Local Government Finance

Debate between Natasha Irons and Alison McGovern

Wednesday 17th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

I thank my hon. Friend for the case he makes, which shows people in Bracknell that they have an effective MP who is prepared to stand up for them, champion them and make sure they get the services they need.

[Natasha Irons (Croydon East) (Lab)]

I welcome the Government’s taking into account deprivation in the multi-year funding settlement. If there was ever a demonstration of what a difference a Labour Government can make, it is this: investment in our poorest communities, not crippling Tory austerity. It looks like in Croydon we are set to get an extra £158 million over this Parliament, which is a game changer for us. Will the Minister outline the timetable for our getting this extra investment? I thank her again for her work.

[Alison McGovern]

I thank my hon. Friend for being a brilliant champion for Croydon. She has stood up for the people she represents. We know that poverty in London has changed, and areas such as Croydon have experienced an increase. This funding settlement is a recognition of that reality. We want Croydon to thrive, which is why, after publishing this information today, we will work with local authorities over the coming months so that they can set their budgets in the normal way in the spring. Croydon has a great future ahead and I want to work closely with my hon. Friend to make sure that happens.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Natasha Irons and Alison McGovern

Monday 1st September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Natasha Irons (Croydon East) (Lab)]

6. What steps she is taking to support young people into employment, education or training in Croydon East constituency.

[The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)]

In Croydon East, young people aged 18 to 21 will be helped by the youth guarantee trailblazer being delivered by the Greater London Authority. It will strengthen early identification and outreach to engage young Londoners who are not, or risk not being, in employment, education or training, by linking them to enhanced support, employment and education opportunities and the essential services that they need. I am glad that the DWP will continue to support communities in Croydon East by hosting an information stall at my hon. Friend’s upcoming advice fair in New Addington.

[Natasha Irons]

Croydon is London’s youngest borough. Given that 6.6% of people aged 16 to 24 in my Croydon East constituency claim out-of-work benefits, supporting young people into work, and breaking down barriers to opportunity, is vital. Will the Minister give a little more detail about the additional funding for the London youth guarantee trailblazers, and will she outline how that will help Croydon’s young people into work? I look forward to having the DWP with us in New Addington.

[Alison McGovern]

I will pass on my hon. Friend’s comments to my colleagues in Croydon, who are keen to work with her and the other MPs there. In the summer, the Secretary of State announced further funding of £45 million for our eight youth guarantee trailblazers. That will ensure that in London, as in the rest of the country, our young people get the choices and chances that they deserve.