Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 118044 on 10 March 2026.

The Government has set out, in its guidance, that it will carry out a new burdens assessment to ensure local authorities are fully funded for these costs.

The government expects precepting and billing authorities to work constructively and share data where this is appropriate. The government has not issued guidance to local authorities on accessing this information.

The government will respond to this Private Members Bill in the usual way.

The Government published its response to the consultation “Strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England” in November 2025. The response sets out the Government’s intention to introduce measures including a mandatory Code of Conduct for councillors and strengthened oversight of the local government standards regime.

We intend to legislate on local government standards reforms when parliamentary time allows.

The Government remains committed to the indicative timetable for local government reorganisation set out in July, with elections to the new councils scheduled for May 2027.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given Question UIN 105388 on 20 January 2026 which answered this question in full. This remains our current position.

We have considered the equalities impacts of the proposals and decisions in the multi-year Settlement across the period 2026-27 to 2028-29, including the council tax referendum policy decision for the six councils with no thresholds.

Councils are responsible for deciding the level of their council tax and considering the inequalities impacts that may arise, including from additional flexibilities in referendum policy. Council tax increases may enable local authorities to provide better services, but may have a negative impact on any taxpayer struggling to pay their bill. Councils have tools to mitigate the impact, including in relation to equalities, for example, through a council tax support scheme.

I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 111143 on 12 February 2026.

Pubs in the Greater London Authority area seeing significant changes in their business rates bill as a result of the revaluation will receive support through the £4.3 billion business rates package announced at the Budget. They will also be eligible to receive the 15% Pubs and Live Music Venues Relief in 2026/27 if they meet the eligibility criteria. Further information on this relief can be found here.

I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to my answer provided on 11 February to Question UIN 110405. Final council tax referendum principles were published as part of the final settlement and are available here.

Details of the MHCLG asylum accommodation programme have not yet been finalised and no prospectus has been provided to local authorities.

The MHCLG fund is distinct from Home Office-led reforms to the asylum estate.

Audit opinions and compliance with the statutory audit requirements are an important part of the Department’s holistic assessment of a local authority’s delivery of Best Value. The Best Value Notice issued to Tees Valley Combined Authority sets clear expectations for the authority to comply with its external auditor’s recommendations, including delivering sustained improvement in financial governance, capacity and use of resources.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority’s improvement board is independent and appointed by the authority. As part of the Best Value Notice, the Department engages regularly with the Board for updates and broader assurance that the necessary progress is being made. The Board also reports publicly on its findings to the combined authority’s Cabinet.

Through the Best Value Notice process, the Department has engaged extensively with the combined authority, its constituent authorities, government departments, the Independent Advisory Board and the external auditor to understand views and track progress against the Notice. The evidence provided by key local and national stakeholders remain a crucial part of the Best Value Notice process.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer given to Question UIN HL12535 (attached) on 10 December 2025 and to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HLWS1278) (attached).

Finance arrangements are considered as part of the Department’s holistic assessment of a local authority’s delivery of Best Value, as set out in the statutory guidance on Best Value standards and intervention. In making borrowing decisions, authorities must comply with legislation and have regard to statutory guidance to ensure that all borrowing is prudent, affordable and sustainable, and in compliance with their Best Value Duty.

Under the current system, local authorities have wide freedoms to borrow and invest as they are best placed to determine their own capital strategies to meet the needs of local residents. Under statute, all borrowing is secured indifferently on the authority's revenues.

Whilst second homes and short-term lets can benefit local economies, the government appreciate that excessive concentrations in some areas of the country can impact the availability and affordability of homes, both to rent and buy.

That’s why we have abolished the furnished holiday lets tax regime, removing the incentive for landlords to prioritise short-term holiday lets over longer-term homes, and increased the higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax on additional dwellings to five percentage points above standard rates.

The Renters’ Rights Act also includes a provision to prevent landlords from evicting tenants simply to convert properties into holiday lets, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is progressing a national registration scheme for short-term lets.

On 26 January 2025, government introduced a moratorium on new statutory consultees within the TCPA planning system. This announcement is available on gov.uk here (attached).

On 18 November 2025, my Department published a consultation on reforms to the TCPA statutory consultee system, which asked for views on a proposed criteria for new statutory consultees and if the government should review the moratorium periodically to ensure it remains appropriate. This consultation closed on 13 January 2026 and can be found on gov.uk here (attached). No decision will be taken forward until responses to the consultation have been fully analysed and considered.

Planning Practice Guidance on the planning application process for battery energy storage systems includes guidance on engagement and consultation with relevant fire and rescue services as part of that process.

This guidance is available on gov.uk here (attached).

The business rates retention system was set up in 2013-14 and enables local authorities to retain a proportion of the increase in business rates income – or growth – in their local areas, above a baseline set according to individual level of need, on implementation.

For most local authorities, the proportion they retain is 50% across the local area, subject to a levy on that growth. Some authorities have arrangements meaning they retain a higher proportion of growth of up to 100%, and may pay no levy on this amount.

In 2026-27, the system was reset, meaning growth is redistributed between local authorities in line with need, as part of the Fair Funding Review 2.0, delivered through the local government finance settlement. From 2026-27, local authorities will continue to retain their proportion of new growth above their new baseline funding need, subject to a levy.

I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 107993 on 28 January 2026, and to Question UIN 113106 on 26 February 2026 on the specific interaction of business rates tax changes (the 2026 Revaluation, and the introduction of additional multipliers from 2026-27) on local authority income.

On 27 January 2026, the government published the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. The government is committed to enacting remaining Law Commission recommendations relating to leasehold enfranchisement and right to manage over the course of this Parliament.

The government has already made significant progress when it comes to commencing provisions in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. On 3 March 2025, the Right to Manage provisions (expanding access, reforming its costs, and voting rights) came into force.

On 4 July 2025, the government published a consultation, jointly with the Welsh Government, on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. The consultation included proposals to increase transparency over service charges and enhance access to redress through the relevant provisions in the Act. It also proposed new reforms the section 20 'major works' procedure. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here (attached). It closed on 26 September 2025, and we are analysing responses with a view to bringing the relevant measures into force as quickly as possible.

Local authorities are responsible for the administration of business rates, including decisions on the awarding of and eligibility for various reliefs. Guidance for local authorities on the administration of the pubs and live music venues relief 2026 to 2027 was published on 18 February 2026 and can be found on gov.uk here (attached). It is for local authorities to determine whether individual properties meet the definitions contained within the guidance to be eligible for the Pubs and Live Music Venues relief.

As set out in the local authority guidance, the government will fully reimburse billing authorities and major precepting authorities for their loss of income under the business rates retention scheme as a result of awarding the relief.

Local authorities are responsible for the administration of business rates, including decisions on the awarding of and eligibility for various reliefs. Guidance for local authorities on the administration of the pubs and live music venues relief 2026 to 2027 was published on 18 February 2026 and can be found on gov.uk here (attached). It is for local authorities to determine whether individual properties meet the definitions contained within the guidance to be eligible for the Pubs and Live Music Venues relief.

As set out in the local authority guidance, the government will fully reimburse billing authorities and major precepting authorities for their loss of income under the business rates retention scheme as a result of awarding the relief.

The Government currently has no plans to change the disqualification criteria for those standing for election for these offences but keeps the counter‑terrorism framework under constant review to ensure it is fit for purpose.

When parliamentary time allows, we are looking to introduce a Remediation Bill to ensure all residents have a route to remediation, including in circumstances when a court has appointed a section 24 manager to take on the duties of the landlord.

We propose to amend the Building Safety Act to include section 24 managers within the definition of Accountable Persons to make clear that this manager can also be responsible for building safety duties.

This will ensure that remediation funds can be provided to a court appointed manager, and they are able to progress remediation.

In response to the question of whether any staff in the Department work a four‑day week, we have interpreted this as referring to staff whose contractual hours are worked over four days per week.

On this basis, 241 headcount staff work part‑time hours (less than 1.0 FTE) arranged over four days.

Additionally there are 339 staff who work a five‑day week (1.0 FTE) over four extended days. These are staff on compressed hours arrangements on full pay.

These figures are provided on a headcount basis for active payroll staff at 31/01/2026.

Flexible working, including part‑time and compressed hours arrangements, is a positive and valuable element of the MHCLG employee offer when managed effectively and in line with business need. The Department supports flexible working where it enables delivery of business objectives while providing benefits to both the organisation and employees. Such arrangements can be particularly beneficial for staff with caring responsibilities, as well as those with health conditions. Supporting flexible working helps the Department to attract and retain a diverse and skilled workforce while enabling staff to achieve a better work‑life balance.

The six areas on the Devolution Priority Programme will receive both the Mayoral Capacity Fund and the Investment Fund, which is based on population, from MHCLG in 2026/27 and 2027/28, subject to the strategic authority being established where this has not already happened. Details of the allocations methodology for Mayoral Capacity Fund can be found in the Local Government Finance Settlement. Combined, these amounts rounded to the first decimal place are as follows:

As is standard practice in government policy making, officials undertook some limited and focused informal engagement with relevant stakeholders.

The government has no current plans to review or amend the overcrowding provisions as set out in Part X of the Housing Act 1985.

Crowding and space are assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and enforced under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004.

The government has committed to bring forward new regulations to bring the conclusions of the HHSRS review into force. The HHSRS is the cornerstone of housing standards, and the forthcoming regulations will make it more efficient and accessible for experts to use, and easier to understand for landlords and tenants.

The government has no current plans to review or amend the overcrowding provisions as set out in Part X of the Housing Act 1985.

Crowding and space are assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and enforced under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004.

The government has committed to bring forward new regulations to bring the conclusions of the HHSRS review into force. The HHSRS is the cornerstone of housing standards, and the forthcoming regulations will make it more efficient and accessible for experts to use, and easier to understand for landlords and tenants.

The government has no current plans to review or amend the overcrowding provisions as set out in Part X of the Housing Act 1985.

Crowding and space are assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and enforced under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004.

The government has committed to bring forward new regulations to bring the conclusions of the HHSRS review into force. The HHSRS is the cornerstone of housing standards, and the forthcoming regulations will make it more efficient and accessible for experts to use, and easier to understand for landlords and tenants.

Local Growth Plans are a key pillar of our regional growth agenda and every Mayoral Strategic Authority in England should develop and publish a Local Growth Plan. We intend to make this a statutory requirement through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

Foundation Strategic Authorities and Local Authorities in non-devolution areas have an important role to play in driving local growth. They may wish to read the guidance on developing a Local Growth Plan when considering next steps for greater devolution and their own economic plans. We encourage all authorities to set out a vision for growth in their area that can help to attract investment and drive growth; however, the government does not require this.

With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund concluding in 2026, the government is moving away from short-term, uncertain funding cycles and towards a clearer, more stable long-term funding approach through the Local Government Finance Settlement, complemented by targeted interventions to support growth and strengthen communities across the UK.

While government support for local growth is broader than any single funding stream, we recognise the challenges around local capacity and impact on organisations delivering UKSPF-funded services, including within the voluntary and community sectors. Government is continuing to work closely with local government and delivery partners to help manage this transition, including by extending the UKSPF expenditure deadline to 30 September 2026, to provide local authorities and partners with greater flexibility to maximise spend.

We understand that Shropshire is not currently a part of a devolution arrangement, but encourage expressions of interest for Foundational Strategic Authorities in line with the invitation issued on 12^th February (Areas for producing spatial development strategies - GOV.UK).

The Local Growth Fund has the scope to support economic growth in Northern Ireland through investment in a broad range of interventions including infrastructure, innovation, business support and skills MHCLG and the Northern Ireland Office are working with the Northern Ireland Executive to design and deliver the funding in Northern Ireland, ensuring that investment aligns with Northern Ireland’s priorities and delivers meaningful impact for local people.

The Government’s Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £5.8 billion over 10 years to 284 places, with each receiving up to £20 million in funding and support. This will serve as the cornerstone of this Government’s support for communities.

Eight neighbourhoods within Birmingham City Council’s area have been selected under Phase 2 of the Pride in Place Programme, each receiving up to £20 million over 10 years. The neighbourhoods are Hawkesley, Druids Heath, Glebe Farm, Kingstanding South East, Woodgate, Sparkbrook North, Fox Hollies and Nechells. In each area, a Neighbourhood Board made up of local residents will determine how this funding is spent, working with the local MP and Birmingham City Council to agree a Pride in Place Plan that reflects local priorities. Birmingham City Council will act as the accountable body for the funding.

Birmingham City Council has also been awarded £1.5 million through the Pride in Place Impact Fund over two years. In total, the Government has announced up to £161.5 million funding for Birmingham through the Pride in Place Programme and the Pride in Place Impact Fund. This investment will help build stronger communities, create thriving places, and enable residents to take back control of their neighbourhoods. Funding will support locally led Pride in Place plans shaped around local priorities, with each area guided by a Neighbourhood Board representing the local community to ensure that investment reflects local needs and ambitions. The Pride in Place Impact Fund will provide more immediate support over the next two years, helping to revitalise high streets and community spaces while visible improvements are delivered on the ground.

The English Devolution framework and legislation set out the powers and functions to be held by strategic authorities.

Where they exist, strategic authorities become the Local Transport Authority and exercise some public transport functions, including bus franchising and responsibility for developing and implementing an area-wide Local Transport Plan. Local Authorities remain the Highways Authority for their areas. Strategic authorities are also responsible for the core Adult Skills Fund. When a new strategic authority is created, they will be conferred with the relevant functions and funding. In some cases there is a transition period where functions are held concurrently between the SA and LAs for a period.

The devolution framework does not confer any social care powers on strategic authorities. Local authorities will retain responsibility for social care provision and the changes brought about by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will not alter this in any way.

From April 2026, the government is introducing two lower business rates multipliers for qualifying Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties (including pubs) with rateable values below £500,000. As a Special Authority, the City of London is able to levy an additional premium on top of the national multipliers. It is for the City of London to determine the additional levy.

In addition, the Greater London Authority is levying a business rate supplement of £0.02 on all properties with a rateable value of more than £92,000 from 1 April 2026, in relation to its contribution to the Crossrail project. More information on this and the city premium can be found on here: How your bill is calculated - City of London.

Pubs in the City of London will be eligible to receive the 15% Pubs and Live Music Venues Relief in 2026/27 if they meet the eligibility criteria. Further information on this relief can be found here: Business rates: Pubs and live music venues relief - GOV.UK Pubs in the City of London may also be eligible for other reliefs. Further information on business rates reliefs can be found on GOV.UK - Business rates relief: Types of business rates relief - GOV.UK.

Since July 2024, £608,970 has been spent with Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Ltd in connection with contracts that the Department had, and has, with the firm.

Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Ltd provides technical planning advice relating to a number of planning decisions to be taken by the government and has provided advice that supported the work of the New Towns independent Task Force.

My Department has received representations from a range of external stakeholders regarding the government’s leasehold and commonhold reform agenda. These have included representations from freeholders and trade bodies representing them.

Full reasons for the decision in question are set out in the Secretary of State’s decision letter which can be found on gov.uk here. The letter and associated Inspector’s Report must be read in their entirety.

Fire safety matters are addressed at paragraphs 100-102.

Ground rent is a payment set out in a lease with no clear service provided in return. It is legally distinct from service charges.

Service charges are financial contributions made by leaseholders towards the costs of the management and maintenance of their buildings.

Where they relate to a service, they must be reasonable. Leaseholders who wish to contest the reasonableness of their service charges can make an application to the First-tier Tribunal.

Subletting a property is subject to the conditions outlined in the tenancy agreement between the tenant and landlord, and the agreement between the sub-tenant and the main tenant.

Where disputes arise, established legal routes and access to the courts are available to provide appropriate remedies.

On 13 November 2025, the government published a roadmap for implementing the Renters' Rights Act, which can be found on gov.uk here.

In implementation Phase 2 from late 2026, we will introduce the national Private Rented Sector Database, providing tenants with more information about private landlords, and supporting local authorities to identify and take action against illegal subletting.

The final 2026-27 to 2028-29 Local Government Finance Settlement confirmed £740 million in new grant funding additional to the provisional Settlement, taking the total new grant funding delivered through the multi-year Settlement to over £4 billion. Local authority funding allocations across the three years can be found here: Core Spending Power table: final local government finance settlement 2026-27 to 2028-29 - GOV.UK.

The £740 million of additional funding is comprised of unallocated budgets for the Spending Review period and additional Exchequer funding. The Barnett formula applies to all increases or decreases to UK Government Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL).

The final 2026-27 to 2028-29 Local Government Finance Settlement confirmed £740 million in new grant funding additional to the provisional Settlement, taking the total new grant funding delivered through the multi-year Settlement to over £4 billion. Local authority funding allocations across the three years can be found here: Core Spending Power table: final local government finance settlement 2026-27 to 2028-29 - GOV.UK.

The £740 million of additional funding is comprised of unallocated budgets for the Spending Review period and additional Exchequer funding. The Barnett formula applies to all increases or decreases to UK Government Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL).

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 33286 on 3 March 2025.