theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_152

Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) new planning proposals and (b) increased house building do not (i) negatively impact wildlife and (ii) worsen environmental degradation. \p Matthew Pennycook: The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services. Development is restricted in areas which are designated for their environmental value.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework we published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats, and hedgehogs.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies are being prepared across England to set out priorities for nature recovery, map important habitats and identify opportunities for improvements.

The government recently updated its Planning Practice Guidance to explain the role of Local Nature Recovery Strategies in the planning system and made clear as part of that update that these strategies will form an evidence base which may be a material consideration when making planning decisions.

When it comes to development and the environment, we know we can do better than the status quo, which too often sees both sustainable housebuilding and nature recovery stall. Instead of environmental protections being seen as a barrier to growth, we want to unlock a win-win for the economy and for nature.

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/answers2025-03-10 conversation_153
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_153

Alex McIntyre:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the number of (a) empty properties and (b) empty properties subject to Empty Dwelling Management Orders in Gloucester. \p Matthew Pennycook: According to the latest published statistics, excluding second homes, there are 719,470 vacant dwellings in England. 265,061 of these dwellings are classed as Long-Term Empty Homes, meaning they have been empty for more than six months.

A breakdown of vacant dwellings by local authority district can be found on gov.uk here.

The Department does not collect data on the number of Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMOs) that have been issued.

Local authorities have strong powers and incentives to tackle empty homes. They have the discretionary powers to charge additional council tax on properties which have been left unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for one or more years. The maximum premium that a council can apply increases, depending on the length of time that the property has been empty for, with a premium of up to 300% on homes left empty for over ten years.

Local authorities can also use powers to take over the management of long-term empty homes to bring them back into use in the private rented sector. Local authorities can apply for an EDMO when a property has been empty for more than two years, subject to the production of evidence that the property has been causing a nuisance to the community and evidence of community support for their proposal. More information can be found on gov.uk here.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_154

Alex McIntyre:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the number of social rented homes with (a) mould and (b) damp in Gloucester. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Department does not hold data on the number of social rented homes with damp and mould in Gloucester.

However, the English Housing Survey (EHS) provides findings on housing quality and condition in England, including damp and mould. The EHS found that, in 2022-23, 7% of local authority renters and 4% of housing association renters lived in homes affected by damp.

The government is committed to working with social housing providers to ensure that homes are safe, decent, warm, and free from damp and mould.

The Deputy Prime Minister made a Written Ministerial Statement on 6 February (HCWS423) confirming that the government will be bringing Awaab’s Law into force for damp and mould in October 2025.

Awaab’s Law is vital legislation that will empower social tenants to hold their landlords to account using the full force of the law if they fail to investigate and fix hazards within their homes within set timescales. It will also allow tenants to access the Housing Ombudsman if their landlord does not adhere to strict timelines for action.

The government is also committed to consulting on a new Decent Homes Standard and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards this year.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_155
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_155

Dave Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the publication entitled Approved Document B: Fire safety - frequently asked questions, published on 23 August 2022, on economic growth. \p Alex Norris: Approved Document B: Fire Safety - Frequently Asked Questions do not introduce any new guidance beyond what is included in Approved Document B but simply offer helpful clarifications where appropriate. When Approved Documents are updated, they undergo a public consultation and are subject to a comprehensive economic impact assessment.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_156

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 25th February to Question 31290 on Housing: Standards, whether levels of lead standardisation will be be included in the Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government will consult this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors.

The existing Decent Homes Standard, which applies to social housing, makes clear that a home is not decent if it contains category 1 (serious) hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Tenants who believe their rented home is in a seriously dangerous condition can inform their local authority. Local authorities must take enforcement action under the Housing Act 2004 if they find category 1 hazards assessed using the HHSRS. These include those relating to the presence of lead.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_157
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_157

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2025 to Question 22642 on Chinese Embassy: Planning Application, for what reason (a) Equality Impact Assessments and (b) Environmental Principles Assessments are not undertaken on decisions to call-in planning applications. \p Matthew Pennycook: A decision on whether or not to call in a planning application is a matter of jurisdiction and does not deal with the merits of the case.

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.

The published propriety guidance relates particularly to recovered appeals and called in decisions, but the guidance is clear that the key propriety principles also apply to decisions on other planning matters.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_158
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_158

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether national security is a material planning consideration. \p Matthew Pennycook: Paragraph 102 of the National Planning Policy Framework sets out how planning policies and decisions should promote public safety and take into account wider security and defence requirements. Each case is considered on their own merits.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_159
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_159

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has had discussions with (a) the Planning Inspectorate and (b) Lowick communications consultancy on the proposed new Chinese Embassy. \p Matthew Pennycook: Officials within the Department have held routine discussions with the Planning Inspectorate regarding procedural matters. However, these did not relate to the merits of the case.

There have been no such discussions between this Department and Lowick with regard to the proposed new Chinese Embassy.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_160
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_160

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2025 to Question 25922 on Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: Energy, which of the policies set out in the cross-government review of the barriers to adapt and retrofit listed buildings and homes in conservation areas, published on 3 January 2024, which relate to her Department’s remit and have not yet been implemented remain her policy to implement; and which of policies she does not plan to implement. \p Matthew Pennycook: This government is developing its approach to planning policy in respect of heritage and will consider the unimplemented actions identified in the review in question as part of that work.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_161
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_161

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question HL4177 on Local Government: Devolution and Elections, whether advice from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England will be public. \p Jim McMahon: The Local Government Boundary Commission England (LGBCE) is responsible for electoral reviews for local government, reviewing wards, and setting the council size in terms of number of councillors. When a full electoral review of a newly established authority is carried out, the LGBCE will follow its guidance (which is available on its website), and the electoral review process includes a local consultation.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_162
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_162

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question 23793 on National Identity, for what reason establishing strategic authorities will augment (a) pride in England and (b) the English national identity. \p Jim McMahon: We want to see all of England benefit from devolution, with full devolution coverage across the country, with an ambition for all areas to have a Mayor. Mayors will be able to come together at the Mayoral Council to consider issues that affect England, and will represent England at the Council of Nations and Regions. Further the creation of the Mayoral Council as a England wide body, together with the Leaders Council allows for senior elected members in the country to demonstrate collective leadership.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_163
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_163

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2025 to Question 26030 on Radicalism, what his planned timetable is for the publication; and when the steering group next plans to meet. \p Alex Norris: We plan to publish this information as soon as possible. We expect to meet next in the coming months.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_164
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_164

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025 to Question 29001 on Local Government: Elections, whether the unitary local government elections will take place on the same day as the May 2026 combined authority mayors. \p Jim McMahon: There are no plans to cancel district council elections in 2026. The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead unless there is strong justification.

The date of any unitary council elections will depend on the nature of proposals for local government reorganisation and progress on development of those proposals.

Members could review the numerous examples of reorganisations which took place under the previous government to better understand the practical steps taken as the programme progresses.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_165
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_165

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment on the potential impact of a planning authority being subsumed into a new unitary authority as part of local government reorganisation on housing number targets. \p Matthew Pennycook: Local planning authorities are expected to use the government's revised standard method to assess housing needs. This is a starting point used by councils to inform the preparation of their local development plans.

The government is clear all local planning authorities should continue work on local plans and get them in place as soon as possible.

The implications of local government reorganisation, including the impact of reorganisation on local housing targets, will be considered in light of the specific circumstances of any given area. Local plans should still be progressed in all areas, as they will act as the foundation for any new plans as required.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_166
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_166

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the Older People’s Housing Taskforce entitled Our Future Homes: Housing that promotes wellbeing and community for an ageing population, published on 26 November 2024. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations in the final report of the Older People’s Housing Taskforce.

We are committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market and we will continue to consider this issue as we develop our long-term housing strategy, which will be published later this year.

I regularly engage with my Ministerial colleagues to ensure that work across government delivers housing designed for specific groups, including older people.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_167
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_167

Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a swift brick national development management policy. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 22080 on 15 January 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_168
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_168

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the updated Homes for Ukraine Scheme on Ukrainian refugees' ability to access housing. \p Rushanara Ali: Thank you payments have been extended for the full 18-month period under Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme to support Homes for Ukraine guests to remain in sponsorship and to thank sponsors for their continued generosity.

We hope that the extension of this support will provide enough time for guests and sponsors to plan for next steps, including to secure independent accommodation if needed or convert a sponsorship to a lodging arrangement.

To fund this support and ensure it is affordable within government budgets, from 1 April 2025, all thank you payments will be paid at a rate of £350 per month for all sponsors of guests on Homes for Ukraine and UPE visas, regardless of how long guests have been in the UK.

We are signposting sponsors to the Government’s ‘rent a room’ scheme for those who wish to convert their sponsorship to a lodging arrangement. If sponsors move to an arrangement where they charge rent, they will no longer be eligible for thank you payments.

Councils receive a tariff of £5,900 per Homes for Ukraine arrival in their area to support guests to rebuild their lives and fully integrate into communities. Councils have the flexibility to use the funding to support households as best suits the local area. This could include measures to support guests to access employment, English language provision and provide integration measures that support Ukrainians to access private rented accommodation.

We engage closely with councils and the voluntary and community sector to ensure that we understand the needs of Ukrainians living in the UK and that adequate support is available. We continue to closely monitor the homelessness pressures relating to Ukrainian homelessness and separately publish statistics here: Homelessness management information - Ukrainian nationals: England - GOV.UK
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_169
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_169

Sir Bernard Jenkin:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the cost to the public purse of local government reorganisation in Essex. \p Jim McMahon: The overall case for local government reorganisation is set out the English Devolution White Paper.

A PWC 2020 report estimated that reorganisation of the then 25 two-tier areas to a single unitary would have a one-off cost of £400 million, with the potential to realise £2.9 billion over five years, with an annual post-implementation net recurring saving of £700 million, however as it is for local areas to submit proposals for government to consider, the savings could vary area by area and across England in the round. We are also keen to ensure the wider benefits are also promoted, specifically simplified and more efficient structures.

The proposals submitted from the most recently established unitary councils identified a range of efficiencies that could be achieved. Councils in Essex were invited on 5 February to develop proposals for reorganisation, which are due to be submitted to government by September 2025.

It will be for the new councils to achieve the efficiencies identified in reorganisation proposals and subsequent detailed implementation and transformation plans while delivering high quality and sustainable public services to local residents and businesses.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_170
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_170

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2025 to Question 26559 on Property Development: Environmental Protection, what her planned timeline is for the (a) consultation on and (b) implementation of environmental outcome reports. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 31479 on 26 February 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_171
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_171

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how new local authorities with overlapping national park authorities will (a) interact with each other, (b) have stakeholder obligations and (c) be statutory consultees to each other. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 32529 on 3 March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_172
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_172

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, on what date she expects the Planning Inspectorate to submit its report on the Chinese Embassy planning inquiry. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Inspector’s report and recommendation on the Chinese Embassy planning inquiry is currently expected to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in June. The Planning Inspectorate will inform the application parties when the report has been submitted.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_173
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_173

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2025 to Question 27157 on Council of the Nations and Regions: National Identity, whether there is a requirement of a sense of regional identity to qualify as a recognised region. \p Jim McMahon: The government will consider proposals for future devolution agreements against the criteria set out in the White Paper. A vital element of successful devolution is the ability for local residents to engage with and hold their devolved institutions to account – and local identity is therefore one of these criteria.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_174
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_174

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2025 to Question 27567 on Affordable Housing: Construction, how many units of affordable housing are in Homes England’s Section 106 Affordable Housing Clearing Service. \p Matthew Pennycook: Since Homes England's Section 106 Affordable Housing Clearing Service was launched in December 2024, 411 organisations have registered. This includes 113 housebuilders, 184 Registered Providers of social housing and 114 Local Authorities. The number of affordable homes registered currently stands at 800.

The government continues to call on all developers with uncontracted Section 106 affordable homes, as well as registered providers and local planning authorities, to engage proactively with this new service.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_175
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_175

Catherine Atkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring the installation of (a) flood doors, (b) flood barriers and (c) automatic air bricks on new build properties at risk of flooding. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government is committed to building the homes the country needs while ensuring they are safe from flooding.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 is clear that development should be directed to areas with the lowest risk of flooding. Where no alternative sites are available, permission should only be granted where it can be demonstrated that it will be safe for its lifetime taking account of the vulnerability of its users, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible, will reduce flood risk overall.

The use of property level flood protections, such as flood doors, flood barriers and automatic air bricks, should only be considered as part of a wider package of measures to ensure that the development would be safe for its lifetime.

Building regulations set minimum standards for all new dwellings. Statutory guidance to the Building Regulations in Approved Document C promotes the use of flood resilient and resistant construction in flood prone areas, without placing undue costs onto any properties that do not require further flood resilience measures.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_176
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_176

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether new mayors in combined county authorities will have powers to (a) revoke, (b) amend or (c) disregard the agreed local plans of local planning authorities. \p Matthew Pennycook: Mayors in combined county authorities will not be given any new powers to revoke, amend or disregard adopted local plans.

There are existing provisions set out in Schedule A1 to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, which allow the Secretary of State to invite the Mayor of London or a combined authority to prepare or revise a local plan where a local planning authority are failing to do anything that it is necessary for them to do in connection with the preparation, revision or adoption of a local plan.

These powers are also extended to combined county authorities by the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023, although the relevant provisions are not yet in force.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_177
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_177

Matt Bishop:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to increase the supply of housing in the Forest of Dean. \p Matthew Pennycook: The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 includes a new Standard Method for assessing housing needs that is aligned to our Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million new safe and decent homes in England by the end of this Parliament.  Under the revised standard method, the Forest of Dean’s annual housing target has risen from 330 dwellings per annum to 600.

In rural areas, local planning authorities should support opportunities to bring forward rural exception sites that will provide affordable housing to meet identified local needs and consider whether allowing some market housing on these sites would help facilitate this. Planning policies should also identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive especially where this will support local services.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_178
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_178

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 4 February 2025 to Question 26691 on Unitary Councils, which unitary authorities were contacted on 16 December 2024. \p Jim McMahon: The neighbouring unitary authorities contacted on 16 December 2024, alongside all councils in two-tier areas, were

Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council, Brighton and Hove City Council, Derby City Council, Isle of Wight Council, Leicester City Council, Medway Council, North East Lincolnshire Council, North Lincolnshire Council, Nottingham City Council, Peterborough City Council, Plymouth City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Rutland County Council, Southampton City Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Thurrock Council,Torbay Council.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_179
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_179

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2025 to Question 28051 on Affordable Housing: Construction, what the level of sub-market rents should be in properties that are not for social rent; and whether sub-market rents are included within the affordable rent model. \p Matthew Pennycook: Affordable or Intermediate Rent is defined as homes let at least 20% below local market rents (affordable rental properties) or let at rates set between market rents and social rents (intermediate rental properties).

Social Rent is set through the National Rent Regime in England at around 50% of market rents. Affordable housing may also be targeted to address a specific need, such as specialist housing for vulnerable, older or disabled people, known as “supported housing”.

Further information can be found on gov.uk here.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_180
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_180

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question 30361 on Local Government: Elections, whether she had discussions with the district councils in (a) East Sussex, (b) West Sussex, (c) Essex, (d) Norfolk, (e) Suffolk, (f) Hampshire and (g) Surrey prior to the announcement of the cancellation of elections in those areas in May 2025. \p Jim McMahon: Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on gov.uk.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_181
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_181

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a cap on rent increases for those shared ownership properties not purchased from a registered social landlord. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government requires that all leases for shared ownership properties funded with government grant, regardless of whether the shared ownership provider is a registered social landlord, must include a clause limiting rent increases to a maximum of RPI +0.5% for leases prior to October 2023, or CPI +1% for leases from October 2023.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_182
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_182

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Answer of 7 January 2025 to Question HL3663 on Public Bodies: Translation Services, if she will take steps to remind (a) local authorities and (b) public bodies of the guidance entitled Translation into Foreign Languages, published by the Department for Communities and Local Government on 12 March 2013, Official Report, Column 5WS. \p Alex Norris: The Government continues to recognise the official status of certain non-English languages in the UK, including Irish in Northern Ireland and Welsh in Wales.

More broadly, we continue to encourage local authorities and public bodies to balance their obligations to public service with their obligations to provide value-for-money to the taxpayer.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_183
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_183

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 29 January 2025 to Question 23866 on Communities and Recovery Steering Group, if she will place the minutes of each meeting in the Library. \p Alex Norris: In keeping with general practice, we do not currently intend to place these minutes in the Library.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_184
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_184

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has appointed a foreign affairs adviser. \p Alex Norris: As set out on gov.uk, the Deputy Prime Minister’s role includes acting in support of the government's international agenda.

While the Deputy Prime Minister does not have a specific foreign affairs adviser, officials in the department are working closely with officials in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Cabinet Office to ensure she has the necessary support to carry out that role.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_185
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_185

Katie White:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to (a) regenerate town centres and (b) reduce the number of derelict properties. \p Alex Norris: This government is committed to rejuvenating our town centres. On 4 March, we launched the Plan for Neighbourhoods, the government's flagship programme, a £1.5 billion investment to help revitalise local areas and fight deprivation in 75 places across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We have also launched High Street Rental Auctions; powers which allow local authorities in England to auction the lease of persistently vacant commercial properties. On 6 March we announced the names of a further 8 early adopter councils, 11 in total, which will champion the new powers to give others confidence to revive their high streets.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_186
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_186

Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much and what proportion of the £233 million funding for homelessness services is expected to be spent on covering increased employer National Insurance contributions. \p Rushanara Ali: The £233 million uplift in homelessness funding has been provided to get back on track to ending homelessness. This brings total for funding for homelessness services to nearly £1 billion in 2025/26.

The Government has also announced £502 million in funding to protect local government from changes to employer National Insurance contributions. Allocations have been published here Updated explanatory note on the Employer National Insurance Contribution Grant 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_187
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_187

Sarah Olney:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on steps to improve public engagement with politics. \p Rushanara Ali: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the Question UIN 901650 on 5 December 2024.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_188
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_188

Tristan Osborne:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to facilitate the registration of postal voters. \p Rushanara Ali: Electors who wish to apply for a postal vote can choose to make their application on paper, or online for reserved elections in Great Britain.

Giving electors the choice to apply for an absent vote through a paper application or online gives electors more control over their voting arrangements, whether they choose to vote in person, via post, or via a proxy. The online postal and proxy vote application services also make the process easier and simpler for many electors. Over 1.5 million people in Great Britain made an application to vote by post or via a proxy in the run-up to the General Election last year. Between the election being called on the 22nd of May 2024 and the deadline for absent vote applications, 84% of postal vote applications and 93% of proxy vote applications were made using the online services.

Over 90% of electors who chose to apply for a postal or proxy vote online during this period found the services to be effective and said that they were satisfied with them.

These services make our democratic system more accessible for electors, and the Government is supporting work to expand their scope. The Government recently gave its full support to the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill. If passed, the Bill will allow applications for postal and proxy voting arrangements for Welsh and Scottish Parliamentary elections, and local elections in Wales and Scotland, to be made online.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_189
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_189

Leigh Ingham:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the inclusivity of public parks for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability. \p Alex Norris: The government is firmly committed to creating better access to public parks. They are an essential part of local social infrastructure which supports more connected, stronger communities.

Local authorities must consider their obligations under the Equalities Act of 2010 when providing public spaces, this includes ensuring that they are accessible and inclusive. Furthermore, the National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places. The government is committed to improving opportunities and outcomes for all disabled people and putting their voices at the heart of what we do.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_190
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_190

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to (a) the minimum wage and (b) employer National Insurance contributions on the ability of companies to hire workers for long term skills investment. \p Justin Madders: We are committed to building an economy that works for everyone and considers the impacts of all policies that we introduce.

We accepted in full the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission who considered the impact on business, competitiveness, the labour market, wider economy and the cost of living. A full Impact Assessment on NMW was published and received a Green ‘fit for purpose’ from the Regulatory Policy Committee on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

The Office for Budget Responsibility’s October 2024 forecast includes the impact to changing employer National Insurance contributions and expects the unemployment rate will fall to 4.1% next year and remain low until 2029. Employers of those under the age of 21 and apprentices under the age of 25 receive 100% employer National Insurance relief on salaries up to £50,270.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_191
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_191

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 10 February 2025 to Question 28323 on Post Boxes, if he will hold discussions with Ofcom on the potential merits of implementing an enforcement mechanism to require Royal Mail to (a) replace post boxes quickly and (b) install post boxes on new estates. \p Justin Madders: Ofcom is the independent regulator for the postal sector, and it sets and monitors the network access requirements that Royal Mail must provide to meet the reasonable needs of customers. The government meets with Ofcom regularly but has no role in Ofcom's regulatory decisions.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_192
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_192

Alex Burghart:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the imposition of tariffs by the European Union on the United States on levels of trade between the United States and (a) the UK, (b) Great Britain and (c) Northern Ireland. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: As we've said previously, we champion free and open trade and will continue to work with our international partners to establish this.

We will continue to monitor any further developments, and we will always do what is in the national interest for our economy, businesses and the British people across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_193
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_193

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans his Department has to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: In their meeting on 27 February, the Prime Minister and President spoke about the fair, balanced and reciprocal economic relationship that the UK and the US enjoy. They agreed to deepen this relationship, and tasked their teams to work together on an economic deal focused on tech. We are in regular discussions with our US counterparts, and we will set out more details as conversations evolve.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_194
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_194

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to require regulators to help support businesses to meet their fiduciary responsibilities to (a) employees and (b) the environment. \p Justin Madders: Under Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, directors have a fiduciary duty to have regard in their decision-making to the interests of their employees and the impact of the company’s operations on the environment. Large companies must report annually on how they have fulfilled this duty and the audit and reporting regulator, the Financial Reporting Council, provides best practice guidance on Section 172 reporting.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_195
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_195

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of transparency of pre-pack administration procedures. \p Justin Madders: Transparency is embedded within the regulatory requirements for pre-pack administration procedures. The administrator must give creditors a detailed explanation of why the pre-pack sale was the best outcome. This report is filed at Companies House and is also sent to the administrator’s regulatory body for monitoring and compliance. The Government’s review of administrator pre-pack reports in 2023 concluded there is a high level of compliance with the transparency requirements.

The Government keeps these requirements under regular review.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_196
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_196

Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on support for small technological start-ups in Greater Manchester. \p Gareth Thomas: We work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to support the digital economy, and ensuring that the UK continues to be one of the best places in the world for our tech businesses to start, scale and stay.

All businesses including those in Manchester can access their Local Growth Hubs, Last year the Business Secretary also announced a new ‘Business Growth Service’ (BGS) which overtime will make it easier and quicker for businesses across the UK to get the help, support and advice they need to grow and thrive. Other programmes include the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and Enterprise Investment Scheme, which offer tax relief to individual investors in new companies and help companies raise money as they start to trade.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_197
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_197

Derek Twigg:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of the current shortfall in the (a) Army Reserve, (b) RAF Reserve, (c) Royal Navy Reserve and (d) Royal Marines Reserve. \p Al Carns: I am grateful for the contribution of our Reserve Forces who provide the UK with the ability to meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that it needs, in a cost-effective way.

The requested information is published in the Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics, the latest edition of which (1 January 2025) can be found at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2025/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-1-january-2025#future-reserves-2020-fr20-programme-monitoring
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_198
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_198

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many draft versions of the Strategic Defence Review he has received from Lord Robertson. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review is advanced as the Prime Minister has said. The Review, which will be published in the spring, will help set the path for Britain's defence for the next decade.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_199
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_199

Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will conduct an investigation of the potential national security threats posed by Chinese-made connected vehicles. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of defence assets and people very seriously, and has been working with other Government Departments to investigate any potential threats to national security and to ensure that policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicle, not just those made in China. Best practice guidance has been issued to staff clarifying appropriate behaviour for all drivers and passengers in vehicles to protect them from potential threats. The MOD is keeping this policy area under review.
wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_200
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-10 conversation_200

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on diversity and inclusion programmes relating to (a) employment, (b) pensions, (c) recruitment and (d) other matters since 4 July 2024. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) remains committed to making the step changes required to create a more inclusive Defence environment. We continue to work hard to broaden the diversity of our workforce through actively engaging with employees to attract the best talent, drive an inclusive culture at work, and better reflect the society we serve. The requested information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Information on spending can be found in the Department's annual report and accounts: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024