Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities supports communities across the UK to thrive, making them great places to live and work.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Michael Gove
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Plaid Cymru
Ben Lake (PC - Ceredigion)
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Housing, Communities & Local Government)

Liberal Democrat
Baroness Pinnock (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Levelling Up, Communities and Local Government)
Baroness Thornhill (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Housing)

Labour
Lord Khan of Burnley (Lab - Life peer)
Shadow Spokesperson (Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Liberal Democrat
Helen Morgan (LD - North Shropshire)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Levelling up, Housing and Communities)

Labour
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab - Life peer)
Shadow Spokesperson (Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Scottish National Party
Anum Qaisar (SNP - Airdrie and Shotts)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Levelling Up)

Labour
Angela Rayner (Lab - Ashton-under-Lyne)
Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, Communities & Local Government
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Labour
Matthew Pennycook (Lab - Greenwich and Woolwich)
Shadow Minister (Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Florence Eshalomi (Lab - Vauxhall)
Shadow Minister (Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Mike Amesbury (Lab - Weaver Vale)
Shadow Minister (Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Ministers of State
Lee Rowley (Con - North East Derbyshire)
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
Felicity Buchan (Con - Kensington)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
Jacob Young (Con - Redcar)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
Simon Hoare (Con - North Dorset)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
Baroness Penn (Con - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
Scheduled Event
Tuesday 12th December 2023
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
Orders and regulations - Main Chamber
Debate on the draft Representation of the People (Overseas Electors etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 and associated regret motion; Draft Representation of the People (Northern Ireland: Overseas Electors etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
View calendar
Scheduled Event
Wednesday 13th December 2023
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
Orders and regulations - Grand Committee
Draft York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2023
View calendar
Debates
Thursday 30th November 2023
Select Committee Docs
Friday 1st December 2023
00:01
Select Committee Inquiry
Monday 13th November 2023
Children, young people and the built environment

This inquiry is looking at how better planning and building and urban design in England could enhance the health and …

Written Answers
Monday 4th December 2023
No title given
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the impact …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 30th November 2023
Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2023
This Order primarily amends the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (“the GPDO”). The GPDO provides …
Bills
Monday 27th November 2023
Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill 2023-24
A Bill To Amend the rights of tenants under long residential leases to acquire the freeholds of their houses, to …

Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Oct. 16
Oral Questions
Sep. 14
Urgent Questions
Nov. 30
Written Statements
Nov. 29
Westminster Hall
Nov. 23
Adjournment Debate
View All Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament


A Bill to make provision to prevent public bodies from being influenced by political or moral disapproval of foreign states when taking certain economic decisions, subject to certain exceptions; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 80%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Wednesday 8th November 2023

A Bill to make provision for expenditure by the Secretary of State and the removal of restrictions in respect of certain land for or in connection with the construction of a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre.

Commons - 60%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Wednesday 8th November 2023

A Bill to make provision changing the law about rented homes, including provision abolishing fixed term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies; imposing obligations on landlords and others in relation to rented homes and temporary and supported accommodation; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 60%

Last Event - Committee Stage
Tuesday 28th November 2023
(Read Debate)

A Bill To Amend the rights of tenants under long residential leases to acquire the freeholds of their houses, to extend the leases of their houses or flats, and to collectively enfranchise or manage the buildings containing their flats, to give such tenants the right to reduce the rent payable under their leases to a peppercorn, to regulate charges and costs payable by residential tenants, to regulate residential estate management and to regulate rent charges.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 27th November 2023
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Monday 11th December 2023

Acts of Parliament created in the 2019 Parliament


A Bill to make provision for the setting of levelling-up missions and reporting on progress in delivering them; about local democracy; about town and country planning; about Community Infrastructure Levy; about the imposition of Infrastructure Levy; about environmental outcome reports for certain consents and plans; about regeneration; about the compulsory purchase of land; about information and records relating to land, the environment or heritage; for the provision for pavement licences to be permanent; about governance of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; about vagrancy and begging; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 26th October 2023 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision about non-domestic rating.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 26th October 2023 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision about the regulation of social housing; about the terms of approved schemes for the investigation of housing complaints; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 20th July 2023 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision about the safety of people in or about buildings and the standard of buildings, to amend the Architects Act 1997, and to amend provision about complaints made to a housing ombudsman.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 28th April 2022 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision about the administration and conduct of elections, including provision designed to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process; about overseas electors; about voting and candidacy rights of EU citizens; about the designation of a strategy and policy statement for the Electoral Commission; about the membership of the Speaker's Committee; about the Electoral Commission's functions in relation to criminal proceedings; about financial information to be provided by a political party on applying for registration; for preventing a person being registered as a political party and being a recognised non-party campaigner at the same time; about regulation of expenditure for political purposes; about disqualification of offenders for holding elective offices; about information to be included in electronic campaigning material; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 28th April 2022 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision about the rent payable under long leases of dwellings; and for connected purposes

This Bill received Royal Assent on 8th February 2022 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision about matters attributable to coronavirus that may not be taken account of in making certain determinations for the purposes of non-domestic rating; and to make provision in connection with the disqualification of directors of companies that are dissolved without becoming insolvent.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 15th December 2021 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to confer relief from non-domestic rates for hereditaments in England and Wales

This Bill received Royal Assent on 29th April 2021 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision to change the dates on which non-domestic rating lists must be compiled; and to change the dates by which proposed lists must be sent to billing authorities, the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 15th March 2021 and was enacted into law.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities - Secondary Legislation

This Order primarily amends the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (“the GPDO”). The GPDO provides for the granting of planning permission for certain classes of development without the requirement for a planning application to be made under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8). The classes of permission, together with their accompanying conditions, limitations and restrictions, are set out in Schedule 2 to the GPDO.
The Environment Act 2021 (c. 30) inserted section 90A and Schedule 7A into the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8) (biodiversity gain in England). This sets out that, subject to exceptions, every planning permission (for the development of land in England) is deemed to be granted subject to a new general condition. The condition requires a biodiversity gain plan to be submitted and approved by the planning authority before development can lawfully commence. The biodiversity gain plan should contain an assessment of the value of natural habitats before development and after development, and ensure that at least a 10% net gain is achieved between the earlier and later values.
View All Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Debates Contributed

Swifts have declined by over 50% in the UK. Adult swifts, known for site-fidelity, return to the same nests. We want swift bricks to be required in all new housing, to provide homes for these birds. Surveys show these are used by red-listed swifts, house martins, starlings and house sparrows.

During the coronavirus outbreak it is important that people have money for essentials such as utilities and food. The Government should require councils to suspend council tax payments, and directly fund local government operations, for the duration of the outbreak.

Mark Allen, aged 18, drowned after jumping into a freezing reservoir on a hot day in June 2018.

In May 2019 we watched whilst 3 throwlines were installed where he died.

Mark could have possibly been saved if they were in place beforehand.

View All Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee
Clive Betts Portrait
Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Chair since 27th January 2020
Mohammad Yasin Portrait
Mohammad Yasin (Labour - Bedford)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Mary Robinson Portrait
Mary Robinson (Conservative - Cheadle)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Ben Everitt Portrait
Ben Everitt (Conservative - Milton Keynes North)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Ian Byrne Portrait
Ian Byrne (Labour - Liverpool, West Derby)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Bob Blackman Portrait
Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Andrew Lewer Portrait
Andrew Lewer (Conservative - Northampton South)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 22nd February 2021
Kate Hollern Portrait
Kate Hollern (Labour - Blackburn)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 8th February 2022
Paul Holmes Portrait
Paul Holmes (Conservative - Eastleigh)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 25th October 2022
Natalie Elphicke Portrait
Natalie Elphicke (Conservative - Dover)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 25th October 2022
Nadia Whittome Portrait
Nadia Whittome (Labour - Nottingham East)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee Member since 29th November 2022
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee: Previous Inquiries
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Annual Report & Accounts 2019-20 Local government and the path to net zero Long-term delivery of social and affordable rented housing Progress on devolution in England Local Authorities and Commissioners inquiry Local Plans Expert Group recommendations inquiry Capacity in the homebuilding industry inquiry Public parks inquiry Adult social care inquiry Pre-appointment hearing: Chair of the Homes and Communities Agency Housing Ombudsman one-off evidence session Business rates inquiry Consultation on National Planning Policy inquiry Homelessness inquiry Pre-appointment hearing: Local Government Ombudsman Work of DCLG 2016 inquiry Homelessness Reduction Bill inquiry Work of DCLG Housing for older people inquiry Overview and scrutiny in local government Private Rented Sector inquiry Brexit and Local Government inquiry Housing need and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Business rates retention inquiry Department for Communities and Local Government Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17 Homelessness Reduction Act Independent review of building regulations Draft Tenant Fees Bill inquiry DCLG Annual Report and Accounts 2016 Integration Review one-off evidence session Housing for older people inquiry Overview and scrutiny in local government inquiry Government draft Public Service Ombudsman Bill inquiry Housing White Paper and business rates inquiry Land value capture inquiry Planning guidance on fracking inquiry Housing Ombudsman Pre-appointment Hearing inquiry MHCLG Housing priorities Integrated Communities Strategy Green Paper Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Property in Common Occupation) Bill inquiry High streets and town centres in 2030 inquiry Local authority support for Grenfell Tower survivors inquiry Priorities for the Secretary of State inquiry Leasehold reform inquiry Social Housing Green Paper inquiry Funding of local authorities’ children’s services inquiry MHCLG Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18 inquiry Modern Methods of Construction inquiry Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman review session inquiry Local Government Finance and the 2019 Spending Review inquiry Implications of the Waste Strategy for Local Authorities inquiry Homelessness Reduction Act - One Year On inquiry Work of the Secretary of State 2019 inquiry Progress on devolution in England inquiry Long-term delivery of social and affordable rented housing inquiry Litter Jay Report into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham Community Rights Operation of the National Planning Policy Framework Local Government finance settlement 2014/15 Local government chief officers' remuneration Devolution in England: the case for local government Building Regulations certification of domestic electrical work Further review of the work of the Local Government Ombudsman Housing and Planning Bill one-off evidence session DCLG Annual Report 2014-15 inquiry Financial Settlement one-off evidence session Interim Chair of the Homes and Communities Agency Board one-off evidence session The Government's Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill inquiry The housing association sector and the Right to Buy inquiry Planning and productivity one-off evidence session DCLG priorities in the 2015 Parliament one-off evidence session Local Council bank loans inquiry Performance of the DCLG 2013-14 Work of the Communities and Local Government Committee Appointment of the Housing Ombudsman Private Rented Sector Local Government Procurement High Streets and Town Centres Performance of the DCLG 2012-13 Regulation Committee of the Homes and Communities Agency Planning issues Abolition of regional spatial strategies Localism Audit and inspection of local authorities Regeneration National Planning Policy Framework Taking forward Community Budgets Performance of the Department 2011-12 Building Regulations Localisation issues in welfare reform Proposed Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity Local Government Ombudsman Mutual and co-operative approaches to delivering local services The role of local authorities in health issues The role of the Housing Ombudsman The Government’s Review of Planning Practice Guidance Greater London Authority Act 2007 and the London Assembly Park Homes Planning, housing and growth Councillors and the community Financing of new housing supply European Regional Development Fund Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Sustainable Communities Act 2007 Community Budgets Decentralisation and codifying the relationship between central and local government Work of the Department Impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on homelessness and the private rented sector Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill Reforming the Private Rented Sector Draft Strategy and Policy Statement for the Electoral Commission Funding for Levelling Up Electoral Registration Reforms to national planning policy The Spending Review and Local Government Finance Financial Reporting and Audit in Local Authorities The finances and sustainability of the social housing sector Shared Ownership Fire Safety Disabled people in the housing sector The Office for Local Government Local authorities in financial distress Children, young people and the built environment Cladding: progress on remediation Hazardous Substances (Planning) Common Framework Local Authority Financial Sustainability and the Section 114 Regime

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what plans his Department has for further devolution in England.

As the Chancellor set out at Autumn Statement, we remain committed to ensuring that every part of England that wants a devolution deal by 2030 will have one.

In addition to the four new devolution deals and deeper devolution offer announced last week, we have committed to consider whether level 2 powers and funding can be devolved to county councils that meet key criteria set out in the Levelling Up White Paper. We are also in advanced discussions with Devon and Torbay about a devolution deal there.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking to ensure that local authorities take relevant environmental requirements into account when considering new housing developments.

The National Planning Policy Framework is clear, local authorities should ensure that local planning policies and decisions, relating to all forms of development contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the impact of demand for temporary accommodation on the finances of local authorities.

Local authorities deliver vital homelessness services, and we recognise that the increasing demand for temporary accommodation places pressures on councils. That is why, taking the 2022/23 and 2023/24 Local Government Finance Settlements together, we have increased the funding available to local government in England in real terms.

In addition, we are providing over £1 billion to councils over three years through the Homelessness Prevention Grant. Autumn Statement announced a further £120 miilion of UK wide funding to help councils address Ukraine and homelessness pressures in 2024/25, and we are increasing the Local Housing Allowance to the 30th percentile of local rents from April.

The Government has allocated £450 million across two years to a third round of the Local Authority Housing Fund, which will help support Afghans on resettlement schemes and others in temporary housing need.

Felicity Buchan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
20th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government how many new homes have been created each year since 2005 for which figures are available; and what percentage of those had private gardens.

The department publishes an annual release entitled ‘Housing supply: net additional dwellings, England’, which is the primary and most comprehensive measure of housing supply, with estimates of new homes delivered, in each financial year shown in Table 1 below. This information is also readily available on gov.uk.

Table 1. Housing Supply Net Additional Dwellings, England, 2004-05 to 2021-221.

2004-05

185553

2005-06

202653

2006-07

214936

2007-08

223534

2008-09

182767

2009-10

144870

2010-11

137394

2011-12

134896

2012-13

124722

2013-14

136605

2014-15

170693

2015-16

189645

2016-17

217345

2017-18

222281

2018-19

241877

2019-20

242702

2020-21

211865

2021-22

232816

Source: Live Table 122,123 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-net-supply-of-housing

1 Net additional dwellings includes new builds but also dwellings supplied through conversions of existing buildings, change of existing buildings use, other gains/losses, offset by demolitions. The detail, with each component, is published in Live Table 123.

The Department does not hold figures on what percentage of those had private gardens.

Baroness Penn
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
20th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the third tranche of Levelling Up funding for Northern Ireland; and when that funding will be provided.

In Northern Ireland, the Government is not proceeding with this round of the Levelling Up Fund at this time. We will continue to work closely with projects and places in Northern Ireland that were awarded a total of £120 million in the first two rounds of the Fund and work with stakeholders on how best to level up communities in Northern Ireland.

Our priority remains seeing the restoration and return of a locally elected and accountable Executive, because that is what the people of Northern Ireland need and deserve.

Baroness Penn
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, pursuant to the Answer of 10 November 2023 to Question 1396 on Local Government: Standards and the Answer of 27 November 2023 to Question 2902 on Local Government: Contracts, on what basis his Department decided on the anticipated number of a minimum of six and maximum of 32 reviews.

As per document reference 2022/S 000-024515 for the provision of external assurance reviews, the estimation of the potential numbers of reviews that could be required was based on the number of external assurance reviews that were undertaken in previous years in response to requests for Exceptional Financial Support for the years 2020/21 and 2021/22. The Department has published details of that provided support and the associated reviews on Gov.uk.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
29th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, pursuant to the Answer of 29 November 2023 to Question 1496 on Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Incentives, what the equivalent figure for the value of non-cash vouchers awarded to junior staff working for his Department was as performance related bonuses in the year 2022-23.

Updates to the publication on paybill and NCPRP will be set out in the usual way.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how many times (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have met local authorities to discuss the operation and application of Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 since his appointment.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act introduces powers for the Government to create a new mandatory, non-negotiable Infrastructure Levy. This will reform the existing system of developer contributions, made up of negotiated Section 106 planning obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Ministers have and will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders as we prepare for these reforms. Ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on Gov.uk.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
29th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how many Section 21 notices have been issued in each month in 2023.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 183090 on 9 May 2023.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
29th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how many Section 21 notices have been issued in each of the last five years.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 183090 on 9 May 2023.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Technical paper on Level 4 devolution framework, published on 22 November 2023, whether his Department is commissioning any (a) gateway assessments with combined authorities, (b) learning exercises and (c) other evaluations of the existing (i) combined authority and (ii) devolution settlements in England.

The published Technical Paper on Level 4 Devolution available here sets out the Department is reviewing the Gateway Assessment process for institutions in receipt of Investment Funds. Further details will be set out in the usual way.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will take steps to restrict the sale of social housing for use as a second home.

Councils can make decisions to put covenants on properties sold through Right to Buy to prevent them being used as holiday lets, and in Designated Rural Areas homes can only be resold to a local person.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking to reduce homelessness in rural areas.

The Government understands there are housing needs that can be particular to rural areas and that homelessness in rural areas can present different challenges to cities.

Our cross-government strategy, ‘Ending Rough Sleeping for Good’, published in September 2022, sets out how we are investing £2 billion over three years to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, including over £530 million of Rough Sleeping Initiative 2022-25 funding to local authorities across England. Our funding programmes are based on an approach tailored to local need, providing local authorities with the flexibility to invest in tailored support and services to meet their local area needs.

At Autumn Statement 2023, the Government announced additional funding of £120 million to help councils address Ukraine and homelessness pressures in 2024/25. This will help local authorities deliver statutory duties through providing financial support for people to find a new home, working with landlords to prevent evictions, or providing temporary accommodation, including in rural communities.

Felicity Buchan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how many times (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have met housing developers to discuss the operation and application of Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 since his appointment.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act introduces powers for the Government to create a new mandatory, non-negotiable Infrastructure Levy. This will reform the existing system of developer contributions, made up of negotiated Section 106 planning obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Ministers have and will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders as we prepare for these reforms. Ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on Gov.uk.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
29th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will publish the number of (a) social, (b) affordable rent and (c) shared ownership affordable homes as a percentage of homes completed in mid Bedfordshire constituency in each of the last five years.

The numbers of new affordable homes, including social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership, are collected by local authority.

Data by local authority can be found in Live Tables 1006 to 1008 available here.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the supply of adapted housing for (a) adults and (b) children with disabilities in Mid Bedfordshire constituency.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer to Question UIN 193596 on 17 July 2023. Local data is not held centrally, but planning rules already mean that councils must consider the needs of older and disabled people when planning new homes.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
29th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, when he plans to respond to the letter of 14 November 2023 from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing of Liverpool City Council about homelessness in Liverpool.

A response to the letter was issued on 1 December 2023.

Felicity Buchan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of measures to help people without a guarantor access private rental tenancies.

The Renters (Reform) Bill will deliver the Government’s commitment to a fairer private rented sector – improving the system for responsible tenants and good faith landlords.

The Government strongly encourages landlords and letting agents to assess the suitability of potential tenants on an individual basis. To ensure a sustainable tenancy for both parties, landlords and letting agents may require a guarantor for a tenancy.

The Department recognises that providing a guarantor can be difficult for some. We would encourage prospective tenants to discuss their individual circumstances with the letting agent or landlord about alternative forms of reference that might be acceptable. Local authorities may offer rent deposit, bond and guarantee schemes to help people on low incomes or at risk of homelessness.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of further regulating the fines chargeable by parking companies operating on private land.

Following the introduction of the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, the Government is taking action to improve the regulation of the private parking industry and is developing a new code of practice to ensure the best possible protection for motorists and parking companies alike.

We are currently considering the impact of any changes to parking charges levels and debt recovery fees before a decision is made on the appropriate level.

In due course it is the Government’s intention to consult on these elements of the code, as such we have recently concluded a call for evidence to make sure the consultation on parking charges and debt recovery fees is as well informed as possible.

The Government is working with both industry and consumer representatives to ensure the code comes into effect as quickly as possible.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what recent estimate he has made of the acreage of farm land used for (a) housing development, (b) commercial development, (c) solar panels and (d) battery storage in each of the last five years.

Figures for 2019 onwards are derived using a revised methodology and are expressed as three-year totals. They are not directly comparable with figures for earlier years. Accordingly, the available information for the last three years for which figures are available for (a) and (b) is set out in the table below. Separate figures for (c) and (d) are not available.

Amount of land changing use (acres) (a)

Period (b)

Change of use:

Agriculture to residential

Agriculture to Industry and commerce

2019 to 2022 (c)

9,854

3,168

Source: DLUHC Land use change - hectarage statistics, (part of) Live Table P361 at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/land-use-change-hectarage-2019-to-2022

Notes:

(a) Figures are published in hectares and have been converted into acres for this table.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that commercial premises that are converted to residential use provide an adequate level of (a) affordable housing and (b) homes for social rent.

Commercial premises can be converted to residential use under permitted development rights. Under current guidance, contributions for affordable housing should not be sought for permitted development.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (the 2023 Act) introduces powers to create a new Infrastructure Levy which will reform the existing system of developer contributions in England. It will be possible for the Levy to capture land value uplift associated with permitted development, subject to provision that is made in regulations. Under our current proposals, the Infrastructure Levy will capture value uplift associated with the change of use of commercial buildings to residential use, whilst recognising the need to preserve the viability of brownfield development schemes. We are currently analysing responses to our recent technical consultation which sought views on this proposed approach.

If the Levy is charged on development it can be used to fund social housing within the meaning of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, and any other description of housing that Infrastructure Levy regulations may specify. This is set out in new section 204A(4) (in Schedule12 of the 2023 Act). This includes Social Rent homes and Affordable Rent homes.

Following the conclusion of the first two rounds of the Local Authority Housing Fund in 2024, an evaluation will be conducted which will include an assessment on the delivery routes that participating local authorities have taken.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Local Authority Housing Fund on the number of (a) commercial buildings that have been converted to residential use and (b) long-term empty homes that have been converted to affordable housing.

Commercial premises can be converted to residential use under permitted development rights. Under current guidance, contributions for affordable housing should not be sought for permitted development.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (the 2023 Act) introduces powers to create a new Infrastructure Levy which will reform the existing system of developer contributions in England. It will be possible for the Levy to capture land value uplift associated with permitted development, subject to provision that is made in regulations. Under our current proposals, the Infrastructure Levy will capture value uplift associated with the change of use of commercial buildings to residential use, whilst recognising the need to preserve the viability of brownfield development schemes. We are currently analysing responses to our recent technical consultation which sought views on this proposed approach.

If the Levy is charged on development it can be used to fund social housing within the meaning of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, and any other description of housing that Infrastructure Levy regulations may specify. This is set out in new section 204A(4) (in Schedule12 of the 2023 Act). This includes Social Rent homes and Affordable Rent homes.

Following the conclusion of the first two rounds of the Local Authority Housing Fund in 2024, an evaluation will be conducted which will include an assessment on the delivery routes that participating local authorities have taken.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November to Question 2903 on Levelling Up Fund, which projects which met or exceeded the 74.25 score threshold in England and Wales and 72.25 score threshold in Scotland were not selected due to the application of the relevant caps on projects by (a) local authority, (b) ITL1 region and (c) ITL2 region.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer I gave to Question UIN 2903 on 27th November 2023. The published methodology note sets out the robust process that was followed to select bids. In total, the methodology resulted in 55 projects provisionally selected for funding; no further bids were or added or removed by ministers.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to the mandatory national water standard of 125 litres per person per day for new homes, which local authorities have utilised the provision allowing 110 litres per person per day for new homes in water-stressed areas; and which body's authority is required for permission to be granted for that lower level of 110 litres to be used.

Under Building Regulations, requirements for water efficiency in new dwellings set maximum consumption rates of 125 litres per person per day. A more stringent optional technical standard for new dwellings sets a maximum consumption of 110 litres per person per day, which can be set out in local plans as a policy expectation (and secured by planning condition) where there is evidence this is needed. Data on the number of authorities which have utilised the provision allowing 110 litres per person per day for new homes in water-stressed areas is not held centrally. A variation, allowing the lower ceiling of 110l/p/d to be used, could be proposed by a Local Planning Authority as part of its local plan, which would then be tested during an Inspector’s examination of local plans. Local authorities can prosecute and fine a builder, installer and contractor for non-adherence to Building Regulations, at the point of delivery, including by removing the work or transferring it to the local authority.

The Government is aware of issues relating to the water efficiency standards required of new developments and the challenges posed to developers and local planning authorities. The Government has committed to a legally binding water demand target to reduce demand by 20% by 2038. Defra wrote to local authorities last year to encourage them to implement the optional technical standard of 110 litres per person per day and published ‘water positive’ guidance for developers that supports tighter efficiency. We are working with Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency to deliver commitments in the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 which include reviewing water efficiency, water reuse and drainage standards set out in Building Regulations and which will facilitate future housing delivery. We will consider a new standard for new homes in England of 105 litres per person per day and 100 litres per person per day where there is a clear local need, such as in areas of serious water stress.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to his Department's Written Statement entitled Planning Update, published on 25 March 2015, UIN HCWS488, whether it remains his Department's policy that local planning authorities should not set in their emerging Local Plans any additional technical standards or requirements relating to the construction, internal layout or performance of new dwellings.

Under Building Regulations, requirements for water efficiency in new dwellings set maximum consumption rates of 125 litres per person per day. A more stringent optional technical standard for new dwellings sets a maximum consumption of 110 litres per person per day, which can be set out in local plans as a policy expectation (and secured by planning condition) where there is evidence this is needed. Data on the number of authorities which have utilised the provision allowing 110 litres per person per day for new homes in water-stressed areas is not held centrally. A variation, allowing the lower ceiling of 110l/p/d to be used, could be proposed by a Local Planning Authority as part of its local plan, which would then be tested during an Inspector’s examination of local plans. Local authorities can prosecute and fine a builder, installer and contractor for non-adherence to Building Regulations, at the point of delivery, including by removing the work or transferring it to the local authority.

The Government is aware of issues relating to the water efficiency standards required of new developments and the challenges posed to developers and local planning authorities. The Government has committed to a legally binding water demand target to reduce demand by 20% by 2038. Defra wrote to local authorities last year to encourage them to implement the optional technical standard of 110 litres per person per day and published ‘water positive’ guidance for developers that supports tighter efficiency. We are working with Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency to deliver commitments in the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 which include reviewing water efficiency, water reuse and drainage standards set out in Building Regulations and which will facilitate future housing delivery. We will consider a new standard for new homes in England of 105 litres per person per day and 100 litres per person per day where there is a clear local need, such as in areas of serious water stress.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what guidance his Department provides on what (a) enforcement and (b) monitoring powers local authorities hold when they require target water utilisation rates to be met for properties that are retrofitted.

Under Building Regulations, requirements for water efficiency in new dwellings set maximum consumption rates of 125 litres per person per day. A more stringent optional technical standard for new dwellings sets a maximum consumption of 110 litres per person per day, which can be set out in local plans as a policy expectation (and secured by planning condition) where there is evidence this is needed. Data on the number of authorities which have utilised the provision allowing 110 litres per person per day for new homes in water-stressed areas is not held centrally. A variation, allowing the lower ceiling of 110l/p/d to be used, could be proposed by a Local Planning Authority as part of its local plan, which would then be tested during an Inspector’s examination of local plans. Local authorities can prosecute and fine a builder, installer and contractor for non-adherence to Building Regulations, at the point of delivery, including by removing the work or transferring it to the local authority.

The Government is aware of issues relating to the water efficiency standards required of new developments and the challenges posed to developers and local planning authorities. The Government has committed to a legally binding water demand target to reduce demand by 20% by 2038. Defra wrote to local authorities last year to encourage them to implement the optional technical standard of 110 litres per person per day and published ‘water positive’ guidance for developers that supports tighter efficiency. We are working with Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency to deliver commitments in the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 which include reviewing water efficiency, water reuse and drainage standards set out in Building Regulations and which will facilitate future housing delivery. We will consider a new standard for new homes in England of 105 litres per person per day and 100 litres per person per day where there is a clear local need, such as in areas of serious water stress.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
23rd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of (a) inflation and (b) trends in the level of energy costs on services delivered by local authorities.

The Government use a range of forecasts and indices to estimate demographic and unit cost pressures facing local government when determining the additional resource required to fund the expenditure needs of local authorities. We ensure the assumptions underlying our modelling are robust by holding in-depth financial conversations with local authorities and regular conversations with treasurer societies.

As a demonstration of Governments recognition of the additional pressures facing councils in 2023/24, the final Local Government Finance Settlement made available up to £59.7 billion for local government in England, an increase in Core Spending Power of up to £5.1 billion or 9.4% in cash terms on 2022/23.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what information his Department holds on the amount of money local authorities spent on employing political assistants in the financial years (a) 2020-21, (b) 2021-22 and (c) 2022-23.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Simplification Pathfinder Pilot: technical guidance, published on 31 July 2023, when he plans to implement the funding simplification doctrine.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will have discussions with housing developers on (a) the use of hedgehog-friendly fencing with new-build housing and (b) other potential steps to support hedgehogs in the design of new-build housing.

The Government strongly welcomes any action by individual developers who wish to provide facilities for hedgehog highways, and the benefits are set out in the Planning Practice Guidance on the Natural Environment.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
20th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what processes are in place for counting and identifying instances of rural homelessness.

The Government understands rural homelessness presents unique challenges which can differ from urban areas.

We support local areas to put in place robust measures to identify people sleeping rough. This includes collecting monthly management information, alongside the official annual rough sleeping snapshot statistics, which support local authorities to understand better how people experience rough sleeping in their areas so they can design tailored local services.

Homeless Link have been funded by DLUHC since 2010 to provide guidance to local authorities who conduct the snapshot and independently verify all local authorities’ snapshots. This includes advice about how areas should take different approaches depending on the characteristics of their area.

Baroness Penn
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
23rd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using long-term empty properties to provide affordable homes in the North West.

Local authorities already have powers and strong incentives to tackle empty homes. Through the New Homes Bonus, they receive the same level of reward for bringing an empty home back into use as building a new one.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps his Department is taking to help first-time home buyers with their deposits.

This Government is committed to making homeownership a reality for as many households as possible.

We operate a range of schemes to support first-time buyers in purchasing properties, including First Homes, Shared Ownership, Right to Buy and the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. Over 860,000 households have been helped to purchase a home since spring 2010 through Government-backed schemes. The Government also helps first-time buyers to save for a deposit through the Lifetime ISA.

We have also increased the level at which first-time buyers start paying Stamp Duty from £300,000 to £425,000. First-time buyers will be able to access the relief on property purchases up to £625,000, compared to £500,000 previously. This will apply until end March 2025.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps his Department is taking to help home buyers purchase properties in areas of above average house price growth.

This Government is committed to making homeownership a reality for as many households as possible.

We operate a range of schemes to support first-time buyers in purchasing properties, including First Homes, Shared Ownership, Right to Buy and the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. Over 860,000 households have been helped to purchase a home since spring 2010 through Government-backed schemes. The Government also helps first-time buyers to save for a deposit through the Lifetime ISA.

We have also increased the level at which first-time buyers start paying Stamp Duty from £300,000 to £425,000. First-time buyers will be able to access the relief on property purchases up to £625,000, compared to £500,000 previously. This will apply until end March 2025.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an estimate of the potential impact of granting planning permission to the MSG Sphere in Stratford on economic growth in (a) east London and (b) the UK.

Because of the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in the planning system, I cannot comment about the merits of this particular planning application.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
24th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which spending programmes their Department devolves for administration to (a) local government in England and (b) other local spending bodies; and what the budget is of each such programme for each year for which budgets are agreed.

Further to the announcement made at the Autumn Statement, the Government has confirmed that trailblazer devolution deals in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will introduce a single department-style funding settlement at the next Spending Review.

Details of major funding programmes, including those administered by local government or other local bodies, are available on Gov.uk.

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
15th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote affordable housing and appropriate support services to prevent a rise in homelessness.

The provision of affordable housing is part of the Government's plan to build more homes and provide aspiring homeowners with a step onto the housing ladder.

Our £11.5 billion Affordable Homes Programme will deliver thousands of affordable homes for both rent and to buy right across the country and the Levelling Up White Paper committed to increasing the supply of social rented homes and a large number of the new homes delivered through our Affordable Homes Programme will be for social rent.

We are providing over £1 billion over three years through the Homelessness Prevention Grant, including a £109 million top up this year, to support local authorities to deliver their statutory duties. This funding can be used flexibly – for example, to offer financial support for people to find a new home or to work with landlords to prevent evictions, among other preventative measures, or to provide temporary accommodation where needed.

Baroness Penn
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
23rd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the (a) Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme, (b) Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme and (c) Local Authority Housing Fund.

DLUHC have just awarded a three-year contract to the Centre for Homelessness Impact to evaluate the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping system, including accommodation programmes such as the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme.

As of October 2023, our Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme had delivered over 5,300 homes for rough sleepers across England. We remain confident that the overall target of 6,000 homes will be achieved.

The £200 million Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme was announced in September 2022 aiming to deliver homes for adults experiencing severe multiple disadvantage and specialist accommodation for young people (under 25) who are at risk of, or already experiencing, rough sleeping in the areas of highest need.

Following the conclusion of the first two rounds of the Local Authority Housing Fund in 2024, DLUHC will conduct an evaluation of the fund.

Felicity Buchan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
21st Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how many veterans are reporting as homeless.

DLUHC publishes statutory homelessness statistics for England which is available at - Homelessness statistics. The most recent statistics (January to March 2023) shows 560 (0.7%) households owed a homelessness duty included a member with a support need due to service in HM Forces. Homelessness statistics for the next quarter (April to June 2023) will be published on 30 November. The Government is providing £33 million over the next 3 years to increase the service provided to veterans, which includes £20 million for the Veteran Housing Capital Fund which will be used to modernise, rebuild and expand our veteran housing network. This is in addition to £8.55 million funding announced last year for more than 900 veteran supported housing units with specialist help for former armed forces personnel.

Felicity Buchan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
21st Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how many veterans were reported as being homeless in each year since 2010.

DLUHC publishes statutory homelessness statistics for England which is available at - Homelessness statistics. The most recent statistics (January to March 2023) shows 560 (0.7%) households owed a homelessness duty included a member with a support need due to service in HM Forces. Homelessness statistics for the next quarter (April to June 2023) will be published on 30 November. The Government is providing £33 million over the next 3 years to increase the service provided to veterans, which includes £20 million for the Veteran Housing Capital Fund which will be used to modernise, rebuild and expand our veteran housing network. This is in addition to £8.55 million funding announced last year for more than 900 veteran supported housing units with specialist help for former armed forces personnel.

Felicity Buchan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
21st Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what estimate his Department has made of the number of veterans who were homeless in each month in 2023.

DLUHC publishes statutory homelessness statistics for England which is available at - Homelessness statistics. The most recent statistics (January to March 2023) shows 560 (0.7%) households owed a homelessness duty included a member with a support need due to service in HM Forces. Homelessness statistics for the next quarter (April to June 2023) will be published on 30 November. The Government is providing £33 million over the next 3 years to increase the service provided to veterans, which includes £20 million for the Veteran Housing Capital Fund which will be used to modernise, rebuild and expand our veteran housing network. This is in addition to £8.55 million funding announced last year for more than 900 veteran supported housing units with specialist help for former armed forces personnel.

Felicity Buchan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will have discussions with local authorities on establishing community hubs with the aim of helping to tackle (a) poverty and (b) social isolation in (i) Romford and (ii) England.

The Government recognises how community hubs, run by local authorities, charities and voluntary and community organisations play an important role in helping to deliver local services on which communities rely.

Local councils play an essential role in the fabric of our country and are best placed to understand local funding priorities. The flexibility to make funding decisions at a local level is often why these services are so effective.

In recognition of this most of the funding made available through the Local Government Finance Settlement, worth £59.7 billion in 2023-24, is un-ringfenced in recognition of local authorities being best placed to understand local priorities.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
20th Nov 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the empty homes premium since its introduction in 2013, with reference to the Local Government Association’s findings of 13 November that empty homes in England have risen by nearly 10 per cent in the past five years.

The judgement on whether to apply the empty homes premium, and the level of premium, rests with local councils. Through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, the Government has provided further flexibility to councils by enabling councils to apply a premium after a property has been empty for twelve months, rather than the current two years.

Baroness Penn
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
21st Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking to tackle (a) antisemitism and (b) Islamophobia.

As set out previously, antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred are abhorrent and have no place in our community. No one should be a victim of hatred because of who they are. Since the appalling terrorist attacks of 7 October in Israel we have seen a sharp increase in reported antisemitic incidents here in the UK. We have also seen a rise in anti-Muslim hatred and other racist and religiously motivated incidents.

The Government has announced an additional £3 million for the CST to provide additional security at Jewish schools, synagogues and other sites. Tell MAMA are our key partner working to monitor and support victims of anti-Muslim hatred and we have allocated over £6 million since 2012.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
21st Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps his Department is taking to help support households to buy their (a) council and (b) housing association homes in areas with high property costs.

The Government is strongly supportive of helping people to own their own homes, those who rent their homes and those who wish to buy them, and remains committed to the Right to Buy, which has helped over 2 million social housing tenants to become homeowners.

The maximum Right to Buy discounts were raised in 2012 and increase each year in line with CPI. This annual increase in the discount assists tenants, including those in areas with high property costs, to purchase their homes, which has resulted in over 155,000 since this reinvigoration.

The Right to Buy discount also specifically recognises the higher property prices in London where the maximum available discount is £127,900 compared with £96,000 in the rest of England.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to enable local authorities to hold elections using the single transferable voting system.

Government has not made any such assessment. The Government was elected on a manifesto which included a commitment to continue to support the First Past the Post voting system.

The Government believes that the First Past the Post system is a robust and secure way of electing representatives, that is well understood by voters, and provides for strong and clear local accountability. It ensures a clear link between elected representatives and constituents in a manner that other voting systems may not.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
21st Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to the Central Digital & Data Office's guidance entitled, Guidance on the Legacy IT Risk Assessment Framework, published 29 September 2023, how many red-rated IT systems are used by his Department as of 21 November 2023.

There are no IT systems used by the department that would fall into the category of Legacy IT under the Legacy IT Risk Assessment Framework.

The department does not operate infrastructure from prior to 2013.

The department does not hold information relating to legacy IT infrastructure for each year since 2010 centrally.

Further details of government expenditure are published regularly.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
21st Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what is the annual cost to the public purse of his Department's expenditure on (a) IT infrastructure, (b) IT infrastructure purchased prior to 2013 and (c) legacy IT infrastructure for each year since 2010.

There are no IT systems used by the department that would fall into the category of Legacy IT under the Legacy IT Risk Assessment Framework.

The department does not operate infrastructure from prior to 2013.

The department does not hold information relating to legacy IT infrastructure for each year since 2010 centrally.

Further details of government expenditure are published regularly.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
13th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, pursuant to the Answer of 13 November to Question 114 on Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Incentives, where in his Department's 2021-22 publication of data on non-consolidated performance related pay is the value of non-cash vouchers awarded to staff specified.

Further to the publication set out here, non-cash payments are captured as part of overall spend on non-consolidated performance related payments. The value of non-cash vouchers awarded to junior staff working for the Department as performance related bonuses in the year 2021-22 was £111,870. This was well within the Department’s approved non-consolidated performance pay pot of 0.65% and in-line with Civil Service pay remit guidance and best practice established by Cabinet Office HR.

Simon Hoare
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)