The country needs more homes. For many years we have been building new homes at a much slower rate than new households are being formed. We need to get Britain building again.
It is not often that a Member of Parliament has the opportunity to ask a question during Prime Minister’s Questions. The way the system works is that the MP puts their name into a ballot usually along with at least half of all 650 MPs in the hope of being drawn to get the chance to do so. I put my name into the ballot as usual with a view to asking about housing. I believe that the housing shortage is one of the most pressing issues facing the country, and this is a key part of my work as a Member of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee.
On Monday I found my name amongst the list of 15 other MPs chosen to have the chance to ask a question to the Prime Minister on Wednesday. I was quite far down the list but had a sneaking hope that perhaps the Speaker would be aware that it was my birthday and I might get the opportunity to raise this very important issue. I also intended to highlight how fortunate we are here in Rugby to have a progressive council which is supportive of new development and which recognises the housing shortage facing hard working families and young people, both here and up and down the country. Indeed, I believe that other towns across Warwickshire chould take note of our constructive approach to growth and follow a similar route.
To my surprise the Speaker called my name immediately after the regular early exchanges between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Not only was I able to draw further attention to this important issue but I also took the opportunity to invite the Prime Minister to visit Rugby to see first-hand the good things we are doing here which he gladly accepted. It is my great hope that he will be able to visit in the very near future.
It is also vital that the Government continue to get our economy moving again and we also need commercial growth alongside new housing to achieve this. Again, here in Rugby, we are fortunate that we have substantial commercial development coming forward. The development of DIRFT III and the re-development of the Elliots Field retail park are two significant developments which will provide much needed jobs for the people of Rugby.
As I left the Chamber I had a quick word with the Speaker to thank him for calling me earlier than expected and to ask whether he had known it was my birthday. Apparently he wasn’t aware and it was good fortune on the day that enabled me to highlight this important issue affecting Rugby in front of the whole House.