A regular feature of the Parliamentary day is the opportunity for MPs to ask questions of Ministers in the House about various government policies or recent events. Last week I was delighted to be able to ask the Health Minister Jane Ellison MP to acknowledge, on behalf of the government, the crucial role played by smaller, district hospitals like St Cross. This was not the first time I had attempted to raise an oral question with a Health Minister on the importance of St Cross over the last few months.
Hundreds of MPs submit questions every week between Monday and Thursday and it is very much the luck of the draw if a Members question is selected for answer. Last week I was successful in being drawn. Since becoming Rugby’s MP I have always championed our local hospital and I was delighted that the Minister reiterated the importance of smaller, local hospitals and the government’s continued support for them.
Last week I was also able to secure a debate in the Chamber regarding issues being faced by many homeowners looking to improve their properties. In 2011, thanks to the tireless work of Rugby residents such as Pam Brockway and Roy Barnes of the Woodlands Residents Association, the law was changed regarding the ownership of private sewers. Prior to this change in the law homeowners were responsible for private sewers on their land. Often people did not know they were responsible for these sewers and if problems arose with these sewers homeowners would find themselves lumbered with large and unexpected bills. I fully support he change in legislation which was welcomed across the country and homeowners owe people like Pam and Roy an enormous debt of gratitude.
Since the changes in 2011, however, some homeowners have faced difficulties with the water authorities now responsible for private sewers when looking to improve their properties when those improvements involve building within 3 metres of a now adopted sewer. Different water companies charge different amounts for applications to build near these sewers, some charge additional fees for mapping and exploratory work and often they take a long time to respond to applications. I secured the debate on behalf of homeowners with a view to help bring in a voluntary code within the industry that dictates a uniform set of procedures that must be followed. This would provide some security for homeowners and let them know exactly where they stand if they want to make improvements near to a formerly private sewer on their land.
Similar to the process for securing an oral question to a Minister in the Chamber securing such a debate requires an MP to be successful in a random draw. On this occasion I was successful and was pleased to be able to raise this problem with the government on behalf of homeowners affected by the current uncertainty.