An important policy of this Government is the importance of seeing power go from Westminster to local people.
This can range from decisions which were previously taken in Whitehall to now be taken by people across the country; as well as subjects such as the EU referendum, where one of the most important constitutional issues of our time will be decided by everyone – the Prime Minister’s vote will count for as much as yours and mine.
These were just some of a range of bills announced in the Queen’s Speech last week. Others announced include the Enterprise Bill, which will encourage businesses to create even more jobs by getting rid of red tape.
The Government’s Housing Bill will see 200,000 new starter homes built and will be sold to first-time buyers only under the age of 40, at a 20 per cent discount on the market price.
A new register of brownfield land is also to be created. Local authorities will have to maintain a register of available brownfield land in their area which will give more certainty to developers, and increase investment in housing.
As I write, the Devolution Bill has just been published.
This will mean more areas having access to funding and the powers they need to drive economic growth, build new infrastructure and deliver new housing.
I was recently named Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, Rt Hon Greg Clark MP. This basically means I will liaise with both the Department’s ministerial team and MPs helping to guide legislation through.
Ahead of the UK EU in/out membership referendum, the Prime Minister will discuss with EU leaders how the UK can work with partners to reform the EU, and renegotiate our relationship with it. The franchise for the referendum will be based on the General Election franchise.
Of course, I am always on hand to assist. Never hesitate to let me know if I can help. Please get in touch by writing to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, call: 01293 934554 or email: henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk