Local Government Finance Settlement

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Tuesday 19th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Let us hear about Cumbria. I call Mr John Stevenson.

[John Stevenson]

In certain circumstances, councils can still make substantial savings. In Cumbria, the Labour leadership on the council has failed to reach a devolution deal, which was an opportunity to review local structures that could have saved millions of pounds for local services. Does the Secretary of State agree that fewer councillors and councils in Cumbria would benefit local services enormously?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Wednesday 23rd November 2016 Commons Chamber

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman was a bit tardy in standing, but we will hear the fellow anyway.

[John Stevenson]

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Scotland has some wonderful tourist attractions, many of which are in the border region and Cumbria. Does the Secretary of State agree that there are real opportunities to promote tourism in the border areas, but that that will involve close co-operation between councils on both sides of the border, and is not just about finance?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Wednesday 21st October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The Minister’s words should be heard, as these are important matters.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

Carlisle has reasonably priced housing, relatively low commercial rents and spare capacity in both. Will the Minister consider relocating part of central Government to my constituency?

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Tuesday 4th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We are all deeply grateful to the Secretary of State. I hope that everyone saw the map that he took the trouble to show to the House. Inspections can no doubt take place afterwards as well.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

Notwithstanding what has been going on in Tower Hamlets, does my right hon. Friend agree that elected mayors can provide a positive and effective form of leadership in local government?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Tuesday 13th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I am sure we are all very interested in the Minister’s medallion.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

I agree with the Minister that this idea of regional Ministers is not the way forward, and that it is important to strengthen local government. Does he agree that there is a place for elected mayors within that?

Local Government Finance

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Wednesday 18th December 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

What an assortment of riches! I call Mr John Stevenson.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

Cumbria has six district councils and one county council for half a million people. Many Cumbrians believe that the councils should merge in order to save money and improve local services. Were the councils to make such an approach to the Government, would it be favourably received?

Hospital Mortality Rates

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Tuesday 16th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am keen to accommodate as many remaining colleagues as I can, but I point out to the House that I must have some regard to the Second Reading debate on the Defence Reform Bill, so economy in questions and answers is now of the essence.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

I welcome the Keogh report. Patients should come first and patient care should be at the centre of our health service. Over the past 10 years, sadly, there has been a clear lack of leadership and management at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, so I am not surprised by the report. However, there is a possible solution to improve health care in north Cumbria: the acquisition of the hospitals by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Will the Secretary of State work with me, the regulators and Northumbria to ensure that the acquisition proceeds as quickly as possible so that the people of Cumbria and Carlisle get the best possible health care?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Wednesday 22nd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. There is still far too much noise. I want to hear Mr John Stevenson.

[John Stevenson]

Does the Secretary of State agree that in the event of independence, there would be many unnecessary financial and regulatory costs to both Scotland and England in the areas along the border between the two countries? In an extreme case, there is the absurd possibility of border controls.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Wednesday 14th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

That rather reinforces my point that there is far too much noise in the Chamber, which is very discourteous. The hon. Gentleman should repeat his question.

[John Stevenson]

Will the Minister confirm that the commission will consider the issue with regard not just to Scotland, but to the other devolved Assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and John Stevenson

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I thank the Minister, but we must move on.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

2. What recent assessment he has made of the benefits to Scotland of the Union; and if he will make a statement.