The Committee is examining the Government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, and exploring progress on the wider programme of work around building and fire safety and remediation.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 31 July 2024 to Question 1176 on Park Homes: Sales, what her policy is on the longstanding concerns about the regulation of park home sites and the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The park homes sector is an important part of the housing market.

The government recognises that there are longstanding concerns about the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home.

We will set out plans in due course to seek further evidence from the sector on the rationale for the commission.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the target number of affordable homes provided through the 2021-26 Affordable Housing Programme is; and how many of those homes are (a) social rent, (b) affordable rent, (c) affordable home ownership, (d) supported housing and (e) rural housing across (i) England and (ii) London.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department published an update on targets in respect of the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme on 30 July 2024. It can be found on gov.uk here.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has shared targets for the programme in London. These can be found on gov.uk here.

Homes England set out their target for the programme outside of London in their annual report and accounts. This can be found on gov.uk here.

As set out in my answer to Question UIN 16935 on 16 December 2024, the government will continue to work with Homes England and the GLA to support them to deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and home-ownership, with a particular focus on delivering homes for Social Rent.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer given on 29 January 2025 to Question 21599 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Infrastructure, if she will list the (a) nine projects already determined, (b) the 12 projects due for decision and (c) the 15 projects yet to progress to decision stage; and set out any changes in their status.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

11 projects have now been decided in this parliamentary term, with Hinckley National Rail Freight Exchange being the most recent (decided on 10 March 2025). There are 9 projects due for decision and 16 projects at the Examination and Recommendation stage.

Information on applications for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and their decisions can be found on gov.uk here. This page includes information on projects already determined, projects due for decision and projects at an earlier stage in the application process.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a new national post of Chief Environmental Health Officer to provide leadership on enforcement.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has no plans to create a new post of National Chief Environmental Health Officer.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2025 to Question 23351 on Regulator of Social Housing: Translation Services, which document includes guidance to registered providers of social housing on supplying information in different languages.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 23351 on 21 January 2025 and the answer given to Question UIN 30140 on 18 February 2025.

I also refer the hon. Member to the Regulator of Social Housing’s Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, which can be found on gov.uk here and the consumer standards Code of Practice which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her Department’s timeframe is for making decisions on the future of the Midlands Engine.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Midlands Engine have undertaken a range of valuable work and have supported collaboration on shared growth opportunities.

The English Devolution White Paper published in December 2024 last year sets out our intention in future to support mayors in working together across boundaries.

We have now consulted on our minded to decision not to extend funding for the six pan-regional partnerships beyond the agreed allocations to the end of the 2024-25 financial year. We are currently considering the responses received, and we expect to announce our decision very soon.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of the potential impact of urban (a) trees and (b) woodland on (i) mental and (ii) physical health.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Woodlands and green spaces are an essential part of our local and social infrastructure. Research shows that regular visits to woodlands and green spaces have significant health benefits.

This Government is committed to improving the quality of, and access to urban green spaces. We are updating our flagship Green Flag Award standard for parks and green spaces to make it fit for modern parks. Furthermore, Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework sets out the Urban Tree Canopy Standard, providing important guidance on the long-term maintenance of tree canopy and urban greening to support urban cooling.

We are also committed to increasing access to nature more widely, and have already set out several ambitious manifesto commitments to expand opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors, including the creation of nine new national river walks and three new national forests in England.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to make use of Legislative Reform Orders to deliver changes to primary legislation.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Ministers consider a range of legislative and non-legislative options to deliver the Government’s Plan for Change.

All legislation will be presented before Parliament to consider in the usual way.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she will issue guidance to local authorities to waive street party fees for celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 5 March 2025, Minister Peacock, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) wrote to all local authorities regarding the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day this year.

The letter asked councils to help their communities in their preparations for VE Day – including by making processes cost-free for residents, as well as by signposting and updating existing community activity guidance and being flexible when receiving applications for road closures for street parties.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the Renters' Rights Bill will place penalties on landlords who have been unable to sell their properties and want to re-rent.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Renters’ Rights Bill will introduce a new ground for possession for landlords who wish to sell their property. To prevent abuse of this ground, landlords will not be able to market or re-let their property for twelve months after using the selling ground. This will remove the financial incentive to landlords from misusing the grounds and evicting a tenant with the intention to re-let at a higher rent.

Once the legislation is in place, landlords could be given a fine of up to £40,000 by local councils if they market or re-let their properties within twelve months of using the moving and selling grounds. Tenants will also be able to seek Rent Repayment Orders for this offence. Tenants will be able toc challenge evictions in court if they believe the landlord is misusing the grounds. If this happens, the landlord will need demonstrate that their intention to sell or move in is genuine.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure national scale cavity nesting habitat is (a) preserved and (b) created to stabilise populations of red listed birds reliant on buildings to breed.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 22080 on 15 January 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2025,to Question 26561 on HM Land Registry: Buildings, how many Land Registry staff assigned to work in the Croydon office attended that office in person on average in December 2024.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

359 staff assigned to work in the Croydon office attended that office in person in December 2024. No adjustment has been made to attendance numbers to account for those on short term leave.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to support the celebration of Tamil culture.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Faith groups and diaspora communities, including the Tamil community, are a core part of our societal fabric in the UK. Their festivals bring vibrancy to our streets and their community spirit they foster brings joy and purpose to so many.

The Prime Minister was delighted to host an event in January to celebrate the festival of Thai Pongal with members of Britain’s Tamil community where he praised British Tamils for their invaluable contribution to life in this country.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the level of rent for people living in houseboats with permanent moorings.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

There is limited data available on the number of houseboats and whether these are owner-occupied or rented. While houseboats with permanent moorings may be in the postcode address file and therefore eligible for inclusion in the English Housing Survey, these cannot be separated out for reporting purposes due to very low numbers. As a result, such an assessment cannot be made.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 33161 on Fire and Rescue Services: Finance, what factors the funding formula uses to (a) determine and (b) distribute funding to fire and rescue services.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The majority of funding in the Local Government Finance Settlement, including funding for Fire and Rescue Authorities, is distributed through the Settlement Funding Assessment. This funding includes Revenue Support Grant and retained business rates.

The Settlement Funding Assessment uses a range of formulas to determine the relative funding need of areas, which when combined with a measure of tax base, determines their relative income. This includes the Fire and Rescue Formula, which consists of a basic allocation of funding per resident, with adjustments for coastline, population density and sparsity, deprivation, fire risk areas and community fire safety.

Further details on the current funding methodology can be found online, within the ‘Calculation of 2013/14 Formula Funding’ page, linked here.

The government is committed to introducing an improved and updated approach to funding local authorities, including Fire and Rescue Authorities, from 2026-27. We sought views on our principles and objectives for funding reform through a consultation which ran from 18 December 2024 - 12 February 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 33161 on Fire and Rescue Services: Finance, how retained business rates are used to fund fire and rescue services.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The majority of funding in the Local Government Finance Settlement, including funding for Fire and Rescue Authorities, is distributed through the Settlement Funding Assessment. This funding includes Revenue Support Grant and retained business rates.

The Settlement Funding Assessment uses a range of formulas to determine the relative funding need of areas, which when combined with a measure of tax base, determines their relative income. This includes the Fire and Rescue Formula, which consists of a basic allocation of funding per resident, with adjustments for coastline, population density and sparsity, deprivation, fire risk areas and community fire safety.

Further details on the current funding methodology can be found online, within the ‘Calculation of 2013/14 Formula Funding’ page, linked here.

The government is committed to introducing an improved and updated approach to funding local authorities, including Fire and Rescue Authorities, from 2026-27. We sought views on our principles and objectives for funding reform through a consultation which ran from 18 December 2024 - 12 February 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reason the invitation to restructure letter to Surrey has a deadline of May.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Given the urgency of creating sustainable unitary local government for Surrey, the decision was taken to work with local leaders in Surrey to facilitate reorganisation to the most ambitious timeframe possible. This will also enable Surrey to benefit from devolution as quickly as possible once new unitary local government is in place.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure effective (a) monitoring and (b) tackling of Islamophobia.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Islamophobia is completely abhorrent and has no place in our society. No one should ever be a victim of hatred because of their religion or belief, and we are determined to root it out.

On 28 February 2025, the Government announced the establishment of a new working group to provide government with a definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia, advising government and other bodies on how to best understand, quantify and define prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime targeted against Muslims. With levels of Islamophobia at a record high, this work will improve understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities, supporting wider and ongoing government-led efforts to tackle religiously motivated hate crime and foster cohesion.

We continue to work closely with police and community partners to ensure effective monitoring of Islamophobia. The Government has worked with the police to fund True Vision, an online hate crime reporting portal, designed so that victims of hate crime do not have to visit a police station to report. We have also made up to £1 million of funding available this year to monitor Islamophobia and provide support to victims.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to (a) increase awareness of fire risks for residents living near to Coryton Energy Park and (b) provide information to residents about what they can do to stay safe in the event of a fire.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Due to the role of MHCLG Ministers in the planning system it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific cases. For the same reason, Ministers do not actively engage communities in relation to specific development proposals.

The Health and Safety Executive regulates grid-scale batteries within a robust framework which requires industry to act at all stages of the battery’s deployment to ensure safety. Of particular relevance to fire safety, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (2002) set out requirements to protect workers and others from fire risks.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has conducted an impact assessment of the fire risk for residents living near Coryton Energy Park.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Due to the role of MHCLG Ministers in the planning system it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific cases. For the same reason, Ministers do not actively engage communities in relation to specific development proposals.

The Health and Safety Executive regulates grid-scale batteries within a robust framework which requires industry to act at all stages of the battery’s deployment to ensure safety. Of particular relevance to fire safety, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (2002) set out requirements to protect workers and others from fire risks.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the resources local authority enforcement teams (a) currently have and (b) will need to implement the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to Question UIN 32068 on 5 March 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions she has had with local authorities on improving the collection of fines issued to rogue landlords; and if she will bring forward legislative proposals to devolve more powers to local authorities to help enforce the collection of such fines.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

My Department engages regularly with local authorities and other stakeholders on how enforcement against rogue landlords in the private rented sector might be strengthened. Local authorities have a range of tools they can use to support the collection of unpaid fines imposed on rogue landlords, including charging orders and bankruptcy proceedings. The Department will continue to engage with local authorities and consider how best practice can be shared as part of supporting the effective implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing mandatory annual reporting by councils on enforcement activity to ensure transparency and accountability.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department recognises the importance of good quality data on enforcement in the Private Rented Sector to support good decision making at both national and local level, and the monitoring and evaluation of Renters’ Rights Bill implementation.

The Bill places a new duty on local authorities to report to the Secretary of State on their activities under the legislation. We expect to start formally collecting data from local authorities on enforcement activity in the 2026/27 financial year.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to prevent duplication between the planned landlord database and local licensing schemes to reduce inefficiencies.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Private Rented Sector Database will operate alongside selective licensing to drive improvement in standards in the private rented sector, not as a replacement for these schemes.

We will continue to review the use of selective licensing as we implement the Private Rented Sector Database, including how data may be shared to improve efficiency.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, whether she plans to transfer powers from Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners to Mayors before the expiry of the terms of office of those Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out in the English Devolution White Paper, the government’s ambition is that where mayoral geographies align with police force and fire and rescue geographies, Mayors will be, by default, responsible for exercising Police and Crime Commissioner and Fire and Rescue Authority functions. This will include where new Mayoral Combined Authorities are created.

The timing of the transfer of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner functions, and therefore plans for future elections, will be determined in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of unfurnished homes on (a) prison leavers, (b) people escaping domestic violence and abuse and (c) people that cannot afford to furnish a home.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department does not collect data on the number of households living without essential furniture.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide appropriate support in safe accommodation for domestic abuse victims who need to flee their homes.

Emergency domestic abuse safe accommodation is furnished, and sources of financial support to furnish safe longer-term housing exist if needed.

The Accommodation for Ex-Offenders scheme launched in July 2021 assists ex-offenders to access the private rented sector, focusing on supporting them into sustainable accommodation with an expected tenancy of 12 months.

All others in need can apply for help in securing essential furniture from their local authority through the ‘Household Support Fund’ and other local services. The social security system includes provision to help eligible people with intermittent furniture expenses that may be difficult to budget for.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Statement of 12 February 2025 on Further support for social and affordable housebuilding and next steps on supported housing, HCWS447, if she will list the (a) tenure types and (b) estimated average grant subsidy per unit of the 2,800 homes.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 12 February 2025, the government announced the allocation of a further £300 million to the Affordable Homes Programme. This will support the near-term delivery of more social and affordable housing, delivering up to 2,800 new homes with more than half being Social Rent homes.

As set out in my answer to Question UIN 16935 on 16 December 2024, the government will continue to work with Homes England and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to support them to deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and home-ownership, with a particular focus on delivering homes for Social Rent.

While this funding remains open to bidding the average grant rates per home are commercially sensitive. The final grant rate and mix of tenure types will also depend on the bids received, and assessment of them, by Homes England and the GLA, including assessing deliverability and value for money.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 10 February 2025 to Question 27158 on Planning Permission, for what reason planning powers are being transferred to a sub-regional level.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government intends to implement strategic planning at a sub-regional level through the production of Spatial Development Strategies to facilitate effective cross-boundary working to address development and infrastructure needs.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department is taking steps to increase densification of developments and housing on brownfield land in inner cities.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 broadened the definition of brownfield land, set a strengthened expectation that applications on brownfield land will be approved, and made clear that plans should promote an uplift in density in urban areas.

On 22 September 2024, the government also published a ‘brownfield passport’ working paper inviting views on how we might further prioritise and fast-track building on previously used urban land. This included exploring the role of national policy in setting minimum density expectations for certain types of locations, to support intensification in the right places. The deadline for providing responses to the working paper was Friday 28 February and the government is analysing the feedback.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will include the Land Use Framework to support (a) nature recovery and (b) net zero objectives.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government is currently consulting on the Land Use Framework. It will not be implemented through the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to make Almshouses eligible for the right to buy scheme.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Almshouses are exempt from the Right to Buy scheme and the government has no plans to alter that fact.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the level of (a) training, (b) standards and (c) pay required for (i) staff and (ii) clerks following local government restructuring.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

There has been no assessment made of the level of: (a) training, (b) standards and (c) pay required for (i) staff and (ii) clerks following local government restructuring. Local authorities are independent employers, responsible for the management and organisation of their own workforces, including training, management and pay, and all reorganisation proposals must be led and implemented by individual councils concerned.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, CP 1218, December 2024, whether she plans to transfer the powers of current (a) Police and Crime and (b) Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners to new Mayoral Combined Authorities in the areas where they are being created.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out in the English Devolution White Paper, the government’s ambition is that where mayoral geographies align with police force and fire and rescue geographies, Mayors will be, by default, responsible for exercising Police and Crime Commissioner and Fire and Rescue Authority functions. This will include where new Mayoral Combined Authorities are created.

The timing of the transfer of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner functions, and therefore plans for future elections, will be determined in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether there will be an election for the role of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex in 2028.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out in the English Devolution White Paper, the government’s ambition is that where mayoral geographies align with police force and fire and rescue geographies, Mayors will be, by default, responsible for exercising Police and Crime Commissioner and Fire and Rescue Authority functions. This will include where new Mayoral Combined Authorities are created.

The timing of the transfer of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner functions, and therefore plans for future elections, will be determined in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether measures are in place to prevent private landlords from inflating the cost of electricity when reselling it to tenants.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Ofgem’s Maximum Resale Price Guidance protects tenants from being charged inflated electricity costs by their landlord. It sets a maximum price that can be charged for electricity and gas which has already been bought from an authorised supplier.

The current maximum resale price is set at the same price as paid by the person reselling, including any discounts.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's policy paper entitled Commonhold White Paper: The proposed new commonhold model for homeownership in England and Wales, published on 3 March 2025, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of those proposals on commonhold on (a) existing leaseholders and (b) Right to Manage arrangements.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statements I made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244) and 3 March 2025 (HCWS488).

The government will consult this year on the best approach to banning new leasehold flats. We are also reviewing the Law Commission’s recommendations to make it easier for existing leaseholders to choose to convert to commonhold and will set out next steps in due course.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing leaseholders with greater rights, powers and protections over their homes. Alongside the extensive programme of detailed secondary legislation that we are bringing forward to implement the remaining provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, we will further reform the existing leasehold system by legislating to tackle unregulated and unaffordable ground rents; removing the disproportionate and draconian threat of forfeiture; acting to protect leaseholders from abuse and poor service at the hands of unscrupulous managing agents; and enacting remaining Law Commission recommendations on enfranchisement and the Right to Manage.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendations in the Electoral Commission report on the 2024 UK parliamentary general election and the May 2024 local elections, published on 7 October 2024.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government has, on 12 February 2025, published its response to the Electoral Commission’s report on the May polls and the UK Parliamentary general election last July.

We are grateful to the Commission for its reports and have and will continue to carefully consider its findings and recommendations.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to establish a body to define Islamophobia; and what steps they are taking to ensure that freedom of speech is protected to allow the criticism of religions.

Answered by Lord Khan of Burnley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government has established a new working group to provide a definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia, advising government and other bodies on how to best understand, quantify and define prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime targeted against Muslims. The group’s proposed definition will be non-statutory, and we are clear that it must be compatible with British citizens’ unchanging right to exercise freedom of speech and expression - which includes the right to criticise, express dislike of, or insult religions and/or the beliefs and practices of adherents. This work will support these important freedoms, ensuring that they are preserved.

With levels of Islamophobia at a record high, this work will improve understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities and support wider and ongoing government-led efforts to root out hatred in all its forms.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they have in place to ensure that the beliefs of different faiths are respected.

Answered by Lord Khan of Burnley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Our country is strengthened by individuals of different faiths and beliefs, and the valuable contribution they make to our communities. I regularly meet leaders and representatives of major faiths and beliefs, and in the first six months in my role, I am proud to have engaged with all faith groups in the UK. The insights of faith and belief groups play an important role in shaping policies that promote inclusivity, understanding, and respect across our society.

Departmental officials also hold strong relationships with many faith and belief representatives, as interfaith practitioners.

This government also recognises and respects the importance of the various festivals commemorated by our different faiths. These are marked through attendance at events and receptions, and on the department’s social media channels.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department collects data on the number of known rough sleepers that have been offered statutory support by local authorities.

Answered by Rushanara Ali - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Statutory homelessness statistics can be found here. Tables: A4P, A4R provide information on number of households who are owed a prevention or relief duty, broken down by accommodation at the time of application, including rough sleeping.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to issue the latest consultation on a code of practice for parking charges and debt recovery fees.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to review and update the Registered Parties (Non-constituent and Non-affiliated Organisations) Order 2000 (SI 2000/3183), as amended in 2002 and 2004.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government does not currently have plans to review the Registered Parties (Non-constituent and Non-affiliated Organisations) Order 2000.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 21 January (HC Deb col 867), and further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 24 December 2024 (HC20228), what are the characteristics, policies or activities of (1) MEND, (2) CAGE, (3) the Muslim Association of Britain, and (4) the Muslim Council of Britain, that provide the basis for this Government’s policy of non-engagement with those individual organisations.

Answered by Lord Khan of Burnley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government will only engage with organisations when it is in the public interest.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government by what process their proposed definition of Islamophobia will be drafted; and what plans they have, if any, to outsource the process to a separate body or council of advisers.

Answered by Lord Khan of Burnley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 28 February 2025, we announced a working group which has been set up to provide government with a definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia, supporting a wider stream of work to tackle the unacceptable incidents of anti-Muslim hatred.

It will advise government on how to best understand, quantify and define prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime targeted against Muslims.

The group’s proposed definition must be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression - which includes the right to criticise, express dislike of, or insult religions and/or the beliefs and practices of adherents. This work will support these important freedoms, ensuring that they are preserved.

The group will be chaired by Dominic Grieve KC, bringing his years of legal and government expertise to the role. Alongside drawing on their own expertise, members will engage widely to ensure the definition accounts for the variety of backgrounds and experiences of Muslim communities across the United Kingdom. Details of the members of the Group will be published in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 5 September 2024 (HC2635), whether the Treasury approved the MHCLG efficiency saving of £5 million on legal fees relating to changing the last Administration's approach to extremism, and how that relates to the Home Office’s reference to those extremism definitions in the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 3 January (HC20295).

Answered by Lord Khan of Burnley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

National security and keeping the citizens of this country safe will always be the highest priority for this Government. That is why, soon after the election last year, the Home Secretary commissioned a rapid review of extremism. The Government will set out their approach to countering extremism in due course. Meanwhile, we will continue to work with partners to tackle extremism wherever we find it.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to (a) review and (b) expand the types of identification required to vote to include digital ID.

Answered by Rushanara Ali - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has recently published our response to the Electoral Commission’s reports on the 2024 General Election, and this is available here: Electoral Commission’s reports on the 2024 elections: government response - GOV.UK.

As set out in that response, we are presently undertaking a thorough review both of the list of identifications currently accepted in polling stations and of the wider voter ID policy. This will include consideration of digital IDs.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 10 February (HC26476), whether the Government’s policy of non-engagement extends to not engaging with (1) Extinction Rebellion, (2) Just Stop Oil, and (3) Greenpeace.

Answered by Lord Khan of Burnley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

We do not engage with Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil or Greenpeace.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent steps she has taken to help support Slough Borough Council to provide adequate temporary accommodation to people who are eligible.

Answered by Rushanara Ali - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

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

As announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25). This increased funding will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and prevent rough sleeping. This brings total spend to nearly £1 billion in 2025/26, a record level of funding.

In December, MHCLG announced that £633.2 million will be provided to councils in England through the Homelessness Prevention Grant 25/26, of which £2,538,151 has been allocated to Slough Borough Council. This funding represents an uplift of £1,184,119 for Slough compared with 24/25 allocations, an increase of 87.5%.

MHCLG’s homelessness advice and support team continue to work closely with local authorities under the highest pressures, including to develop B&B elimination plans, to reduce households being placed in bed and breakfast accommodation for longer than six weeks.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2025–26 (HC 623), why the London Boroughs of Croydon, Harrow, Bexley and Bromley are not to receive the Recovery Grant for the 2025–26 financial year.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Recovery Grant, worth £600 million, is only one part of the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement, which makes available over £69 billion in 2025-26 and ensures that no council will see a decrease in Core Spending Power.

To start correcting the system, the government needs to make difficult decisions. As a result, some councils will not receive an allocation through the Recovery Grant.

The Recovery Grant is targeted towards areas with greater need and demand for services (we have used deprivation as a proxy for this) and less ability to raise income locally.

Bexley, Bromley, Croydon and Harrow will all see a real-terms increase in their core spending power for 2025-26.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what account they have taken of UNESCO’s best practices for assessing risks to a World Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Value in assessing the planning application for a new Chinese embassy on the Royal Mint site and its potential impact on the Tower of London World Heritage Site.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

A public inquiry held by an independent Inspector has heard a range of evidence and representations. The Inspector will now prepare a report and recommendation, which will be sent to the Department. As this case will come before ministers in MHCLG to determine, it would not be appropriate to comment further. Decisions on planning applications are based on material planning considerations.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to protect chalk streams in Wiltshire when building new developments.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The National Planning Policy Framework sets out that to protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, local plans should identify, map and safeguard components of local wildlife-rich habitats and wider ecological networks such as chalk streams. It is for local planning authorities to apply this policy when planning for new development.

Chalk streams are specifically referenced in the definitions of ‘natural environment’ and ‘environmental protection’ for the new system of Environmental Outcomes Reports that the government intend to introduce. This will ensure the protection of chalk streams is taken into account as part of this new approach to environmental assessment.

The government will consult on draft regulations in due course following policy development and engagement with key stakeholders. While we want to realise the benefits of reform as quickly as possible, we recognise the need to manage the transition to the new system carefully. Until a new system is implemented, current legislation on environmental assessment and its supporting guidance continues to apply.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2025 to Question 13622 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Industrial Disputes, what the issue relating to office attendance between HM Land Registry and PCS is.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The disputed issue between PCS and HM Land Registry on the matter of office attendance relates to the government’s requirement for civil servants to attend the office for 60% of the time and HM Land Registry’s implementation of the requirement. Talks with PCS to conclude the dispute are ongoing.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department engages with Greenpeace.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The department does not currently engage or is intending any engagement with Greenpeace.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of (a) 7 February 2025 to Question 27249 and (b) 11 February 2025 to Question 28154 on MHCLG: Staff, if she will publish figures for (a) each individual departmental office and (b) the number of aggregate, numeric staff attendances there were in an average week, for December 2024.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

MHCLG publishes quarterly HQ Occupancy Statistics for its headquarters at 2 Marsham Street, London (not proportional attendance). We do not intend to publish regional information or numeric staff attendances.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will introduce a statutory requirement for swift bricks.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 22080 on 15 January 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the forthcoming Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill will include provisions to enable multi-building developments to apply for the right to manage as a single entity.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244).

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her Department's timetable is for bringing forward proposals for a Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill; and what plans she has to consult leaseholders on those proposals.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244).

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the press notice entitled Help to save households money and deliver cleaner heat to homes, published on 21 November 2024, when her Department will announce a date for the removal of the one-meter rule which requires planning permission to install heat pumps in England.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Further announcements on permitted development rights for air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points will be made in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 3 February 2025 to Question 26368 on Property Development: Floods, if she will make an estimate of the number of houses that may be built on flood plains between up to July 2029.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 26368 on 3 February 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the National Planning Policy Framework, published in December 2024, what instruction has been given to the planning inspectorate on determining land as grey belt.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answers to Question UIN 26011 on 31 January 2025 and Question UIN 26507 on 5 February 2025. Land is Green Belt if designated as such in a Local Plan.

On 27 February, Planning Practice Guidance was published to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, and to support a consistent approach to determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. This new guidance will support authorities in producing Local Plans, while also making sure that planning applications and development on suitable grey belt land can proceed in the short-term in areas without an up-to-date plan.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 5 December 2024 to Question 16199 on Infrastructure: Planning Permission, what steps she is taking to speed up Ministerial decision-making on national significant infrastructure consents.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As part of the government’s Plan for Change, we are committed to fast-tracking planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament.

The reasons that Ministerial decisions on individual applications can exceed the three-month statutory deadline are varied and complex and include the need to secure additional information on unresolved matters at the point Ministers receive the recommendation of the Examining Authority.

The forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes measures designed to resolve issues prior to the decision stage. It will deliver a faster and more certain consenting process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) by ensuring that National Policy Statements are updated regularly, streamlining NSIP consultation requirements and reducing opportunities for judicial review.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 November 2024 on Leasehold and Commonhold Reform, HCWS244, what her planned timetable is to (a) consult and (b) bring measures into force on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024’s provisions on (i) service charges and (ii) legal costs.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement in question, the government will consult this year on the Act’s provisions on service charges and on legal costs, bringing these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025, to Question 30643, on Nightclubs and Public Houses: Planning, if she will provide the gov.uk address for her Department's guidance on (a) noise and (b) statutory nuisance; and whether her Department issues specific guidance on the agent of change principle.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Planning Policy Guidance on noise with advice about how planning can manage potential noise impacts in new developments, and the ‘agent of change’ principle, can be found in the online Planning Practice Guidance on Noise here in Paragraph: 009 Reference ID: 30-009-20190722.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 18 February 2025 to Question 25797 on Tree Preservation Orders: Bedfordshire, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of keeping a centralised national record of Tree Protection Orders.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Tree Preservation Orders safeguard individual trees or groups of trees of particular value to local amenity.

Local planning authorities have the principal responsibility for applying these protections effectively.

The government has no plans at present to create a central record of their decisions, but we will keep the matter under review.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the National Planning Policy Framework, published in December 2024, what steps she plans to take to ensure consultation with local communities before any developments are approved on grey belt land.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answers to Question UIN 26011 on 31 January 2025 and Question UIN 26507 on 5 February 2025. Land is Green Belt if designated as such in a Local Plan.

On 27 February, Planning Practice Guidance was published to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, and to support a consistent approach to determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. This new guidance will support authorities in producing Local Plans, while also making sure that planning applications and development on suitable grey belt land can proceed in the short-term in areas without an up-to-date plan.

Found: There are better communications between Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG

Found: (MHCLG) does not have sufficient oversight of local government finances to foresee

Found: While further metrics are under development with Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government

Found: The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Ministry of Justice are currently

Found: information should be shared with the Ministry of Justice, Home Office, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Recommendations for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Context Domestic abuse is

Found:  Police & crime commissioners  Home Office  NHS / public health  MOJ  Changing futures / MHCLG

Found: To effectively tackle VAWG, the Home Office must work with MHCLG to ensure housing is a core part of

Found: We note that senior officials from the Home Office, MHCLG and DfE have been called to give evidence

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government relating

Found: The Department will continue to work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: To what extent are you liaising with MHCLG in relation to local government reorganisation?

Found: January 2024 311 1,0871 During the same period, data published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Associates involves a new capital fund managed by the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: region that there had been more of a positive experience liaising with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: o The Home Office needs to work more closely with MHCLG and local housing authorities to better understand

Found: leadership from across the UK raise key current issues with Ministers at a national level in the MHCLG

Found: For example, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) stating the governments

Found: were identified as former asylum seekers, in comparison to 3,670 for the year prior – see DLUCH, MHCLG

Found: Although the Home Office has engaged with Local Authorities and MHCLG, nothing has changed in the supply

Found: the ten local authorities in Greater Manchester were identified for Community Recovery Funding from MHCLG

Found: . ● The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government and the Home Office should together urgently

Found: before savings are achieved  willingness on the part of the Home Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: to GDS to discuss how the revised digital centre, along with the stirling work being undertaken by MHCLG

Found: Work with local government, MHCLG and other departments will define new models for collaboration.

Found: Local Authority access to consistent data and information to support the planning process led by MHCLG

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government relating

Found: As I mentioned before, I am working closely with DEFRA and MHCLG and DESNZ, trying to pull all the

Found: As I mentioned before, I am working closely with DEFRA and MHCLG and DESNZ, trying to pull all the

Found: National Nuclear Laboratory; • (£4.1) million budget cover transfer to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the proposed Chinese embassy on (a) national security and (b) the risk of transnational repression of diasporic (i) Hong Kong, (ii) Uyghur, (iii) Tibetan and (iv) other communities in the UK.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and she will make this quasi-judicial decision independent from the rest of Government.

We are clear that national security is the first duty of Government. The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary submitted written representations to the Planning Inspector on 14 January. That letter is clear that the Home Office has considered the breadth of national security issues.

We have a broad suite of powers to counter foreign interference, including those actions which amount to transnational repression. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to keep people safe.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2025 to Question 24157 on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, if he will list the organisations that the Department has received correspondence from.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and she will make this decision independent from the rest of Government corresponding to her quasi-judicial role. As you would expect, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has received correspondence relating to the planning application. We have no plans to release a list of the organisations, or individuals, that the FCDO has received correspondence from. The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary's written representations to the Planning Inquiry are publicly available.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of the number of additional homes that will need to apply to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme as a result of delays to the implementation of the Future Homes Standard.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Future standards this year will ensure our new homes and buildings are fit for a net zero future. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is reviewing feedback from the Future Homes and Building Standards consultation and will publish the standard specification in due course.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a demand-led scheme, so uptake will depend on consumers' interest.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of the number of heat pumps that will be required to be retrofitted to properties as a result of delays to the implementation of the Future Homes Standard.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Future standards this year will ensure our new homes and buildings are fit for a net zero future. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is reviewing feedback from the consultation and will publish the standard specification in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information his Department holds on the number of (a) offices, (b) shops and (c) warehouses which do not currently meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for commercial buildings being proposed for 2030.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Based on publicly available MHCLG data, approximately 87% of offices, 83% of shops, and 91% of warehouses have a valid EPC rated below EPC B - the minimum standard proposed in the 2019 consultation to strengthen the non-domestic Private Rented Sector Regulations. This data cannot be filtered by tenure and so figures shown relate to the whole non-domestic building stock, rather than the rented sector in scope of these regulations, which represents 40% of non-domestic buildings according to Building Energy Efficiency Survey (BEES) data.

The government has not yet published the response to the consultation, which is scheduled for the first half of 2025 when we will set out the updated standard and date for non-domestic buildings. We are reviewing the MEES timelines to ensure sufficient lead-in time. The regulations contain a number of exemptions to ensure that properties only need to get to the highest EPC band where the improvements are practical and cost-effective.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to p.57 of the report by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award entitled Youth Voices, published 23 July 2024, if she will make it her policy to ensure that the views of young people are represented (a) at all levels of policy and decision-making and (b) in decisions on issues that affect young people.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

This Government recognises the value of effective youth participation in decision making at all levels. We understand this leads to impactful policy locally, regionally and nationally.

Youth consultation opportunities are being held across various government departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Education, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to shape policies on youth employment, communities, and environmental improvement.

We are currently co-producing the National Youth Strategy in partnership with young people and the youth sector. DCMS has already conducted Ministerial roundtables with young people and over the coming months will conduct a number of different engagement activities with young people, including focus groups. We launched a national survey on 5 March 2025 to ask young people about their issues and priorities.

We have also produced an engagement toolkit so MPs can run their own workshops and discussions with young people, or share this toolkit with organisations in their constituencies who work with young people.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she is taking steps to implement a (a) long term and (b) devolved approach to funding for (i) local and (ii) regional transport services in the West Midlands.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department is working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to implement an “Integrated Settlement” for the West Midlands Combined Authority from April 2025. This will give the Mayor and Combined Authority a consolidated budget across local transport, housing, regeneration, local growth, skills, buildings retrofit, and employment support, with much greater freedom and funding flexibility to drive forward the local economy and deliver growth.

The department is also looking to simplify the current funding arrangements for all other Local Transport Authorities so that they can spend funding according to their local priorities and avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy. Multi-year funding will be confirmed at the upcoming spending review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Intelligence and Security Committee report entitled: Russa HC 632 published 21 July 2020, if he will open an investigation into alleged Kremlin-linked interference in UK elections.

Answered by Abena Oppong-Asare - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We are committed to ensuring we have robust systems in place to defend the UK from all forms of malign state interference in UK democratic processes.

The Defending Democracy Taskforce brings together Ministers from across Government, along with representatives from law enforcement and the intelligence community, to coordinate a programme of work that aims to protect UK political parties, elected officials and core electoral infrastructure.

As part of this, the Cabinet Office, together with MHCLG, runs the Joint Election Security and Preparedness Unit, which leads on coordinating cross-government preparedness on election security, including running an extensive exercising programme.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the redevelopment of a Chinese embassy in London on transnational repression efforts against Hong Kongers, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Chinese dissidents.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and she will make this quasi-judicial decision independent from the rest of Government.

We are clear that national security is the first duty of Government. The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary submitted written representations to the Planning Inspector on 14 January. That letter is clear that the Home Office has considered the breadth of national security issues.

We have a broad suite of powers to counter foreign interference, including those actions which amount to transnational repression. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to keep people safe.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to encourage young people to start a career in the construction industry.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Youth Guarantee in England was launched as part of the Get Britain Working White Paper, for all 18–21-year-olds, to ensure that they can access quality training opportunities, an apprenticeship or help to find work. This will start with eight trailblazers which are launching this spring.

The Department understands the negative effects of unemployment can be particularly pronounced for young people and can have longstanding implications on their future earnings potential and life chances. This is why DWP have a particular focus on ensuring young people are supported into employment whilst also recognising their needs will vary depending on where they live and their own individual circumstances.

To support the government’s target to build 1.5 million homes this parliament, DWP are supporting an industry-led, cross government communications campaign to raise the profile of the construction sector. The three-week campaign launched 3 March with a particular focus on encouraging young people to consider construction as a career of choice. We are promoting the industry, connecting our customers to jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities within it, including an emphasis on improving workforce diversity and increasing the number of construction teachers.

In the coming months, the Secretary of State for DWP, will be co-hosting a construction industry summit with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Department for Business and Trade, inviting key employers and representative bodies. This will build on our commitment in the Get Britain Working White Paper to explore how we can best work with employers to address their recruitment needs. DWP officials are members of the Cross Government Built Environment Working Group which is responsible for ensuring a coordinated approach to increasing the size and skills of the construction and built environment workforce, including on-site trades and wider skilled professions.

From April 2024 to 31 December 31 we have delivered 10,220 SWAP starts in the construction helping jobseekers to develop skills to match the needs of the construction labour market.

Through our Strategic Relationship Team, we have agreed a working relationship with many construction organisations and continue to deliver bespoke packages to support their recruitment needs. The Department has a long-standing partnership agreement with CiTB with a shared agenda to recruit people into the construction sector. We are currently developing a new partnership agreement to forge closer working links and key activity to support both policy and operational connections between the organisations.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025 to Question MHCLG: 23916 on MHCLG: Legal Costs, whether it is her Department's policy that (a) organisations may be classified as extremist but will not be publicly named as such, (b) organisations will not be classified as extremist, (c) Ministers may name organisations as extremist when covered by Parliamentary privilege.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

It has been a long standing rule under successive governments that the Home Office does not comment on specific groups or individual cases.

The government’s focus is to reduce and disrupt the influence of high-harm groups and individuals and the spread of extremist ideologies that can lead to community division and to radicalisation into terrorism. Where there is evidence of purposeful actions that are potentially radicalising others into terrorism or violence, proportionate legislative action will be considered.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the request by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to call in the planning application for the new Chinese Embassy on national security.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and she will make this quasi-judicial decision independent from the rest of Government.

As set out in a joint letter by the Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary to the Planning Inspector on 14 January, the Home Office has considered the breadth of national security issues in relation to the planning application.

It would not be appropriate to comment in further detail on specific matters relating to national security.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the Rapid Analytical Sprint reports leaked on 28 January, whether they plan to retain the previous Government’s policy on community engagement or disapply it.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

I refer the Noble Lord to the response I gave to his question to this House on the 10 February of this year when asked which department will have responsibility for cross-Government engagement principles.

As I stated at the time, the Home Office works on countering extremism, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) continues to lead work on strengthening community cohesion with local councils. It is vital that the two programmes on cohesion and extremism work in parallel.

The findings from the sprint have not yet been agreed by Ministers and we are considering a wide range of potential next steps arising from that work. MHCLG continues to work in partnership with communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address the deep-seated issues.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of local housing allowance rates.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates are reviewed annually, usually in the Autumn. LHA determines the maximum housing support for tenants in the private rented sector and do not cover all rents in all areas. The Secretary of State’s decision to maintain LHA rates at current levels for 2025/26 considered a range of factors including rental data; the impacts of LHA rates; the fact that rates were increased in April; and the wider fiscal context.

We currently spend around £32bn annually on housing support for renters. The April 2024 one-year LHA increase cost an additional £1.2bn in 2024/25, and approximately £7bn over 5 years.

For those who need further support, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available from local authorities. DHPs can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs.

We continue to monitor shortfalls and rents and are working with MHCLG on their long-term housing strategy.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of uprating temporary accommodation subsidy rates on local authorities.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We continue to keep the rates used for Housing Benefit subsidy under review and are working closely with MHCLG and the Inter-Ministerial Group on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping to explore the impacts of subsidy rates on local authorities.

The Government will prioritise the best way to achieve its mission and goals within the current challenging fiscal situation at the appropriate fiscal event.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to provide financial support to people in temporary accommodation.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides support through the social security system for rental costs as well as additional funding to local authorities. DWP provides support with rent and living costs to those who are eligible and living in temporary accommodation through Housing Benefit and Universal Credit. In 23/24, DWP spent £32bn on housing support.

For those who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs and require additional support, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) DHPs can be used to help people with a rent deposit, rent in advance, a shortfall in rent or moving costs. This supports people to move out of and can be used to help prevent use of temporary accommodation. For 2025/26, DWP is maintaining DHP funding at £100m for England and Wales. This is in addition to funding local authorities receive from MHCLG, including for the Homelessness Prevention Grant.

DWP also provided funding of £742 million to extend the Household Support Fund in England by a further year, from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026. This will ensure low-income households can continue to access support towards the cost of essentials, such as food, energy and water.

We continue to work with MHCLG on the Long-Term Housing Strategy and the Inter-Ministerial Group on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, supporting the development of a strategy to tackle the root causes of homelessness.

Found: including the Home Office, Department for Work and Pensions, Treasury, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: (Main Estimates) Act 2024, the title of the Estimate that is now entitled “Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) focuses on regional growth,

Found: commissioned by the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities (formerly Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: The study will involve the Home Office, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government,

Found: However, it was agreed between the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Committee

Found: However, it was agreed between the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Committee

Found: MoD, DWP, and Land Registry. 1 Cabinet Office, GDS, Defra, DHSC, DSIT, DVLA, DVSA, DWP, GDS, MHCLG

Found: cross government collaboration by Government Legal Department lawyers advising in 5 key departments: MHCLG

Found: On 31 January, MHCLG submitted IAs for RPC scrutiny. 

Found: Environmental Outcomes Report The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government secured powers

Found: Safety Remediation Survey (FRS) (including the building level survey for the relevant quarter for MHCLG

Found: Safety Remediation Survey (FRS) (including the building level supply for the relevant quarter for MHCLG

Found: We share the data from the FRS with MHCLG, including information on submission statuses and data quality

Found: We share the data from the FRS with MHCLG, including information on submission statuses and data quality

Found: are two components to the FRS quarterly collection on NROSH+: the aggregate FRS collection and the MHCLG

Found: definition of an additional cost pressure as identified and agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: pressure as identified and agreed with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG

Found: pressure as identified and agreed with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG

Found: definition of an additional cost pressure as identified and agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government

Found: pressure as identified and agreed with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG

Found: definition of an additional cost pressure as identified and agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: pressure as identified and agreed with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG

Found: definition of an additional cost pressure as identified and agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government

Found: Suzanne Clarke Deputy Director, Local Government Finance Stewardship Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Wirral CH44 8ED Tel: 0303 444 0472 Email: Matthew.Hemsley@communities.gov.uk www.gov.uk/mhclg

Found: Bexleyheath DA6 7AT Tel: 0303 444 0472 Email: Matthew.Hemsley@communities.gov.uk www.gov.uk/mhclg

Found: Croydon CR0 1EA Tel: 0303 444 0472 Email: Matthew.Hemsley@communities.gov.uk www.gov.uk/mhclg

Found: Bedfordshire, LU1 2RD Tel: 0303 444 0472 Email: Matthew.Hemsley@communities.gov.uk www.gov.uk/mhclg

Found: Sussex BN21 4TW Tel: 0303 444 0472 Email: Matthew.Hemsley@communities.gov.uk www.gov.uk/mhclg

Found: Peterborough PE1 1HG Tel: 0303 444 0472 Email: Matthew.Hemsley@communities.gov.uk www.gov.uk/mhclg

Found: Nottingham, NG2 3NG Tel: 0303 444 0472 Email: Matthew.Hemsley@communities.gov.uk www.gov.uk/mhclg

Found: Group • Deputy Chair, Valuation Tribunal Service, Chair, Audit Committee Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Group • Deputy Chair, Valuation Tribunal Service, Chair, Audit Committee • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: MoD, DWP, and Land Registry. 1 Cabinet Office, GDS, Defra, DHSC, DSIT, DVLA, DVSA, DWP, GDS, MHCLG

Found: Management Organisation to work alongside the designated Lead Regu lator, in collaboration with MHCLG

Found: Figure 1 Data from borrowing and investment live table, MHCLG The cost of servicing this debt, with

Found: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is developing a cross-government homelessness

Found: VOA, and other departments with a policy interest, for example, HM Treasury, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: would like to express a warm welcome to you in your roles and hope you have enjoyed your time at MHCLG

Found: MoD, DWP, and Land Registry. 1 Cabinet Office, GDS, Defra, DHSC, DSIT, DVLA, DVSA, DWP, GDS, MHCLG

Found: Point 1 – Search of statistics from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published