"My Lords, I am aware that many of the amendments in this group have a rather different focus from the points I wish to make. I acknowledge the amendments by the noble Lords, Lord Clement Jones and Lord Holmes of Richmond. I believe they provide a valuable opportunity to reflect …..." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech
"My Lords, I was once told that the constitution was best left to the lawyers, the historians and the former Cabinet Ministers. So naturally, here I am, a musician turned town centre advocate, about to offer my thoughts, very much aware of the esteemed company in which I do so. …..." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech
"My Lords, will my noble friend the Minister outline how, alongside the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the £39 billion commitment to affordable housing that has been referred to will help councils overcome delivery barriers and support our mission to build 1.5 million new homes?..." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech
"I thank my noble friend the Minister for that reply. Business improvement districts—BIDs—are vital to local economies and high street regeneration, and rely heavily on the business rates system. Will my noble friend commit to consulting them directly through bodies such as Association of Town & City Management before making …..." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech
"My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper and I refer the House to my registered interests, including that I run two business improvement districts...." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech
"To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of business rates reform on business improvement districts...." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech
"My Lords, I have tabled Amendment 132 as a probing amendment to highlight some of the concerns from the perspective of small businesses. Amendment 137, proposed by the noble Lord, Lord Palmer of Childs Hill, may perhaps be a different side of the same coin. I refer the House to …..." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech
"My Lords, I thank all noble Lords who have taken part in this short but important debate. I appreciate that my amendment may seem controversial to some, not to mention unfeasibly long, but I believe it is vital that the voices of all in the workplace are heard. I am …..." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech
"I thank my noble friend for that helpful response, and I refer the House to my entry in the register of interests. Working with not-for-profits, I have seen how vital and often popular projects can be delayed or derailed by the complexity of the planning system, which is often used …..." Lord Pitkeathley of Camden Town - View Speech