Business of the House

Vikki Slade Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises an important matter, and I hope that Thirteen has heard his words today. The Government expect social housing landlords to manage their stock efficiently and to ensure that vacant properties are made available wherever possible. These are obviously concerning matters, and I will make sure that the relevant Minister is made aware of them.

[Vikki Slade (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)]

Despite relying on public money, the financial accountability and value for money of multi-academy trusts seemingly goes unchallenged, with many leaders earning more than the Prime Minister. Aspirations, which has a school in Poole, spent money on Teslas for its central staff and is now cutting the curriculum to balance the books. Initio is cutting teaching assistants as special educational needs and disabilities increase, blaming reduced pupil numbers, while boosting its exec team. With the current consultation on the White Paper, now is a good time for a debate in Government time on the transparency and accountability of academies, so that we can drive out excess and they can get back to doing what they were supposed to do.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

When the consultation has ended, I am sure there will be ample opportunity to raise the points that the hon. Lady has mentioned.