Speeches by Buckley.

“Can I take you back to the existing requirements? You can think of the existing requirement to sign off on those planning applications and the Section 106s but we are talking here about a larger scope, aren’t we, a larger scale coming through the same funnel? Do you see a problem there if local authorities currently do…”

“You have referred throughout the session to the role of local authorities in this process. We often hear about the challenges local authorities have around capacity, in particular thinking about how they provide adequate assessments of environmental implications from proposed developments, building applications and so …”

“Thank you. We have heard Pippa Heylings talk about how at the end of a big planning application, sometimes it is the affordability that is squeezed out on viability. From my background as a local councillor, I know that sometimes resourcing is a factor in that decision because after many years of negotiating with an ap…”

“Thank you. Thanks for your time.”

“Finally, do you see any of the risks or consequences if local authorities do not have adequate resources? Do you see any problems or dangers there?”

“Thank you. Did you have anything to add, Mr Trew?”

“Would you suggest that that should be a key recommendation to come out from today, that the Government look at increasing capacity around strategic planning and not just reactive officers?”

“Do you have any comments, Alistair Smyth?”

“It is a local council officer who will go out with the building reg form and sign it off. It goes back to your local councils, which have had budget cuts of 40% over the last 15 years. So you are still on a waiting list. Do you not see any consequences or implications if there is a deficiency at local council level?”

“Can I take you back to the existing requirements? You can think of the existing requirement to sign off on those planning applications and the Section 106s but we are talking here about a larger scope, aren’t we, a larger scale coming through the same funnel? Do you see a problem there if local authorities currently do…”

“You have referred throughout the session to the role of local authorities in this process. We often hear about the challenges local authorities have around capacity, in particular thinking about how they provide adequate assessments of environmental implications from proposed developments, building applications and so …”

“My constituency is the beautiful, historic town of Shrewsbury, and we are famously surrounded by what we affectionately call “the loop”—the River Severn. In the past, we enjoyed the benefits of having such a beautiful, natural resource flowing through our town centre; it is fabulous for tourists and other people who en…”

“As I was saying, many of my campaigners have lost all confidence in those water companies. Although I understand their strong feelings, especially given that Severn Trent Water has given out large bonuses and is about to increase our bills by 46%, I also recognise that the Water (Special Measures) Bill will do exactly …”

“Thank you. We have heard Pippa Heylings talk about how at the end of a big planning application, sometimes it is the affordability that is squeezed out on viability. From my background as a local councillor, I know that sometimes resourcing is a factor in that decision because after many years of negotiating with an ap…”

“Thank you very much.”

“With pleasure, because I think that they can bring forward different suggestions and experiences that could inform that strategy. I am sorry about your husband’s situation.”

“I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Andy MacNae) for securing this excellent and pertinent debate. All Members come with horror stories from our own constituencies, after families have been in touch with us. I mentioned that in Shrewsbury it was the family of Harvey Owen, who died with three ot…”

“Rural roads are often winding, unlit and poorly maintained, all of which require additional driving skills. Many young people in my constituency find themselves needing to drive at 17 to access education or other opportunities, and we have a higher prevalence of young drivers being killed. I am thinking particularly of…”

“Thank you for letting me speak today. The proposal is, “That this House has considered measures to protect young drivers.” In my constituency of Shrewsbury, the story of Harvey Owen and his three friends, who all died aged 17 on the way to Wales, shocked the whole town, but actually, it is not an unfamiliar story. In r…”

“Yes, I would.”