Speeches by Paul.

“The Asphalt Industry Alliance’s data from local authorities shows that the maintenance backlog is growing. In 2019, it was £9 billion, and now, in 2024, it is estimated to be £15.6 billion. I know that we talked about this a little bit before. It seems like this issue is clearly getting worse, and our current approach …”

“I certainly welcome the fact that you are looking at this, and I would definitely suggest that traffic volume should be seriously considered, because it is intrinsically linked with economic activity going on. We would get substantial value from improving those networks that are highly used. According to the Report, ar…”

“In the light of the geographical disparity that we have in road condition, do you have a view on where investment in local road maintenance would have the greatest impact? Are you starting to see trends? Have you done any work around where the need is greatest?”

“I am aware of the consultation that was conducted, and the 63% that you referenced, but one of the important things that we do here is take a fact and evidence-based approach to how we allocate funds. It is always good to get people’s views but, as you rightly said, when there are winners and losers, there is going to …”

“You have talked about responsibility for roads maintenance sitting with local authorities, but I would suggest that, although that is true, our local authorities are hamstrung. First, there is not enough money. Secondly, there is the short-term funding point that we have just talked about. When you layer on top the fac…”

“I would like to disclose that I am a county councillor at Surrey county council. First, I want to say that the roads are not in good condition. It is something that comes up a huge amount. The data piece is really important, but we also need to get the balance right. We know we have a massive backlog, and a huge amount…”

“Anyone who is a councillor will be aware of it, but I find that, quite often, people in government are not necessarily aware of it.”

“An exercise to look at whether that can be part of the solution would be really valuable.”

“In my local area, I am seeing increased incidences of flooding on the highway, which undermines road integrity. Water ingress is part of the reason why we end up with potholes. Dame Bernadette, what are you doing to help local authorities adapt and make their roads more resilient to the impacts of climate change? Have …”

“It is really important that we keep the holistic picture in mind, given that there are quite ambitious targets around this. We need to make sure that we are building all of that into the plans that we have for our roads. Although it sounds that you are not overly concerned, I would imagine that, if people change over t…”

“We cannot be saying that it needs to meet the needs of unsafe roads. Surely, that cannot be what we are suggesting. Our roads need to be up to standard.”

“The pothole piece is really important, because you are right: when the general public talk about potholes, they are talking generally about their dissatisfaction with the roads, but it is really important that, as a Department, you differentiate. I can look at those funds and see the word “pothole” quite a lot. A lot o…”

“I have just one final point, because it is really important. I understand that this is a challenge, and it is important to put ideas out there and to try to be constructive. As a county councillor, one of the frustrations that I have is that we have the community infrastructure levy, the purpose of which is absolutely …”

“It is the community infrastructure levy. It is money that is sat with the local authority, so it is not sat with the DfT.”

“That would be fantastic. That is all I am asking.”

“We will just need to see that review, so we can see that and see the data that supports it.”

“I declare an interest: I am a county councillor at Surrey County Council. With respect to the Safety Valve arrangements, I understand why you have put that in place, but it feels a little bit of a sticking plaster. I am not sure how conducive it is in terms of delivering improvements into our SEND provision. I can see …”

“Does my hon. Friend agree that the increase in employer national insurance contributions will impact charities, as well as businesses and GP surgeries? They include the Children’s Trust in Tadworth, in my constituency, which is a leading charity that provides support to children with brain injury. That charity now need…”

“Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for allowing me the opportunity to deliver my maiden speech in this important debate about remembering the valiant actions of those who have fought to keep this country safe. It is a privilege to rise as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Reigate, a constituency that I am proud …”

“Q12. I am new to this House, but I know that we all want our pensioners to live with dignity and security. In my constituency around 17,000 pensioners are expected to lose their winter fuel payment this year. Of most concern are those just above the pension credit threshold, who will be hardest hit. Will the Prime Mini…”