Speeches by Simmonds.

“Q You mentioned the overall impact of this measure alongside national insurance contributions changes and other things, which you analysed, and you said that that would be a significant consideration in your coming to a view on the impact of the Bill. What is your view on the overall impact? You said that you felt that…”

“Q A number of Members have mentioned their relationship with the Co-operative party, so I wanted to clarify one point. Does the Co-operative Group still fund the Co-operative party? Is there still a relationship between the two?”

“Q You mentioned that the Bill would have a positive impact on the vast majority of your stores. Can you just walk us through how you have reached that calculation, particularly with reference to the different types of environments in which those stores are located and the different footprints they will have? Paul Gerra…”

“Q Welcome. We are all familiar with your business, which is a mainstay of many of our high streets. Would you be willing to give us your assessment of the overall impact of the Bill on the stores that you represent and your view on what it will do to the retail environment in which they sit? Paul Gerrard: Thank you for…”

“Q To follow up on that, you have mentioned the key role that local authorities play in the administration of the system. The Bill will introduce provisions whereby the Treasury can make alterations around the multipliers. What is the appropriate time period to ensure that local authorities have sufficient run-in so tha…”

“Q Good morning, Mr Watson. There has been a great deal of debate about the impact that the measures in the Bill will have on high streets, which contain a variety of different businesses. In opening your evidence, will you share your view of what the overall impact of the Bill is likely to be on our high streets? Gary …”

“(Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State to make a statement on plans for the reform of planning committees.”

“Many of us were surprised to hear the Secretary of State tell us over the weekend that there are enough homes in this country. The planning system is an area of interest to all Members and to our constituents; I know it is to you in particular, Mr Speaker, and to your constituency. Planning matters, because it impacts …”

“Ministers briefed the media over a week ago about plans for local government reorganisation and devolution. When do the Government plan to set them before the House, so that Members representing areas across the country can take a view?”

“Apologies if there is confusion; I was expecting to come in on question 4. [Interruption.] I am glad to hear it. Many areas of the country stand to lose millions of pounds from the scrapping of the rural services grant—one of many local government funding streams that are expected to change. When will our councils, and…”

“This evening’s debate has been appropriately serious and wide-ranging, and I will open by thanking the many who have enabled it to be just that: the excellent journalism of the BBC, which has ensured that not just the initial fire, but the inquiry and the lessons learned from it have remained at the forefront of public…”

“The hon. Member is absolutely right to highlight the lack of capacity as a huge issue in the sector. Those who have been interested in housing for a long time will know that the remediation of risks can be incredibly complex. The Bison blocks, which many of us will have in housing built in our constituencies and across…”

“Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker. I will take the hint. I am sure that Government Members have read the views of the Office for Budget Responsibility as avidly as Opposition Members. Politics, we know, is about choices. We are proud of the choices that we made, which have enhanced quality of life, wages and th…”

“Because he was here for it, as I was, the Minister will recall the last Government’s massive intervention in the energy market to keep our lights on in this country. Will he tell the House whether the Government will keep the small business rates relief? Will he answer that question?”

“Just a few weeks ago, my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition highlighted a £2.4 billion black hole in the local government budget, arising from the recent Budget. Some £3.7 billion of extra spending was announced, with only £1.3 billion of funding to pay for it. And in this Bill we begin to see how this Gove…”

“(Urgent question): To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government if she will make a statement on the Government’s policy on council tax referendum thresholds in 2025-26.”

“Council tax funds about £20.5 billion of expenditure in England on social care, which is 61% of all council funding. It is therefore of huge interest to our constituents. The Prime Minister and Ministers have repeatedly told the House that we need to wait for the spending review and the local government finance settlem…”

“On a point of order, Mrs Harris. We have heard from the Minister about the strong support of the two local authorities, and that has given us a great deal of detail to reflect on. On that basis, may I move that the Question be now put?”

“His Majesty’s loyal Opposition have no objection to these entirely sensible proposals and will not seek to divide the Committee.”

“I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.”