps are being taken to ensure that Labour’s action plan reaches all communities and equips everyone with the tools they need?”

“8. What steps his Department is taking to improve digital inclusion in Southend East and Rochford constituency.”

“I am proud and honoured to say that I have served this country as a reservist Parachute Regiment soldier. That is why I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our service members and their families during Armed Forces Week. This Labour Government have announced the largest sustained increase in defence spendi…”

“You mentioned that eight buildings were brought back into use. In terms of ownership, were they local investor stakeholders?”

“Thank you. Staying with the Eldon Street scheme, can you elaborate a little bit on the support from Historic England?”

“Since Historic England’s funding finished in 2024, do you feel the benefits have been retained?”

“Which goes to your point. You have mentioned mentoring, support and critical friends a couple of times, and I totally understand. Vanessa, what practical support is available to smaller charities working on historic buildings?”

“I see. And if they are not owner-operators, the relationship with their landlord would mean that you have a significant buy-in to the sort of civic pride.”

“My next question is for Tegwen. We have received written evidence that praised high streets in terms of heritage action zone schemes. What made that model of funding so effective?”

“Vanessa, do you want to have a last word?”

“You mentioned earlier the love of local people. I am assuming that—not in all cases, but in most—a lot of the smaller charities working on a particular project may well be local because of their connection to the project, which then gives them a bit of a disadvantage.”

“You mentioned earlier the love of local people. I am assuming that—not in all cases, but in most—a lot of the smaller charities working on a particular project may well be local because of their connection to the project, which then gives them a bit of a disadvantage.”

“What more could public bodies do to support volunteer-led heritage sites?”

“Good morning to you all. My first question is to Hilary and Ben. What are the biggest causes of financial pressure on the heritage sector today?”

“Thank you. Alice, what can heritage sites and diversification do to appeal to new audiences, and maintain audiences and income revenue streams?”

“Thank you. Ben, how is the way in which public funding for heritage is distributed impacting its efficacy?”

“Good morning all. Vanessa, I will come to you first: what challenges do smaller charities in the heritage sector face?”