The store planning to host the Post Office in Northallerton has given assurances about access to the re-located branch.

In response to a letter from Rishi Sunak MP, WH Smith has pledged to redesign its High Street premises to ensure easy access to the Post Office counters.

I set out the Government's actions to protect today's children and future generations of young people from sexual exploitation.

The Westminster Hall debate about the progress of the independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Telford was called for by my colleague Lucy Allan.

Concluding the debate on the Local Government Finance Settlement - which sets out local councils' spending powers for 2019/20.

Mental health care in this country has for too long been a Cinderella service.

Despite the development of modern treatment therapies and facilities, Governments have not always devoted sufficient energy and resources to the care of the mentally ill.

I answer questions from backbench MP on local government finance, the Changing Places campaign and progress of the Parking (Code of Practice) Bill.

A new village shop has become a hub for its community after a successful first year in business.

After visiting the store in East Cowton, near Northallerton, Richmond MP Rishi Sunak has praised the commitment of the villagers and volunteers who have made it such a success.

I am always impressed and immensely gratified by the generosity of spirit I find in our North Yorkshire communities.

So many people are prepared to do their bit for those less fortunate than themselves.

Rishi Sunak MP has welcomed a Post Office announcement that a relocated branch in Northallerton will be open an extra nine-and-a-half hours a week.

Amid the sound and fury in Westminster in recent days and weeks, the day to day work of Government has continued - as it must. Policy changes that may not make the front pages, but that will benefit many people are still being implemented.  

As the Minister for Local Government, I defend government's record on sustaining important council services and say the future is looking brighter as their spending powers increase.