Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

National planning policy is clear about the importance of ensuring that new development can be integrated effectively with existing businesses and community facilities.

The ‘agent of change’ principle in the National Planning Policy Framework applies to all forms of existing businesses and community facilities that could be adversely affected by new development in their vicinity and requires the applicant to provide suitable mitigation if development is to be allowed.

Planning Policy Guidance on noise advises how planning can manage potential noise impacts in new developments. Further guidance on noise and statutory nuisance is published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Home Office.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 18874 on 17 December 2024

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 28369 on 13 February 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 22643 on 27 January 2025

The measure of productivity of HM Land Registry, to which the previous answer referred, is based primarily on the subset of applications to HMLR which request a change to the register, and require manual processing by a caseworker, weighted by their relative complexity, and divided by the number of caseworkers deployed to the task. From 2023 to 2024, a period throughout which hybrid working has been in place, HMLR’s productivity increased by 7.1% During this period, the processing time for the oldest, most complex cases was also reduced by over six months.

We recognise the value that close relationships between Local Resilience Forums and elected politicians can bring and we encourage all Local Resilience Forums to engage with their elected representatives when preparing for risks and during response and recovery.

Through the Government’s programme to strengthen Local Resilience Forums, Local Resilience Forums will test new models for local governance and accountability to elected leaders. They will also explore the opportunities for resilience from devolving powers to Strategic Authorities.

The Department takes its duties as set out in the Equality Act 2010 very seriously, and has due regard to the Act when taking decisions throughout the policymaking process.

The government sought views, as part of the provisional local government finance settlement 2025-26, on the impact of the Settlement proposals on persons who share a protected characteristic. A summary of the government's response to the consultation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-provisional-local-government-finance-settlement-2025-to-2026/outcome/provisional-local-government-finance-settlement-2025-to-2026-consultation-summary-of-responses#impacts-of-these-proposals.

We also asked for views in our consultation on local authority funding reform regarding the impact of the proposals on protected characteristics. The government will publish a response to this consultation late Spring 2025.

The government does not routinely publish details of meetings between officials and external organisations or place copies of such meeting records in the Library.

The government intend to publish a long-term housing strategy later this year.

The government has no plans to require landlords to hold buildings insurance for properties owned outright. Building owners are responsible for ensuring that buildings have appropriate buildings insurance in place.

Annexe B.13 of the Planning Inspectorate’s ‘Called-in planning applications: procedural guide’ explains the approach taken to representations submitted after the deadline. It can be found on gov.uk here.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 24890 on 29 January 2025.

Paragraph 4.2.2 relates to the recovery grant and wider plans to reform funding to local authorities, not Strategic Authorities.

Strategic Authorities receive their funding from a variety of sources and different government departments, reflecting their different responsibilities. Allocation methodologies for these funds vary depending on the aims of the funding.

To enable greater flexibility and local control, the most mature Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MCAs) are eligible to receive much of their devolved funding through a single Integrated Settlement. The integrated settlements represent a change to the process in which funding from central government is allocated to MCAs, rather than a change to the quantum that the MCAs receive.

The formulae are applied to relevant departmental budgets to provide Authorities with a share of funds in scope and seek to deliver the principle that MCAs are not worse off than had the Integrated Settlements not been in place.

There was no cost to the department as a result of the Deputy Prime Minister’s move to her official residence. Professional removal and cleaning services were hired and paid for personally by the Deputy Prime Minister. The Permanent Secretary is regularly engaged in discussions about support provided for the Deputy Prime Minister and the same was the case in this instance.

The Renters’ Rights Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on Tuesday 4 February. The Bill delivers the government’s manifesto commitment to overhaul the regulation of the private rented sector, including by abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

We want to see tenants benefit from these reforms as quickly as possible. We have therefore determined to introduce the new tenancy system for the private rented sector in one stage. Upon the commencement date, the new tenancy system will apply to all private tenancies – existing tenancies will become periodic, and any new tenancies will be governed by the new rules.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This can have a devastating impact on those affected. The Deputy Prime Minister is leading cross-government work to deliver the long-term solutions we need to get us back on track to ending all forms of homelessness. This includes chairing a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, bringing together ministers from across government to develop a long-term strategy.

As announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services has been increased by £233 million compared to last year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping. This brings total Homelessness spend to nearly £1 billion in 25/26, a record level of funding.

Homelessness legislation is clear that all temporary accommodation must be suitable, and local authorities should keep the suitability of accommodation under review. Where an individual feels that the council has applied their statutory duties incorrectly, they can take action in the courts or bring their concerns to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Guidance sets out that local authorities should avoid placing households out of their borough. However, in some areas where there is a limited supply of suitable accommodation it is sometimes necessary to place households in temporary accommodation outside of the local area. This should be as a last resort. If a local authority places a household into temporary accommodation in another local area, they are required by law to notify the local authority of any placement. We must build more homes in the areas where they are needed so we can reduce the need for out of area placements, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.

The Government is clear that, in the short-term, we must prioritise eliminating the worst forms of temporary accommodation such as families in Bed and Breakfast (B&B), other than in genuine emergencies. We have also launched Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots, backed by £5 million, to work with 20 local councils with the highest use of B&B accommodation for homeless families. This will support LAs to move families into more suitable accommodation.

In addition, the £1.2 billion Local Authority Housing Fund will provide capital funding directly to English councils and is expected to provide up to 7,000 homes by 2026. It will create a lasting asset for UK nationals by building a sustainable stock of affordable housing and better-quality temporary accommodation for local communities.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This can have a devastating impact on those affected. The Deputy Prime Minister is leading cross-government work to deliver the long-term solutions we need to get us back on track to ending all forms of homelessness. This includes chairing a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, bringing together ministers from across government to develop a long-term strategy.

As announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services has been increased by £233 million compared to last year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping. This brings total Homelessness spend to nearly £1 billion in 25/26, a record level of funding.

Homelessness legislation is clear that all temporary accommodation must be suitable, and local authorities should keep the suitability of accommodation under review. Where an individual feels that the council has applied their statutory duties incorrectly, they can take action in the courts or bring their concerns to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Guidance sets out that local authorities should avoid placing households out of their borough. However, in some areas where there is a limited supply of suitable accommodation it is sometimes necessary to place households in temporary accommodation outside of the local area. This should be as a last resort. If a local authority places a household into temporary accommodation in another local area, they are required by law to notify the local authority of any placement. We must build more homes in the areas where they are needed so we can reduce the need for out of area placements, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.

The Government is clear that, in the short-term, we must prioritise eliminating the worst forms of temporary accommodation such as families in Bed and Breakfast (B&B), other than in genuine emergencies. We have also launched Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots, backed by £5 million, to work with 20 local councils with the highest use of B&B accommodation for homeless families. This will support LAs to move families into more suitable accommodation.

In addition, the £1.2 billion Local Authority Housing Fund will provide capital funding directly to English councils and is expected to provide up to 7,000 homes by 2026. It will create a lasting asset for UK nationals by building a sustainable stock of affordable housing and better-quality temporary accommodation for local communities.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This can have a devastating impact on those affected. The Deputy Prime Minister is leading cross-government work to deliver the long-term solutions we need to get us back on track to ending all forms of homelessness. This includes chairing a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, bringing together ministers from across government to develop a long-term strategy.

As announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services has been increased by £233 million compared to last year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping. This brings total Homelessness spend to nearly £1 billion in 25/26, a record level of funding.

Homelessness legislation is clear that all temporary accommodation must be suitable, and local authorities should keep the suitability of accommodation under review. Where an individual feels that the council has applied their statutory duties incorrectly, they can take action in the courts or bring their concerns to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Guidance sets out that local authorities should avoid placing households out of their borough. However, in some areas where there is a limited supply of suitable accommodation it is sometimes necessary to place households in temporary accommodation outside of the local area. This should be as a last resort. If a local authority places a household into temporary accommodation in another local area, they are required by law to notify the local authority of any placement. We must build more homes in the areas where they are needed so we can reduce the need for out of area placements, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.

The Government is clear that, in the short-term, we must prioritise eliminating the worst forms of temporary accommodation such as families in Bed and Breakfast (B&B), other than in genuine emergencies. We have also launched Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots, backed by £5 million, to work with 20 local councils with the highest use of B&B accommodation for homeless families. This will support LAs to move families into more suitable accommodation.

In addition, the £1.2 billion Local Authority Housing Fund will provide capital funding directly to English councils and is expected to provide up to 7,000 homes by 2026. It will create a lasting asset for UK nationals by building a sustainable stock of affordable housing and better-quality temporary accommodation for local communities.

We are actively considering our approach to Islamophobia including any potential new definition. A new definition of Islamophobia must be given careful consideration, so it comprehensively covers multiple perspectives and considers potential implications for different communities and how it may affect the policing of non-crime hate incidents.

The Home Office has agreed that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), supported by the College of Policing, will conduct a review on the use and effectiveness of NCHIs. The review will cover when the police should record information that has not reached the criminal threshold, but which is still deemed necessary to monitor community tensions and keep the public safe, It will also take into account the fundamental right of freedom of expression and recent court ruling in this area. The Government welcomes this review and will work closely with the NPCC and the College as they develop their findings and any proposals on this issue.

As per its Terms of Reference which can be found on gov.uk here, the New Towns Taskforce will submit a final report in summer 2025.

The Secretary of State has not had discussions with these local authorities on the cancellation of local elections.

The Secretary of State has not had discussions with these local authorities on the cancellation of local elections.

The case for unitarisation in the English Devolution White Paper set out the opportunities available to areas for local government reorganisation. We will prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to citizens and communities above all other issues. Unitary councils bring lower and upper tier services together, creating opportunities for service transformation which can support improvements in delivery.

The potential impact of local government reorganisation on individual areas will be a matter for local councils to consider as they develop their proposals for reorganisation. As set out in the published criteria for proposals, unitary structures must prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to citizens; proposals should show how new structures will improve local government and service delivery and should avoid unnecessary fragmentation of services.

The overall case for local government reorganisation is set out the English Devolution White Paper. New unitary councils must be the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.On the 5 February, I formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries.

The guidance provided with the letter sets out that: “As a guiding principle, new councils should aim for a population of 500,000 or more” and “There may be certain scenarios in which this 500,000 figure does not make sense for an area, including on devolution, and this rationale should be set out in a proposal”. It is for councils to develop and submit proposals that are in the best interests of the area.

I refer the hon Member to my statement made on 18 December 2024 (Official Report HC, Volume 759, Column, 47WS), which set out the government’s planned consultation on council tax billing.

On 29 November 2018, the Government banned the use of combustible materials in the external walls of new high-rise residential buildings over 18 metres in height. The ban also applies to new hospitals, residential care premises, dormitories in boarding schools, and student accommodation over 18 metres.

All building safety defects must be assessed and regulators must have the power to enforce where the risks identified are not quickly and appropriately addressed. The Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP), which was announced on 2 December 2024, is focused on addressing the immediate life safety fire risks associated with cladding.

The publication of the RAP announced targets around the pace of remediation in England for the first time, such that, by the end of 2029, all 18m+ buildings with unsafe cladding in a government funded scheme should be remediated, every 11m+ building with unsafe cladding will either have been remediated, have a date for completion, or its landlords liable for penalties.

The Government is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations.

MHCLG does not hold information on the ownership of private car parks, as this is private land not managed or overseen by Government.

We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations.

MHCLG does not hold information on the ownership of private car parks, as this is private land not managed or overseen by Government.

We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations.

MHCLG does not hold information on the ownership of private car parks, as this is private land not managed or overseen by Government.

We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations.

MHCLG does not hold information on the ownership of private car parks, as this is private land not managed or overseen by Government.

We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations.

MHCLG does not hold information on the ownership of private car parks, as this is private land not managed or overseen by Government.

We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations.

MHCLG does not hold information on the ownership of private car parks, as this is private land not managed or overseen by Government.

We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government is aware of the concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations.

MHCLG does not hold information on the ownership of private car parks, as this is private land not managed or overseen by Government.

We will announce our plans regarding the Government code in due course. In the meantime, however, I can confirm that we will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The law permits the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to release the contact details of the registered keeper of a vehicle where the requester can demonstrate “reasonable cause” for requesting that information, and where a parking operator is a member of a trade association and adheres to sector’s code of practice.

The disclosure of keeper details to private parking companies is subject to a range of safeguards to ensure the information is requested and used appropriately. We are exploring ways to give motorists the best protection and support and continue to engage with both consumer groups, two parking trade associations and DVLA.

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support 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. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

We will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support 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. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

We will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support 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. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

We will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is working with both consumer groups and the two parking trade associations to raise standards and deliver better protection and support 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. The Government will announce plans for the Code of Practice in due course.

We will consult and assess the impacts of any new measures before those are implemented.

The Government recognises the value of that parks and green spaces, especially within urban areas, provide vibrant and inclusive locations for communities to socialise, volunteer, work, and exercise. I commend Perry Bar for its impressive upkeep of Perry Barr Playing Fields, which achieved the renowned Green Flag Award in 2021 and 2022. This MHCLG-owned award scheme sets the national standard for parks and green spaces that are welcoming, safe, well-maintained and promote biodiversity and community participation.

MHCLG has established the Parks Working Group, which brings together sector experts with government officials to find innovative ways of managing parks, creating employment, hosting economic activities and encouraging inward investment. Finally, the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allows communities to designate land as Local Green Space, in order to protect green areas that are important to them.

This Government is committed to reducing and alleviating child poverty. The Deputy Prime Minister is a member of the ministerial Child Poverty Taskforce that has engaged extensively across regions and nations, recognising that tackling child poverty requires a national effort. As Chair of the Mayoral Council, the Deputy Prime Minister met with mayors in January, including the Mayor of the West Midlands, to discuss shared priorities for the strategy. Combined and local authorities are key partners in this effort, and we will continue to engage with them to ensure the strategy supports and enables shared solutions.

The Government does not hold data regarding the number of buildings below 11m and collectively-owned buildings constructed since 1992 with partial or no protection from costs arising from building safety defects under the Building Safety Act 2022.

However, the risk to life from historic fire safety defects is lower in buildings under 11m and so works are required in only a very small number of these buildings. In the rare cases where cladding remediation work is required, the Department has engaged the relevant developers and is having constructive conversations about funding these works so that leaseholders are not required to pay those costs.

The leaseholder protections on service charge and remediation costs do not apply in collectively-owned buildings where for example some or all the leaseholders have acquired the freehold.

However, leaseholders in these buildings, either individually or collectively, can pursue developers – and their associated companies – via a remediation contribution order, for funds they have spent or will spend remediating their buildings for relevant defects.

Please be assured that we are committed to reviewing how to better protect leaseholders from costs and to accelerate the pace of remediation across the country.

The Government is also unable to estimate or predict the number of residential leaseholders who may face forfeiture due to their inability to pay building safety costs, however, we are committed to removing the disproportionate and draconian threat of forfeiture as a means of ensuring compliance with a lease agreement.

The Government does not hold data regarding the number of buildings below 11m and collectively-owned buildings constructed since 1992 with partial or no protection from costs arising from building safety defects under the Building Safety Act 2022.

However, the risk to life from historic fire safety defects is lower in buildings under 11m and so works are required in only a very small number of these buildings. In the rare cases where cladding remediation work is required, the Department has engaged the relevant developers and is having constructive conversations about funding these works so that leaseholders are not required to pay those costs.

The leaseholder protections on service charge and remediation costs do not apply in collectively-owned buildings where for example some or all the leaseholders have acquired the freehold.

However, leaseholders in these buildings, either individually or collectively, can pursue developers – and their associated companies – via a remediation contribution order, for funds they have spent or will spend remediating their buildings for relevant defects.

Please be assured that we are committed to reviewing how to better protect leaseholders from costs and to accelerate the pace of remediation across the country.

The Government is also unable to estimate or predict the number of residential leaseholders who may face forfeiture due to their inability to pay building safety costs, however, we are committed to removing the disproportionate and draconian threat of forfeiture as a means of ensuring compliance with a lease agreement.

The Government does not hold data regarding the number of buildings below 11m and collectively-owned buildings constructed since 1992 with partial or no protection from costs arising from building safety defects under the Building Safety Act 2022.

However, the risk to life from historic fire safety defects is lower in buildings under 11m and so works are required in only a very small number of these buildings. In the rare cases where cladding remediation work is required, the Department has engaged the relevant developers and is having constructive conversations about funding these works so that leaseholders are not required to pay those costs.

The leaseholder protections on service charge and remediation costs do not apply in collectively-owned buildings where for example some or all the leaseholders have acquired the freehold.

However, leaseholders in these buildings, either individually or collectively, can pursue developers – and their associated companies – via a remediation contribution order, for funds they have spent or will spend remediating their buildings for relevant defects.

Please be assured that we are committed to reviewing how to better protect leaseholders from costs and to accelerate the pace of remediation across the country.

The Government is also unable to estimate or predict the number of residential leaseholders who may face forfeiture due to their inability to pay building safety costs, however, we are committed to removing the disproportionate and draconian threat of forfeiture as a means of ensuring compliance with a lease agreement.

My officials meet regularly with the two private parking trade associations and consumer groups and I am arranging to meet them in the near future.