Business of the House

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join the hon. Gentleman in congratulating all the finalists in his constituency; they are so important in making community work in his part of the world. The Government are committed to supporting small and rural businesses through our small business plan, saving them time and money, boosting their access to finance and opening new opportunities. There are some fantastic businesses across his constituency and they deserve to be recognised, so I wish them all well.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

Following local closures, residents in the north of Dudley currently have no accessible household waste site, forcing them to make lengthy and costly journeys to the only remaining sites in Stourbridge, which is leading to fly-tipping across the borough. Will my right hon. Friend join me in urging the Conservative council to reinstate Anchor Lane accessible waste disposal services in the north of the borough, and will he agree to a debate on this matter?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this important matter to the House. Local authorities are legally required to deliver waste collection services to households in their area. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued guidance for local authorities on factors to consider when delivering those vital services and around waste sites. My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for her constituents. I am sure Dudley council will have heard her remarks; I hope it takes them into account and acts in the interest of its residents.