D&S column: helping to create new green spaces in our towns 17th December 2018 In my role as Local Government Minister, I recently launched a £1m Pocket Parks programme designed to help create new green spaces or refurbish existing ones... Articles
D&S column: the small business backbone of our High Streets 8th December 2018 The Christmas season is now well and truly upon us and our local High Streets and Market Places are looking good after the big-switch on events and festive... Articles
D&S column: backing the selfless work of parish councillors 3rd December 2018 In my job as Minister for Local Government I talk to lots of people making important decisions about our everyday lives. In many cases, those decisions – such... Articles
D&S column: the role played by the young in Remembrance weekend 18th November 2018 ONE of my family’s most treasured possessions is a ceramic poppy from the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red artwork created at the Tower of London in 2014 to... Articles
D&S column: helping to end loneliness 10th November 2018 IT is the simplest of pleasures that most of us take for granted – a cup of tea or a pint of beer, a snack perhaps and a good old natter. Catching up with local... Articles
D&S column: Budget boost for local councils and the High Street 3rd November 2018 One of my jobs as Minister for Local Government is to make sure our councils have sufficient resources to pay for the care services vulnerable people in our... Articles
D&S column: use your pharmacist this winter 27th October 2018 I come from an NHS family: my dad was a GP and my mum ran the local community pharmacy. During my teens I spent a lot of time helping my mum in the shop and... Articles
D&S column: a magical world for very special people 22nd October 2018 From the outside, the small, boxy unit on a Northallerton industrial estate looks nothing special. Apart from some discreet signage, there’s little to suggest... Articles
D&S column: smart digital services from your local council 12th October 2018 AN elderly friend recently asked me to help them renew their passport. Of course, I was happy to help but I confess my heart sank. I remembered the last time I... Articles