Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Sir David has done wonders in introducing us to, and captivating us with, the natural world. As my hon. Friend will know, we celebrate Earth Day next week, which will also be a great opportunity to better understand our environment and perhaps to appreciate Sir David’s work. I am sure that many Members and communities would welcome the opportunity to celebrate his impressive 100 years and to highlight his many achievements, so I will give my hon. Friend’s suggestion some thought.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

Council tax arrears can be devastating for people’s finances and mental health, so I warmly welcome the Government’s changes to the debt collection rules today, which mean that people will not be tipped further into poverty by a single missed payment. In Rochdale and wider Greater Manchester, Jo Barker-Marsh and other anti-poverty campaigners have been exposing how the use of bailiffs in cases of genuine hardship is not just cruel and counterproductive, but a waste of public money. Might we have a debate in Government time to highlight the scandal of aggressive council tax debt collection, and will my right hon. Friend join me in praising the work of Jo, Debt Justice and, of course, Martin Lewis?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend is welcoming the change. As he rightly points out, it will help to protect vulnerable people in our communities. I join him in thanking Jo, Debt Justice and, indeed, Martin Lewis for their work. I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for an Adjournment debate on the topic so that he can give further consideration to, and hear from Ministers on, those important points.