theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_119
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_119

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential strategic risks to the UK's military base in Brunei of increasing Chinese influence in the region; and what steps his Department is taking to help mitigate potential security challenges arising from this influence. \p Luke Pollard: His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei, and the Prime Minister recently signed the five-yearly renewal of the Garrison Agreement in December 2024, which signals His Majesty the Sultan's wish to maintain the British presence in Brunei.

This Government will take a consistent, long term and strategic approach to China. We will cooperate where we can. We will compete with and challenge China where we need to, to protect our national security and values.

The UK remains committed to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific and we continue to work with regional partners to strengthen international legal frameworks and to enhance maritime security, including through capacity building and joint exercises.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_120
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_120

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her timeline is for implementing the decent homes standard. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government intend to bring forward a consultation this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_121

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the cost to her Department of the proposed increase in employer National Insurance contributions for financial year 2025-26. \p Jim McMahon: The Government will provide support for departments and other public sector employers for additional Employer National Insurance Contributions costs only. This funding will be allocated to departments in the usual way, in line with the approach taken under the previous Government’s Health and Social Care Levy.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_122
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_122

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2024 to Question 20555 on Elections: Kent, how many local authority areas will participate in the Devolution Priority Programme. \p Jim McMahon: On 5 February, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that Government will be taking forward six devolution areas on the Devolution Priority Programme: Cumbria; Cheshire and Warrington; Greater Essex; Hampshire and Solent; Norfolk and Suffolk; and Sussex and Brighton.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_123
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_123

Jack Rankin:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many cases are waiting to be assessed by the Building Safety Regulator. \p Alex Norris: We are aware that there have been delays for applicants in Gateway Two. The Building Safety Regulator have told applicants to currently plan on the basis of 20 weeks to clear Gateway Two, although we are seeing signs that this processing time is improving. This is compared to the Service Level Agreement of 12 weeks for new builds. We also understand there are specific applications which exceed current average processing timescales.

The new regulatory approach for building control on higher-risk buildings represents a fundamental shift in the approach to building safety. The introduction of the new regulatory regime initially resulted in a lot of poor quality and incomplete applications. The BSR are supporting applicants to ensure they are meeting the functional requirements of the building regulations. It is worth noting that the requirements in the regulations are not new and rejected applications contribute to the processing time of compliant applications.

We recognise the changes are still bedding in, however it is clear that the sector must also take responsibility for the projects they deliver. Guidance is available to support them in understanding their duties.

MHCLG and BSR have taken the following actions to enable applications to be processed more efficiently:
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_124
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_124

Jo White:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the timescales Parish Councils have to increase allotment spaces. \p Alex Norris: The Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 requires local authorities including parish councils to provide enough allotments if they deem there is sufficient demand from the local population. They must also consider local representations submitted under this Act requesting the provision of allotments. There are currently no plans to prescribe a timeframe for local authorities to respond to these requests.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_125
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_125

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the effectiveness of (a) compliance by contractors with and (b) enforcement measures by the new Building Safety Regulator with the Building Safety Act 2022; and if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of compliance by (i) clients and (ii) contractors with the provisions of that Act. \p Alex Norris: The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) takes action to ensure that applications that do not meet the regulatory standards of building safety are rejected. We understand that the introduction of the new regulatory regime initially resulted in a lot of poor quality and incomplete applications from industry. BSR continue to support applicants to meet the functional requirements of the building regulations. It is worth noting that the requirements in the regulations are not new and rejected applications contribute to the processing time of compliant applications.

BSR officials are also working with MHCLG officials on setting up a dedicated Remediation Enforcement Unit within the Building Safety Regulator. The Remediation Enforcement Unit is designed to hold owners of ACM clad buildings to account, enforcing remediation where necessary, and will be essential to meet the government’s priority for remediation of unsafe Higher-Risk-Buildings (HRBs). We are considering further options to ensure compliance with the building safety regulations as part of the ongoing spending review.

The Building Safety Act 2022 also requires that within five years of the Act coming into force, the Secretary of State appoint an independent person to carry out a review. This includes reviewing the effectiveness of the regulator, and provisions made by or under the Building Act 1984 such as the dutyholder duties and enforcement measures.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_126
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_126

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to (a) help prevent land banking by developers and (b) ensure that land earmarked for housing development is used to increase the supply of affordable housing. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government wants to see homes built faster and we recognise the frustrations that stalled or delayed sites can cause to communities.

Once housebuilders have been granted permission for residential development, meeting local housing needs and preferences, we expect to see them built out as quickly as possible.

Local planning authorities already have powers to issue a completion notice to require a developer to complete their development if it is stalled. If they fail to do so, the planning permission for the development will lapse.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December includes policies designed to support increased build out rates, including the promotion of mixed tenure development.

In addition, our New Homes Accelerator aims to unblock and accelerate the delivery of housing developments that have for various reasons become delayed, or which are not progressing as quickly as they could be.

To enhance transparency and accountability in respect of build out rates, the government intend to take steps to implement build out reporting following technical consultation.

We also intend to provide local planning authorities with powers to decline to determine planning applications submitted by developers who have failed to implement previous permissions.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_127
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_127

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 5 December 2024 to Question xx-xxxx-xxxx on Planning Permission, what guidance the National Planning Casework Unit provided on the processes and administrative arrangements for the decision on whether to call-in the Chinese Embassy planning application in London. \p Matthew Pennycook: The decision to call in these applications was made on the basis of the policy set out in the Written Ministerial Statement of 26 October 2012 (Official Report, Colum 72WS).

In dealing with any application, Ministers and officials will act in accordance with published propriety guidance on planning casework decisions. More information can be found on gov.uk here.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_128
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_128

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will publish all correspondence, including electronic communications, between 10 Downing Street and her Department on the planning application for the proposed Chinese Embassy. \p Matthew Pennycook: As is longstanding practice, we do not normally disclose internal communications.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_129
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_129

Jo White:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of reforming the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1926. \p Alex Norris: We recognise the importance of allotments and the immense contribution they make to the health, wellbeing and spirit of communities. We have not made an assessment of the potential merits of reforming the Small Holdings and Allotments Act.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_130
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_130

Jo Platt:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what additional funding and resources will be allocated to local authorities to implement the recommendations of the Government's Resilience Review. \p Alex Norris: The Resilience Review is considering established practices and policies to support UK resilience against the full spectrum of risks we face. It is evidence based and is identifying what should be kept, changed or improved to ensure we are best prepared now and into the future.

Government will continue to work closely with local partners to ensure local resilience is at the heart of the Review; and relevant outcomes will be considered as part of any future investment into national and local resilience.

The Resilience Review is due to conclude in Spring 2025.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_131
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_131

Dave Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of regulation of the private car parking sector. \p Alex Norris: The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to working with both consumers and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better outcomes for motorists.

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities.

We will announce our plans regarding the government code in due course.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_132

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for the commencement of the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019. \p Alex Norris: The government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to preparing a code of practice in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We are currently reviewing all options regarding the code and will announce our plans in due course.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_133

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2024 to Question 17826 on Local Government: Disadvantaged, which data metrics were used to compile the 2019 Index of Deprivation; and from which year each metric was derived from. \p Alex Norris: The data metrics used to compile the English Indices of Deprivation 2019, including sources and date, are published online in the English indices of deprivation 2019: technical report - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_134
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_134

Dave Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of making water and sewerage undertakers statutory consultees on applications for planning permission. \p Matthew Pennycook: As part of the Chancellor’s planning reform announcement on 26 January 2025, the government declared a moratorium on new statutory consultees and a review of the existing arrangements for statutory consultees to ensure they align with the government’s ambitions for growth.

Any further announcements will be subject to this review.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_135
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_135

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2024 to Question 18374 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Staff, how many and what proportion of staff attended each regional office for each week of November 2024. \p Alex Norris: Number and proportion of staff contractually assigned to each office with at least one office visit during the reference period

WC 4th  November

WC 11th  November

WC 18th  November

WC 24th  November

East of England

68 (56%)

76 (62%)

73 (60%)

77 (63%)

London

1550 (70%)

1578 (71%)

1578 (71%)

1534 (69%)

Midlands

290 (58%)

306 (61%)

259 (51%)

290 (58%)

Northern Ireland

13 (62%)

14 (67%)

14 (67%)

12 (57%)

North East

137 (71%)

125 (64%)

127 (65%)

127 (65%)

North West

206 (60%)

219 (63%)

188 (54%)

211 (61%)

Scotland

38 (73%)

35 (67%)

36 (69%)

38 (73%)

South East

22 (81%)

20 (74%)

19 (70%)

19 (70%)

South West

131 (56%)

133 (57%)

134 (58%)

122 (52%)

Wales

33 (73%)

30 (67%)

26 (58%)

25 (56%)

Yorkshire and Humber

145 (66%)

133 (61%)

137 (63%)

130 (59%)

Grand Total

2633 (66%)

2669 (67%)

2591 (65%)

2585 (65%)
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_136
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_136

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether secondary legislation to implement the provisions on local referendums in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 has been drafted. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government is still reviewing its policy inheritance from the last government, including in relation to street votes. We have already taken significant steps to fix the planning system and unlock new housing and we will set out our plans for further planning reform in due course.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_137

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether any private sector companies contracted to her Department will receive increased payments for the increase in employer National Insurance contributions. \p Jim McMahon: At Autumn Budget, the Chancellor made clear that raising the revenue required to fund public services and restore economic stability requires difficult decisions on tax. That is why the government is asking employers to contribute more.

The Government will provide support for departments and other public sector employers for additional Employer National Insurance Contributions costs only. This funding will be allocated to departments in the usual way, in line with the approach taken under the previous Government’s Health and Social Care Levy.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_138

Sarah Olney:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many single parents with more than two children have been evicted through a Section 21 notice in each year since 2015. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Department does not hold granular data on Section 21 evictions, either year by year or by the demographics of those affected.

However, the English Private Landlord Survey 2024 indicated that Section 21 notices are the most common way landlords evict tenants, and we know that chronic insecurity in the private rented sector has real-life consequences for individuals and families, including single parents.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will deliver our manifesto commitment to transform the experience of private renting, including the long-delayed abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. The Bill will give renters much greater security and stability so they can stay in their homes for longer, build lives in their communities, and avoid the risk of homelessness.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_139

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to prevent the permanent conversion of public houses to other uses through the High Street Rental Auctions scheme in (a) Cornwall and (b) England. \p Alex Norris: The government champions the community value of pubs and has included a number of protections in the high street rental auction legislation. The local authority may restrict the use of the property within the lease terms. Should a change of use be approved, key infrastructure must be maintained, and the premises will revert to being a pub unless an application for change of use is made under the standard process. Therefore, even if a pub is subject to a High Street Rental Auction, its ability to become a functioning pub again can be guaranteed.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_140

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to make local councils aware of the High Street Rental Auctions scheme. \p Alex Norris: The government continues to work with local councils to support the implementation of the High Street Rental Auction powers.

In November I wrote to the leaders and chief executives of every local authority in England notifying them of the commencement date for the powers and inviting them to be early adopters. We have since announced three initial early adopter areas (Bassetlaw, Darlington and Mansfield) and are supporting them closely, along with other councils actively developing plans for using the powers.

The department has hosted a national showcase event and five webinars raising awareness, promoting the funding support and toolkits available to local authorities to assist delivery. On 2 December, the department published technical guidance and prospectuses explaining what funding is available and how councils can apply.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_141

Barry Gardiner:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an estimate of the potential impact of (a) waking watch and (b) other indirect consequences of measures introduced in the Building Safety Act 2024 on costs to residential leaseholders in higher risk buildings. \p Alex Norris: Since it was first launched in 2021, the Waking Watch Replacement Fund has made £82.6 million in grant funding available to support the installation of common alarm systems to replace costly waking watch measures in residential buildings. The current iteration of the fund was reopened in May 2023, extending support to all residential buildings where a waking watch is currently in place in England, regardless of where the costs of the waking watch fall. We know that waking watch measures are still being used too often, and that in too many cases, costs continue to be passed onto leaseholders. Reducing the excessive use of Waking Watch is a priority for this government, and in the meantime, we have extended the Waking Watch Replacement Fund until March 2026 with long-term plans for the fund to be confirmed at the end of the next Spending Review in Summer 2025.

Since Royal Assent, parts of the Building Safety Act measures have been amended under the Leasehold Freehold Reform Act to reduce costs on residential leaseholders. These ensure that costs of ‘interim measures’ (such as waking watches and fitting simultaneous evacuation alarms) and expert reports can be recovered through remediation contribution orders. The costs of temporary accommodation if residents are decanted from their homes on building safety grounds, can also be recovered.

Any contribution required from those holding a qualifying lease for non-cladding defects and interim measures is capped and spread over 10 years, This means that, for the majority of qualifying leaseholders, the maximum amount that can be charged for non-cladding remediation and interim measures is £15,000 in Greater London (or £10,000 elsewhere in England). Qualifying leaseholders with a leasehold property worth more than £1 million and less than £2 million can be charged up to £50,000, while those with a leasehold property worth more than £2 million can be charged up to £100,000.

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced new legal requirements for those responsible for managing building safety risks in higher-risk buildings when they are occupied. Under the Act, costs incurred in meeting these ongoing obligations can be passed to leaseholders via the service charge. The government considers these requirements as vital for ensuring structural and fire safety risks are properly managed, so that residents are and feel safe in their homes. We appreciate concerns about the costs of compliance with these requirements for leaseholders, and will continue to work with the Building Safety Regulator to monitor the situation.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_142

John Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much (a) her Department and (b) each of its Arm’s Length Bodies has spent on external public relations since 5 July 2024; and which firms that funding went to. \p Alex Norris: Public relations activity is a subset of communication spend. As such, this data is not held. The Government Communication Service encourages the prioritisation of low and no cost public relations activities wherever possible. It is recommended that all external communications support should be procured through approved government frameworks, with strict controls in place to ensure cost-effectiveness.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_143

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what representations she has received from the National Association of Local Councils on the potential effect of higher National Insurance contributions on (a) town and (b) parish councils. \p Jim McMahon: Ministers and officials regularly meet with a wide range of stakeholders from the local government sector. Baroness Taylor, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State met with the National Association of Local Councils on Tuesday 28 February.

The government recognises the important role town and parish councils have in improving the quality of life and wellbeing of their communities but has no direct role in funding parish and town councils, and therefore has not provided compensation, consistent with the approach taken by the previous government.

We recognise that the increase in the rate of employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will lead to increased costs for some parish councils, which will require them to increase their precept. We recognise that decisions to increase precepts are not taken lightly by parish councils.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_144

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to incorporate (a) environmental and (b) animal welfare considerations for applications for factory farms. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 25146 on 29 January 2025.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_145

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure compliance with propriety guidance for the call-in of the proposed new Chinese Embassy. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to UIN 22643 on 27 January 2025.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_146

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when she plans to bring forward legislative proposals on nutrient neutrality reform. \p Matthew Pennycook: As set out in my answer to Question UIN 26836 on 5 February 2025, proposals for a Nature Restoration Fund are under development for inclusion in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Further information will be set out when the Bill is introduced.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_147

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to support community-led developments; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the funding available for such schemes. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government recognises that community-led housing delivers a wide range of benefits, including additional housing supply, empowering communities, achieving high quality design and strengthening the co-operative economy.

A range of funding sources are available to support the development of community-led housing, although eligibility will depend on the nature of specific developments. This includes the Levelling-Up Home Building Fund, which provides affordable loan finance for the development of sites of five units or more, and the Affordable Homes Programme, which provides grant funding to support the capital costs of developing affordable housing in England.

Beyond funding, the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 strengthened support for community-led housing, including through changes to the size limit on community-led exception sites and a broadening of the definition of organisations able to deliver community-led housing.

As part of the development of our Long Term Housing Strategy, we are considering how the government may further support the growth of the community-led housing sector and I recently met with the Chief Executive of the Community Land Trust Network and other stakeholders to discuss options in that regard.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_148

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of giving landlords the power to offer students fixed term house in multiple occupation tenancies for the academic year. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to Question UIN 26549 on 6 February 2025.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_149

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which provisions of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 have not been implemented. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government continues to review its policy inheritance from the last government, including in relation to specific provisions of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act that have not been brought into force.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_150

Peter Lamb:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to implement the recommendations on a Housing Revenue Account agreement outlined in the report commissioned by Southwark council entitled securing the future of council housing, published in July 2024. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government are giving careful consideration to the recommendations of the report in question as part of our ongoing commitment to support local authorities facing Housing Revenue Account financial pressures.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_151

Dave Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of making integrated care boards statutory consultees on applications for planning permission. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government recently declared a moratorium on any new statutory consultees, along with a review of the existing statutory consultee arrangements to ensure they align with the government’s ambitions for growth. Any further announcements will be subject to this review.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_152

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will commence the street votes programme through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government continues to review its policy inheritance from the last government, including in relation to specific provisions of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act that have not been brought into force.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_153
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_153

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Statement of 17 December 2024 on Development and the environment, HCWS317, how the new Environmental Outcome Reporting regime will differ from the EU legacy (a) Environment Impact Assessment and (b) Strategic Environmental Assessment regimes; and whether the Environmental Outcome Reporting regime will include carbon reporting. \p Matthew Pennycook: As set out in my answer to Question UIN 26559 on 6 February 2025, the detail of the new system will be set out in secondary legislation through regulations as well as in guidance.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_154

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Statement of 16 December 2024, HCWS317, on Development and the environment, what assessment she has been of the potential impact of nutrient mitigation funding requirements on (a) Community Infrastructure Levy and (b) Section 106 affordable housing payments; and whether nutrient mitigation funding will be subject to an economic viability test. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to Question UIN 22914 on 29 January 2025
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_155
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_155

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what purposes HM Land Registry has used artificial intelligence in the last 12 months. \p Matthew Pennycook: HM Land Registry is exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence to deliver the outcomes set out in the blueprint for modern digital government published on 21 January 2025. The policy paper can be found on gov.uk here.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_156

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December 2024 to Question 17563 on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, what guidance her Department has issued to planning decision-makers on how planning applications which have (a) previously been refused and (b) been resubmitted without any substantive changes should be considered. \p Matthew Pennycook: The relevant Planning Practice Guidance can be found on gov.uk here.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_157
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_157

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2024 to Question 13624 on Road Signs and Markings and with reference to Section 81 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, what plans she has to bring forward secondary legislation to enable local referendums on changes to street names. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 13624 on 19 November 2024.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_158
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_158

Damien Egan:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the planning system in supporting the rollout of electric vehicle charging points. \p Matthew Pennycook: Nationally set permitted development rights enable the installation of electric vehicle charge points without the need to submit a planning application, subject to certain conditions.

In its response to the Climate Change Committee’s 2024 progress report published on 17 December last year, the government made clear that it intended to amend these rights to further support the roll out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that transport issues should be considered from the earliest stages of plan-making and development proposals, so that opportunities from changing transport technology and usage are realised. The NPPF also sets out that applications for development should be designed to enable charging of plug-in vehicles in safe, accessible and convenient locations.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_159
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_159

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a statutory duty on local planning authorities to remedy breaches of planning law for unlawful (a) demolition of public houses and (b) conversion of public houses to another use. \p Matthew Pennycook: The change of use or demolition of a public house requires planning permission.

The government does not collect data on the number of public houses which have unlawfully changed use or have been demolished in Cornwall or England.

We have not made any assessment of the potential merits of introducing a statutory duty on local planning authorities to remedy breaches of planning law in relation to such matters. We continue to keep the operation of the current protections for public houses under review.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_160
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_160

Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions her Department has had with officials in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on house building around Castleton station to support (a) local and (b) regional economic growth. \p Matthew Pennycook: Officials from my Department engage regularly with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in relation to their Places for Everyone plan, which includes the Sidings and Trows Farm developments in Castleton.

We will continue to work closely with GMCA to support their housebuilding ambitions as part of the Places for Everyone plan and to progress a devolved Integrated Settlement that will support local and regional economic growth.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_161
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_161

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2024 to Question 17554 on Local Government: Working Hours, for what reason her Department did not reissue the Best Value Notice previously reissued to South Cambridgeshire District Council on 8 May 2024. \p Jim McMahon: The department published a letter outlining the decision not to reissue a Best Value Notice to South Cambridgeshire District Council on 8 November 2024.

Decisions relating to a local authority’s Best Value Duty are made based on the circumstances of each case and consideration of the Best Value themes set out in the statutory guidance for Best Value standards and intervention: continuous improvement, leadership, governance, culture, service delivery, partnerships and community engagement, and use of resources.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_162
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_162

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the establishment of a Mayoral Development Corporation requires her consent. \p Jim McMahon: The Localism Act 2011 first introduced provisions permitting the Mayor of London to designate Mayoral Development Areas (MDAs) and Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs). These powers can now be conferred on elected mayors of Combined Authorities and Combined County Authorities.

Mayors can designate MDAs, subject to the provisions in section 197 of the Localism Act 2011. If the Secretary of State receives a notification per section 197(6) of the 2011 Act, in accordance with section 198(2), she must by order establish an MDC for the area designated by the Mayor. In such cases, the Secretary of State has no discretion as to the establishment of the MDC and therefore her consent is not required.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_163
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_163

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2024 to Question 17827 on Private Education: Business Rates, whether the draft Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025-26 incorporates the expected funding from business rates on independent schools. \p Jim McMahon: Business rates retention means that local authorities retain a proportion of all business rates revenue.

As in previous years, the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement reflects local authority baseline funding levels. These are a core part of the business rates retention system which represent a measure of an authority’s need that is funded via business rates. This measurement does reflect not the totality of business rates or annual changes in business rate income from year to year.

The increase in rates receipts due to the reduction in charitable rate relief for private schools will be shared between central and local government. The proportion of business rates that are retained locally and the proportion paid to central government are determined via business rates retention shares known as the local and central share.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_164
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_164

David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to consult young people on the homelessness strategy. \p Rushanara Ali: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to Question UIN 20894 on 19 December 2024.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_165
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_165

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 25 November 2024 to Question 15985 on Planning Permission: Publicity, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the income generated by publishing statutory notices on the financial viability of independent local newspapers. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government has no plans to assess the impact of income generated from statutory notices on the viability of local newspapers.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_166
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_166

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his planned timetable is for providing national coverage for fracture liaison services. \p Andrew Gwynne: We remain committed to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services across every part of the country by 2030.

In the meantime, we are investing in 13 high-tech bone density DEXA scanners, which are expected to provide an extra 29,000 scans to ensure people with bone conditions get diagnosed earlier.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_167
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_167

Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether there are compensation schemes available for people made ill by defective hip replacements supplied by DePuy. \p Andrew Gwynne: NHS Resolution (NHSR) manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England. NHSR has confirmed that there is no specific NHS compensation scheme for claims relating to defective hip replacements supplied by DePuy.

While there is no specific compensation scheme for claims relating to defective hip replacements supplied by DePuy, NHSR’s website gives some general advice for claimants wishing to make a claim for clinical negligence, with further information available at the following link:

https://resolution.nhs.uk/services/claims-management/advice-for-claimants/

Anyone who is aware of complications or adverse events associated with hip replacement devices is encouraged to seek clinical advice from their responsible clinician and report the issue via the Yellow Card Scheme, which is available at the following link:

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_168
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_168

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of funding levels for research into the (a) detection and (b) treatment of heart valve disease. \p Andrew Gwynne: The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR continues to welcome high quality applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including the detection and treatment of heart valve disease.

The NIHR invested a total award value of £3.4 million of funding for six research studies that focus on heart valve disease, active in the five years from April 2019 to March 2024, directly through its research programmes.

The NIHR also works closely with other Government funders, including UK Research and Innovation, which is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and includes the Medical Research Council, to fund research into a range of conditions, including heart valve disease, to improve detection and treatments and prevent poor health outcomes for patients.
wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_169
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-07 conversation_169

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on the number of (a) flu, (b) Covid, (c) norovirus and (d) RSV cases. \p Andrew Gwynne: An assessment of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on the number of flu, COVID-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus cases has not been produced. The Government has taken action to ensure low-income households are protected this winter.