On 27 January 2026, the Government published a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny.  

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to amend the the National Planning Policy Framework to define a fast food outlet.

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

The government is consulting on a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that includes clearer, more rules-based policies for decision-making and plan-making.

Through the consultation, we are seeking feedback on the application of the term ‘fast food outlets’ in planning decisions, and whether any further clarity could be provided on the types of establishments this policy should apply to.

The consultation will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026 and 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, whether local planning authorities are required to inform him when making an Article 4 direction in relation to restricting permitted development rights.

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

Local planning authorities are required to send a copy of all Article 4 directions made to the Secretary of State, as set out in Schedule 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

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 his Department's press release entitled Councils granted flexibility to finish reorganisation, published on 22 January 2026, whether he has received representations from residents of Basildon borough on postponing elections for Basildon Borough Council.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out to Parliament on 22 January, in reaching his decisions the Secretary of State carefully considered all the representations made, including those relating to elections in Basildon. The Secretary of State did not meet with the Leader of Basildon Council on the topic of 2026 local elections prior to the announcement of 22 January.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he had discussions with the Leader of Basildon Council before announcing the delay to the 2026 local elections in Basildon.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out to Parliament on 22 January, in reaching his decisions the Secretary of State carefully considered all the representations made, including those relating to elections in Basildon. The Secretary of State did not meet with the Leader of Basildon Council on the topic of 2026 local elections prior to the announcement of 22 January.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the cancellation of some local election on (a) communities and (b) local authorities.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In reaching his decisions on 2026 elections, as set out to the House on 22 January 2026, the Secretary of State adopted a locally led approach and carefully considered all the representations made. He heard from councils across the country about the capacity challenges they face as they seek to deliver local government reorganisation and how postponement would release essential capacity.

Postponement will enable those councils to focus work on reorganisation, and setting up new councils ready to deliver public services from day one.

Where councils have asked for their elections to go ahead, those elections are going ahead. The vast majority of local elections will go ahead across England in May.

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 his letter to Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley, dated 19 January 2026, whether he has received correspondence from (a) any Essex County Councillor and (b) any borough council in Essex requesting a postponement of the Essex County Council elections.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 29 January 2026, the Secretary of State wrote to the Leader of Essex County Council to confirm that he would not be including the election to Essex County Council in legislation to postpone local elections. A copy of that letter was deposited in the House library. In reaching his decisions on 2026 elections, as set out to the House on 22 January 2026, the Secretary of State adopted a locally led approach and carefully considered all the representations made, including those from the Leader of Essex County Council and other councils in Essex.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his letter to Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley dated 19 January 2026, if he will make it his policy that elections for Essex County Council will proceed as scheduled if Essex County Council does not explicitly request a postponement.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 29 January 2026, the Secretary of State wrote to the Leader of Essex County Council to confirm that he would not be including the election to Essex County Council in legislation to postpone local elections. A copy of that letter was deposited in the House library. In reaching his decisions on 2026 elections, as set out to the House on 22 January 2026, the Secretary of State adopted a locally led approach and carefully considered all the representations made, including those from the Leader of Essex County Council and other councils in Essex.

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 his Department's press release entitled Councils granted flexibility to finish reorganisation, published on 22 January 2026, whether he has received representations from Thurrock councillors on postponing elections to Thurrock Council.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In reaching his decisions, as set out to Parliament on 22 January, the Secretary of State carefully considered all the representations made, including those relating to elections in Thurrock. The Secretary of State did not have meetings with the Leader of Thurrock Council on 2026 local elections, prior to the announcement of 22 January.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he holds data on (1) the aggregate number of hereditaments which claimed Retail, Hospitality and Leisure rate relief in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26, (2) the average Rateable Value of such hereditaments, (3) the distribution of Special Category Code of such hereditaments and (4) any such data by local authority.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The number of hereditaments receiving the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief as at 31 December 2024 can be found in Table 4 on gov.uk here.

This is based on a snapshot taken by local authorities on or as close to the 31 December 2024.

The snapshot as at 31 December 2025 is currently being collected and will be published by the end of March.

The Department does not collect data on the rateable value or the Special Category code of the hereditaments that received this relief.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the Muslim Council of Britain is eligible to apply for funding through the Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2026.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government does not engage with the Muslim Council of Britain.

The Windrush Day Grant Scheme assesses all applications in line with the published eligibility criteria: Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2026 - GOV.UK. Organisations do not need to be Windrush‑specific, but they must show that their project will genuinely involve and benefit the Windrush community. All applications are considered on this basis.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not in itself imply that funding will be awarded; applications are considered holistically against the aims and requirements of the scheme.

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 2026 to question UIN 104660, what the average time was between receipt of a regulation 21 change control application by the BSR and notification of the applicant of the approval of the application.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Notifiable or Major Change notifications are added to existing applications which are already in build and have been determined with approval granted. As such, Major or Notifiable works are not treated as new applications and the time taken is not reported upon.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he will estimate how many local Council offer their employees the opportunity to join a credit union by offering a payroll deduction service.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Local authorities are independent employers responsible for the management of their own workforces, including setting their own terms and conditions and employment packages.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) not allowing councillors whose terms expire to sit for an extra year in areas where elections are postponed and (b) allowing councils in those areas to operate with two thirds of councillors.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Secretary of State announced on 22 January 2026 that he intends to bring forward legislation to postpone for one year the elections due in May 2026 to councils including Thurrock Council. That legislation will include any consequential amendments to other Orders that are required in order to implement the Secretary of State’s decision. I remain committed to the indicative timetable that was published in July, that sees elections to new councils in May 2027 and those councils going live in April 2028.

The Secretary of State intends to follow precedent for all previous postponements of elections in relation to local government reorganisation and to extend the term of office of councillors who would otherwise have retired in May 2026. This ensures that councils continue to operate with the designated number of councillors in total and for each ward.

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 to Question 107848 on 27 January 2026, if he will publish (a) the list of attendees and (b) the minutes of his meeting with Norfolk County Council on 16 December 2025.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The meeting was attended by representatives from Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils: Cllr Matthew Hicks, Nicola Beach, Andrew Cook, Cllr Kay Mason Billig and Tom McCabe.

My Department has no plans to publish the minutes of the meeting.

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 27th January 2026 to Question 106884, what assessment he has made of the efficacy of local planning authorities in restricting the publication of ‘sensitive’ information relating to the physical security of a property on planning registers.

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

My Department has made no such assessment. We keep planning practice guidance and procedures under review.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the value for money delivered through the 2003 - 2005 redevelopment of 2 Marsham Street.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department has not undertaken a dedicated, standalone assessment of the value for money delivered specifically through the 2003–2005 redevelopment of 2 Marsham Street. However, the National Audit Office reviewed the associated Private Finance Initiative arrangements for the new Home Office headquarters in 2003. The NAO concluded that the Home Office had secured a good price through a well‑run competition, with risks appropriately allocated and favourable financing obtained. The report indicated that the project was expected to deliver value for money, provided the remaining accommodation and property‑related risks were managed effectively.

The Public Accounts Committee’s Eighteenth Report (2003–04) further found that commissioning a new building rather than refurbishing the three former Marsham Towers offered better value for money, avoided the business disruption and costs of temporary accommodation, and supported the consolidation of government estate functions. The Committee noted that the redevelopment contract, valued at £311 million (net present cost), was selected as the most cost‑effective option following full competition.

These independent assessments confirmed that the redevelopment represented value for money for the taxpayer at the point the investment decision was taken. The Treasury has made no subsequent assessment that contradicts these findings.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to amend the scheme of elections updated by the Thurrock (Electoral Changes) Orders of 2024 and 2025 so that the 2025 and 2026 delayed elections taking place in 2027 will be for the whole of the council.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Secretary of State announced on 22 January 2026 that he intends to bring forward legislation to postpone for one year the elections due in May 2026 to councils including Thurrock Council. That legislation will include any consequential amendments to other Orders that are required in order to implement the Secretary of State’s decision. I remain committed to the indicative timetable that was published in July, that sees elections to new councils in May 2027 and those councils going live in April 2028.

The Secretary of State intends to follow precedent for all previous postponements of elections in relation to local government reorganisation and to extend the term of office of councillors who would otherwise have retired in May 2026. This ensures that councils continue to operate with the designated number of councillors in total and for each ward.

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 his Department's press release entitled Councils granted flexibility to finish reorganisation, published on 22 January 2026, whether he has received and representations from Basildon Borough Council councillors on postponing elections.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out to Parliament on 22 January, in reaching his decisions the Secretary of State carefully considered all the representations made, including those relating to elections in Basildon. The Secretary of State did not meet with the Leader of Basildon Council on the topic of 2026 local elections prior to the announcement of 22 January.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he received representations from people in the unitary authority of Thurrock council before announcing the postponement of elections in Thurrock.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In reaching his decisions, as set out to Parliament on 22 January, the Secretary of State carefully considered all the representations made, including those relating to elections in Thurrock. The Secretary of State did not have meetings with the Leader of Thurrock Council on 2026 local elections, prior to the announcement of 22 January.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he had discussions with the Leader of Thurrock Council before announcing the delay to the 2026 local elections in Thurrock.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In reaching his decisions, as set out to Parliament on 22 January, the Secretary of State carefully considered all the representations made, including those relating to elections in Thurrock. The Secretary of State did not have meetings with the Leader of Thurrock Council on 2026 local elections, prior to the announcement of 22 January.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the number of neurodivergent children living in temporary accommodation in (a) Yeovil constituency (b) Somerset and (c) England.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Homelessness is far too high, and this can have a devastating impact on those affected, including neurodivergent children. Accommodation provided to homeless households must be suitable to their needs. The government collects and publishes data on the support needs of households owed a homelessness duty (which includes households with support needs due to learning disabilities).

In October 2025 the government announced £10.9 million funding for 61 councils with the highest levels of children in temporary accommodation. This funding will be used to increase access to support and services for families and make a tangible impact on their quality of life whilst they remain in need. This will deliver positive benefits for education and health outcomes, including school attendance.

Through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we are introducing a single unique identifier for children nationally to help improve information sharing and safeguarding, which means practitioners and services working with families and children must receive and share relevant information about children and families they support, including to assess safeguarding risks effectively. We will introduce a new duty on councils to notify schools, health visitors and GPs that a child is in temporary accommodation.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the experiences of neurodivergent children living in temporary accommodation in Yeovil constituency

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Homelessness is far too high, and this can have a devastating impact on those affected, including neurodivergent children. Accommodation provided to homeless households must be suitable to their needs. The government collects and publishes data on the support needs of households owed a homelessness duty (which includes households with support needs due to learning disabilities).

In October 2025 the government announced £10.9 million funding for 61 councils with the highest levels of children in temporary accommodation. This funding will be used to increase access to support and services for families and make a tangible impact on their quality of life whilst they remain in need. This will deliver positive benefits for education and health outcomes, including school attendance.

Through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we are introducing a single unique identifier for children nationally to help improve information sharing and safeguarding, which means practitioners and services working with families and children must receive and share relevant information about children and families they support, including to assess safeguarding risks effectively. We will introduce a new duty on councils to notify schools, health visitors and GPs that a child is in temporary accommodation.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of delaying elections on the timing of his decision on the composition of the new councils in Essex.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In reaching his decisions on 2026 elections, as set out to the House on 22 January 2026, the Secretary of State adopted a locally led approach and carefully considered all the representations made.

The consultation on the final proposals for Essex, Southend‑on‑Sea and Thurrock closed on 11 January. We will now assess the proposals against the criteria in the invitation and decide, subject to parliamentary approval, which, if any, proposals are to be implemented, with or without modification. The postponement of some May 2026 elections does not affect the timing of these decisions, and the indicative timetable for local government reorganisation remains unchanged.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of holding some elections, but not others, in Essex on the local government reorganisation progress.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In reaching his decisions on 2026 elections, as set out to the House on 22 January 2026, the Secretary of State adopted a locally led approach and carefully considered all the representations made.

The consultation on the final proposals for Essex, Southend‑on‑Sea and Thurrock closed on 11 January. We will now assess the proposals against the criteria in the invitation and decide, subject to parliamentary approval, which, if any, proposals are to be implemented, with or without modification. The postponement of some May 2026 elections does not affect the timing of these decisions, and the indicative timetable for local government reorganisation remains unchanged.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when his Department plans to publish its response to the consultation entitled Strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services, which closed on 26 September 2025.

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

The consultation in question closed on 26 September 2025. We are analysing responses and will bring the relevant 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, when he will publish the Community Cohesion Strategy.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Department published its Pride in Place Strategy in September 2025, setting out this government‘s plan to create safer, healthier neighbourhoods where communities can thrive. It sets out how we will deliver a step change in how we support communities across the country and provide long-term funding to the most doubly disadvantaged areas.

As part of this, the Strategy announced the expansion of the Pride in Place Programme – this will provide up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade to 244 places across the UK. Funding will be made available to improve community cohesion.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of Grey Belt policy on speculative development proposals on village edges in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 98288 on 5 January 2026, UIN 105177 on 20 January 2026, and UIN 106373 on 26 January 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent progress his Department has made in delivering 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament.

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

I refer the Rt. hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 19066 on 20 December 2024.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill on access to fixed charges for retirees living in housing-with-care.

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

The government recognise that some specialist retirement housing providers have distinct operational and financing arrangements, and we value the important contribution that this sector makes to supporting older people.

We want to ensure providers can continue to operate effectively and with confidence.

As per the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278), we will consider through the scrutiny and consultation process whether particular arrangements may be appropriate for certain forms of specialist provision.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill on private investment in the supply of housing-with-care for older people.

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

The government recognise that some specialist retirement housing providers have distinct operational and financing arrangements, and we value the important contribution that this sector makes to supporting older people.

We want to ensure providers can continue to operate effectively and with confidence.

As per the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278), we will consider through the scrutiny and consultation process whether particular arrangements may be appropriate for certain forms of specialist provision.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has been made of the potential effect of the planned increases in landfill duty on housebuilding.

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

The government carefully considered the impact of reforms to landfill tax on rates of housebuilding and took account of the feedback received to the consultation carried out last year.

As a result, the government set out a plan to prevent the gap between the two rates of landfill tax expanding over the coming years, ensuring that housebuilders will not face significant new costs.

In addition, we are retaining the tax exemption for backfilling quarries to ensure that housebuilders continue to have access to a low-cost alternative to landfill.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether guidance has been provided by his Department to planning decision makers on rejecting applications due to (a) undue pressure and (b) unreasonable behaviour by applicants.

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

My Department has issued no such specific guidance. By law, planning applications should be determined in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the level of regulation of rented homes on landlords.

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

The Impact Assessment for the Renters’ Rights Act can be found here.

The government’s policy statement, impact assessment, and response to the Decent Homes Standard consultation can be found on gov.uk here.

The government’s response to the 2025 consultation on Improving the Energy Performance of Privately Rented Homes in England and Wales, along with the accompanying impact assessment, 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, if he will reform the Private Retirement Housing Code of Practice.

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

The current edition of the Association of Retirement Housing Managers Code of Practice on Private Retirement Housing, approved in 2016 using powers under Section 87 of the Leasehold Reform and Urban Development Act 1993, may be used as evidence by the First-tier Tribunal or County Court in any decisions they make.

It is for the Association to decide what changes to the Code are necessary, including the voting criteria on how services and facilities are provided, which will then be put to the Secretary of State for consideration.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make emergency financial assistance available through the Bellwin scheme to local authorities impacted by Storm Chandra.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I am always willing to consider local authority requests for financial assistance under the Bellwin Scheme.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to tackle damp and mould issues in housing association properties in Gloucester constituency.

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

Housing association homes must be free from dangerous damp and mould.

The first phase of Awaab’s Law, which came into force on 27 October 2025, requires all social landlords to repair emergency hazards within 24 hours and fix dangerous damp and mould within fixed timescales.

My Department published a response to our consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes on 28 January 2026. It can be found on gov.uk here. As part of the new Decent Homes Standard, landlords will need to ensure that their homes are free from damp and mould.

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 have been taken to help ensure value for money for leaseholders in relation to service charges imposed by management companies.

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

My Department does not hold data on average service charges in Slough and Berkshire.

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

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an estimate of the average service charges for leaseholders billed by management companies in (a) Slough and (b) Berkshire.

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

My Department does not hold data on average service charges in Slough and Berkshire.

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

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will include reforms to the criteria for voting in the Private Retirement Housing Code of Practice to increase the representation of eligible leaseholders as part of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

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

The current edition of the Association of Retirement Housing Managers Code of Practice on Private Retirement Housing, approved in 2016 using powers under Section 87 of the Leasehold Reform and Urban Development Act 1993, may be used as evidence by the First-tier Tribunal or County Court in any decisions they make.

It is for the Association to decide what changes to the Code are necessary, including the voting criteria on how services and facilities are provided, which will then be put to the Secretary of State for consideration.

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 his Department's publication entitled Affordable housing supply in England: 2024 to 2025, published on 20 November 2025, whether the Greater London Authority’s affordable homes data includes affordable homes counted as started which were then un-designated.

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

The Affordable Housing Supply statistical release published on 20 November 2025 reflected the most recent data published by the Greater London Authority.

There were no revisions of the Greater London Authority’s historical data for the November 2025 release. A summary of other revisions for that release can be found in section 7 of its technical notes, 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, when his Department plans to publish its response to the consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes.

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

My Department published a response to our consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes on 28 January 2026. It 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, how many fires involving electric vehicles have been recorded by fire and rescue services in England in the last five years; and whether the Government has received assessments on the impact and risk of such fires from fire and rescue services.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government collects data on incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) in England, including fires involving road vehicles. This data is published in the Department’s fire statistics releases. However, the data currently collected by Fire and Rescue Services does not identify whether a vehicle involved in a fire was an electric vehicle. The Department is therefore not able to provide data for the number of fires involving electric vehicles in England over the last five years.

Our new Fire and Rescue Data Analysis Platform (FaRDAP) is being rolled out and work is ongoing to update the data it will collect covering both the questions and answer categories to capture lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles (including personal light electric vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes), and more.

In addition, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) publishes data using information available from Fire and Rescue Services on fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters. Updated data now including figures for 2017-2024 was published in June 2025 and can be found on gov.uk here.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government with how many and which media organisations they have shared the report of the Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition since December 2025.

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

Ministers are taking the time to carefully consider the independent Working Group’s advice on a definition for anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia before confirming next steps in due course.

As per the Working Group’s Terms of Reference, advice provided by the Group was private for Ministers. As part of the Government’s careful consideration of the Working Group’s advice, officials have undertaken some limited and focused informal engagement with stakeholders, which did not include any media organisations.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the report of the Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition, completed in autumn 2025.

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

Ministers are taking the time to carefully consider the independent Working Group’s advice on a definition for anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia before confirming next steps in due course.

As per the Working Group’s Terms of Reference, advice provided by the Group was private for Ministers. As part of the Government’s careful consideration of the Working Group’s advice, officials have undertaken some limited and focused informal engagement with stakeholders, which did not include any media organisations.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the judgment in Gladman Developments Limited v Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government and Lancaster City Council [2026] EWHC 51 (Admin), which sets aside the sequential test allowing planning authorities to disapply the national standards for sustainable drainage systems published in June 2025.

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

Due to ministers' role in the planning system, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the details of a specific legal case.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is however clear that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk (whether existing or in the future). Where development is necessary in such areas, it should be made safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere.

The Government is committed to securing the delivery of high-quality sustainable drainage systems to help manage flood risk and adapt to the effects of climate change. The NPPF sets out that developments of all sizes are expected to make use of sustainable drainage techniques where the development could have drainage impacts.

We are consulting on a new framework that includes clearer, more ‘rules based’ policies for decision-making and plan-making, designed to make planning policy easier to use and underpin the delivery of faster and simpler local plans. The consultation includes a dedicated chapter on planning for flood risk and a proposed new requirement for SuDS to be designed in accordance with the National Standards for SuDS published last year.

The consultation on changes to the NPPF is available (attached) here: National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system - GOV.UK and will remain open for responses until 10th March 2026.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what security advice they received on the planning application for a new Chinese embassy.

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

Full reasons for the decision in this case are set out in a detailed decision letter and Inspector’s report published on gov.uk.

The decision letter was also deposited in the Library of both Houses.

Inquiry documents are available on the Tower Hamlets website, and post-inquiry representations are listed in the decision letter.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the Co-operative Party has made representations on the Elections Act 2022 provisions on the banning of dual registration of political parties as third parties.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Our package of electoral reforms set out in our Strategy for Modern and Secure Elections has been informed by a wide variety of stakeholder recommendations and representations over time, including from political parties.

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 November 2025 to Question 84633 on Electoral Commission, when he plans to issue the new Strategy and Policy Statement for the Electoral Commission to reflect this Government’s priorities for elections and the Commission’s increased roles and responsibilities.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government is committed to strengthening democracy and upholding the integrity of our elections. Robust and proportionate enforcement of political finance rules is an essential part of this. That is why, as announced on 17 July in the government’s Strategy for Elections, we committed to strengthening the Electoral Commission’s powers and extending its remit to ensure that it can effectively enforce the political finance framework.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of assistance available to people with EWS1 forms deemed to be invalid and unacceptable by mortgage lenders.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Officials in my department have regular engagement with financial sector stakeholders. A product of this is the lenders’ statement on cladding which has signatories from ten major banks and building societies.

These lenders have committed to consider mortgage applications, even if a property has building safety issues, provided either the building has funding for works from government or the developer, or the property is protected by the leaseholder protections in the Building Safety Act, and the leaseholder has completed a ‘Leaseholder Deed of Certificate’ to evidence it.

The statement was further updated in April last year to confirm that even where an EWS1 has, what they consider to be, an invalid signatory, lenders will not require a wholesale review of affected EWS1s. Lenders will consider alternative evidence, for example: that a building is in a remediation scheme, a Leaseholder Deed of Certificate has been completed or a Fire Risk Appraisal of the External Wall (FRAEW) has been undertaken.

An EWS1 form is not a government, legal or regulatory requirement. Not all lenders ask for an EWS1, but whether they do, remains a commercial decision.

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 he has had with UK Finance on mortgage lenders' assessments of EWS1 forms issued by Tri Fire.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Officials in my department have regular engagement with financial sector stakeholders. A product of this is the lenders’ statement on cladding which has signatories from ten major banks and building societies.

These lenders have committed to consider mortgage applications, even if a property has building safety issues, provided either the building has funding for works from government or the developer, or the property is protected by the leaseholder protections in the Building Safety Act, and the leaseholder has completed a ‘Leaseholder Deed of Certificate’ to evidence it.

The statement was further updated in April last year to confirm that even where an EWS1 has, what they consider to be, an invalid signatory, lenders will not require a wholesale review of affected EWS1s. Lenders will consider alternative evidence, for example: that a building is in a remediation scheme, a Leaseholder Deed of Certificate has been completed or a Fire Risk Appraisal of the External Wall (FRAEW) has been undertaken.

An EWS1 form is not a government, legal or regulatory requirement. Not all lenders ask for an EWS1, but whether they do, remains a commercial decision.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to Question 10626, whether his Department has conducted its own modelling of potential cost-savings arising from the creation of unitary authorities in Surrey.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out in UIN 99016, councils are responsible for working through the implications of local government reorganisation, including the assessment of cost and merits.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he plans to publish the Future Homes Standard.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government understands the urgency of introducing new energy efficiency standards so that as many homes as possible are highly efficient and use low-carbon heating. We are carefully considering at what level to set the technical requirements of the Future Homes Standard to deliver an ambitious standard that is on track to achieve our net zero ambitions while also being achievable across the country. The Future Homes Standard will be published in early 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to Written Question 106268, if his Department will publish its economic modelling of the potential cost-savings arising from the creation of unitary authorities in Surrey.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out in UIN 99016, councils are responsible for working through the implications of local government reorganisation, including the assessment of cost and merits.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance his Department provides to local authorities on how to balance (a) disability determinations made by (i) the Department for Work and Pensions and (ii) the NHS, and (b) the expressed needs and preferences of applicants when assessing Disabled Facilities Grant applications.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Government guidance for local authorities in England Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) delivery: Guidance for Local Authorities in England sets out best practice local delivery of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). It covers the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the statutory timeframes for both approvals and delivery. It also covers the grant means test, including that an applicant can be passported through the means test if they are already in receipt of means tested welfare benefits.

The guidance explains the local flexibilities available to authorities in delivering the grant, such as waiving the means test or fast-tracking the delivery of the grant in certain cases, with publication of a local housing assistance policy, and outlines best practice partnership working between housing, health, and other relevant local services.

MHCLG funds a national body—currently Foundations—to support local authorities in the with their delivery of DFGs. Foundations provides practical support, advice, and training, and helps authorities develop or update their local housing assistance policies. Further information is available on their website: https://www.foundations.uk.com

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 27 January 2026 to question 106657 on Secondary Education: Cambridgeshire, by which date the statutory consultation on local government reorganisation will launch.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out in my Written Ministerial Statement of 18 December (HCWS1215), I expect to launch the statutory consultation on proposals for the remaining local government reorganisation areas, including Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, in early February.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what support is available to families who are hosting Ukrainian citizens who need to extend their visas under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme in financial year (a) 2025-26 and (b) 2026-27.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Sponsors/hosts of Homes for Ukraine guests are eligible for a thank you payment of £350 a month for the duration of a guests’ Homes for Ukraine visa period and for 18-months of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme visa period.

The extension of thank you payments for 18-months of UPE provides time for guests and sponsors/hosts to plan for next steps, including securing independent accommodation if needed. Alternatively sponsors/hosts and guests may want to consider converting to a lodging arrangement and making use of the Government’s Rent a Room scheme. Where sponsors/hosts charge rent, they will not be eligible to receive a thank you payment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether households charged second home council tax premiums under processes later found to be procedurally defective are entitled to refunds.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Each billing authorities is responsible for the administration of council tax in its area including making any relevant determinations or calculations in accordance with the law. Whether any refunds may be necessary would depend on the specific circumstances of each case. It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on individual cases or offer legal advice.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the incidence of costs on a) land-owners in reduced land value uplift as against b) new build sales prices, resultant from environmental standards for new build homes.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Future Homes Standard, which will ensure all new homes are net zero ready, will be published early this year and a full impact assessment will accompany that publication. The impact assessment presents the costs and benefits of the Standard.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to allow areas that do not have a mayor to introduce a visitor levy.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 105024 on 19 January 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress he has made on the Code of Practice consultation.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I wish to assure the hon. Member that this government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector.

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.

A consultation document outlining proposals to raise standard across the private parking industry was published on 11 July 2025.

All responses are now being analysed and the government will publish a response 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, further to the oral statement of 19 November 2025, Official Report, Column 614, on China Espionage: Government Security Response, whether political parties will be given information on individuals or companies which may be proxies for hostile state actors.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In October, the National Protective Security Agency launched specific guidance to help Members of Parliament, councillors, mayors, and their staff better understand and protect themselves from threats like espionage and foreign interference. This guidance provides simple, effective steps to safeguard individuals, their teams, and the integrity of democratic processes: Protecting our Democratic Institutions: Countering Espionage and Foreign Interference | Defending Democracy | NPSA.

On 16 December 2025, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced an independent review into countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics. The purpose of the Rycroft review is to provide an in-depth assessment of the current financial rules and safeguards that regulate political parties and political finance and make recommendations. The terms of reference for the review can be found here: Independent review: countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics: Terms of Reference.

Given the review’s independence, we cannot pre-empt specifics of the ground it will cover, nor the recommendations it will make. It is right that the review is independent of Government and independent of any political party. Review findings will be delivered to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Security Minister by the end of March 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what his planned timetable is for implementing the provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 103549 on 14 January 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much funding was allocated to the Greater London Authority in each year of the 2026-36 affordable housing programme.

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

The Greater London Authority has secured up to £11.7 billion to deliver the London portion of the government’s Social and Affordable Homes Programme, which will run from 2026 to 2036.

The programme will support the delivery of thousands of new social and affordable homes across London, with the overall housing target for the programme to be confirmed after the initial bidding round.

Funding is available to deliver projects that can start on site by March 2036 and complete by March 2039.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what (a) monitoring and (b) enforcement action his Department undertakes to ensure that temporary accommodation in Leicester meets minimum health, safety and hygiene standards.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Housing authorities must, as a minimum, ensure that all temporary accommodation is free of Category 1 hazards as identified by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Households may request a review of their accommodation if they feel it is unsuitable.

If an applicant is not satisfied with how the council has handled their case, they may complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman or take legal action through the courts.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what is the estimated revenue from business rates in England in (a) 2024-25, (b) 2025-26 and (c) 2026-27.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Estimated net business rates yield in England for can be found in Table 1 of the ‘National non-domestic rates collected by councils in England’ statistical releases.

Data for 2024-25 based on out-turn (actual) data can be found on gov.uk here.

Forecast data for 2025-26 can be found on gov.uk here.

Data for 2026-27 will be published in mid-February 2026.

Found: Innovation and Technology for UKAEA (£0.7m), partially offset by a transfer to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Environment Agency for Decarbonisation Readiness-0.15=SUM(B34:C34)Transfer to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Our recommendation to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government that we should not

Found: Community Standard - GOV.UK7 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG

Found: non-ministerial department and since 1 June 2023 has been a partner body of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: In 10 2025/6 we will work with MHCLG and Defra to undertake preparations for putting a charging system

Found: =SUM(E140:G140)Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: CommunitiesSE BCT from MHCLG to

Found: • Budget transfer out of £208.8 million to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Governments-1064.6=SUM(B42:C42)SR25 Baseline Transfer to NCA-44-557=SUM(B43:C43)-109Fire Pensions to MHCLG

Found: . -3,333,000 Transfer from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to National Highways

Found: That is analysed by officials in MHCLG, who work with Treasury colleagues, and then present Ministers

Found: Spending Review Admin Programme Resource DEL Total Capital DEL Total Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Stoma care would come under DHSC, but public toilets would be the responsibility of MHCLG.

Found: 0.145)   (0.145) (1.900)   Transfer out of Afghan Relocation Programme to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: 2 MHCLG, Restoring trust in our democracy: Our strategy for modern and secure elections, 17 July 2025

Found: The freehold for the QEII Conference Centre is owned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: The freehold for the QEII Conference Centre is owned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: The freehold for the QEII Conference Centre is owned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: The freehold for the QEII Conference Centre is owned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: I work really closely with them, whether they are at DFT, DEFRA or MHCLG, and I have no reticence in

Found: I work really closely with them, whether they are at DFT, DEFRA or MHCLG, and I have no reticence in

Found: Ministers asserted: “It is not MHCLG policy to routinely publish FOI responses.”

Found: in primary care https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4809709/ 10 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government. English indices of deprivation 2019. 2019.

Found: to bolster community cohesion, particularly through initiatives led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: The strategy highlights the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) recently

Found: Financial literacy spans Treasury (debt, tax), DfE (curriculum), DSIT (digital), DBT (business support), MHCLG

Found: shared ownership, coordination or accountability beyond the Treasury, including key roles of the MoJ, MHCLG

Found: Whether that is MHCLG working with local councils to introduce less punitive approaches to debt collection

Found: the establishment of the BSR as an Arm’s Length Body that reports to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: misaligned with the government’s wider objectives or risk appetite.6 3 Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government

Found: DBT) Chair, Housing and Property Redress Group Member, Single Construction Regulator Advisory Board (MHCLG

Found: billion to £673 million in 2022- 23 prices (DCMS analysis of LA revenue expenditure and financing, MHCLG

Found: I am representing the LGA with MHCLG at the moment on a task and finish group looking at this, and

Found: (MHCLG) to implement a new plan -making system.

Found: Professional & Technical Panel, (SiLC PTP) wrote to DEFRA, the Agency, The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Is it your Department or MHCLG?

Found: Is it your Department or MHCLG?

Found: opportunity for the application of AI in the work led by Land Registry and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: That is a project that is between MHCLG, Home Office and ONS, but it uses health data as well so it

Found: the commissioner is the Home Office, so it is going to be less focused on issues that affect, say, MHCLG

Found: Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: If we need to work with MHCLG and with councils to understand the challenges of administration, and

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Home Office on fire safety and the use of flammable materials in indoor entertainment venues.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

No such discussions have taken place. The Home Office is the department responsible for fire safety policy and the enforcement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which governs the safety of all non-domestic premises, including indoor entertainment venues. Building regulations regarding the use of materials are the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on Local roads and highways, published on 12 January 2026, HCWS1232, what discussions she had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government before the publication of the statement.

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

Department for Transport ministers and officials regularly engage with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on a range of issues including in relation to local roads maintenance.

At the Autumn Budget, the government confirmed a record investment of £7.3 billion for local authorities over the next four years to repair and renew their roads and fix potholes. Earlier in January, the Department published a new traffic light rating system. Under this system, every local highway authority in England received a red, amber or green rating based on the condition of their roads, the level of investment into maintaining roads, and whether they do so using best practice.

The ratings are designed to enable the public to gauge how well each council is maintaining its local roads. They also provide an incentive to local highway authorities to continue to adopt best practice and they enable the department to identify where councils need to improve and to support them to ensure road conditions improve nationwide.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 15.27 of the Valuation Office Agency's technical manual, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of widening the provision to allow landlords to serve blight notices for their properties.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Section 168 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 legislates how Blight Notices can be used. This legislation and any revisions to it fall within the remit of MHCLG.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they are taking to support high streets.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Our Plan for Small Businesses, published in July, includes measures to support high street businesses, redevelop commercial space and trigger private investment.

Later this year, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy, to reinvigorate our communities. Government will work with businesses and representative bodies to inform the development of the strategy.

MHCLG has also announced £5 billion funding for up to 350 places over the next decade through its Pride in Place programme and Impact Fund.

The Home Office’s High Streets Illegality Taskforce is being established with DBT representation. This will ensure a cross-government approach to tackling crime on Britian’s high streets.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what additional resources they will make available to fire services in England to tackle fires at battery storage plants.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Fires at battery storage plants are rare and government expects any related fire services costs to be resourced from overall budgets.

Last year the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published the 2025/26 Local Government Finance Settlement (LGFS) which sets out funding allocations for all local authorities, including Fire and Rescue Authorities. These allocations, which include the National Insurance Contribution Grant, will see standalone fire and rescue authorities receiving an increase in core spending power of £69.1 million in 2025/26. This is an increase of 3.6 per cent in cash terms compared to 2024/25.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of China about the redevelopment of the UK embassy in Beijing; and whether they discussed the construction of a new Chinese embassy in London in those talks.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 April 2025 to Question HL6121, and to the subsequent statement made to the House by Baroness Anderson of Stoke‑on‑Trent on 26 January setting out the decision taken by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

We have been clear throughout that the planning decision was for the Secretary of State at MHCLG to make in an independent, quasi-judicial capacity.

While it has been clear for a number of years that we need to rebuild our own Embassy in Beijing, which is in a poor condition and not suitable for managing a diplomatic relationship with a country as consequential to UK and global interests as China, that cannot be, and has not been, factored into this planning decision by the Secretary of State at MHCLG.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of making HM Passport Office data available to Electoral Registration Officers for the purposes of Automatic Voter Registration.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

His Majesty’s Passport Office shares data with other government departments, law enforcement agencies and local authorities to help fulfil their aims and objectives when it is legal to do so.

The merits of potential data sources to support voter registration is a matter for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of a) making HMRC taxpayer data available to Electoral Registration Officers for the purposes of Automatic Voter Registration, and b) allowing people who update their address with HMRC to update their voter registration automatically at the same time.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The taxpayer information HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) holds is subject to a strict statutory duty of confidentiality. HMRC will share taxpayer information however, where there is a lawful basis to do so and to support wider government objectives. In July 2025 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (“MHCLG”) published its strategy for modern and secure elections with a focus on the effective and safe sharing of data to improve voter registration. HMRC has been working in collaboration with officials from MHCLG to identify data-enabled opportunities to support their objective of improving voter registration.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what analysis the Valuation Office Agency provided to government departments on the potential distributional consequences of the 2026 business rates revaluation before the Budget 2025, including the potential impact on the pub sector.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) provides valuation data and analysis on the property market to MHCLG and HMT.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of how many and the proportion of pubs hereditaments assigned Valuation Office Agency Special Category Code 226 which were eligible for the 40 per cent Retail, Hospitality and Leisure rate relief in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

MHCLG publish data on the number of properties benefitting from RHL relief. You can find the information here: National non-domestic rates collected by councils in England: forecast 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government correspondence entitled 4/2025: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Multipliers, published on 17 November 2025, if she will publish the Valuation Office Agency's business rates revaluation communication pack provided to local authorities.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The VOA does not routinely publish its communications with local authorities.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what consideration he has given to ring-fencing any element of the Local Growth Fund allocation for Northern Ireland for community and voluntary sector services.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Office; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Northern Ireland Executive have worked to provide community and voluntary sector organisations with the certainty they need to plan for this year.

The RDEL element of the Local Growth Fund in 2026/27 will be split between economic inactivity provision delivery partners and Go Succeed, in the same proportion to funding received in 2025/26 under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This was agreed between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The record £19.3bn settlement for the Spending Review period - as well as the £370m announced at the Budget - provides the Northern Ireland Executive with the means to provide additional funding to support the voluntary and community sector, should they wish to do so.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of a) making DVLA driving licence data available to Electoral Registration Officers for the purposes of Automatic Voter Registration, and b) allowing people who update their address on their driving licences with DVLA to update their voter registration automatically at the same time.

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

While voter registration processes are a matter for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MCHLG), officials at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency are discussing the potential for using driver licensing information for these purposes with MCHLG officials.

Found: (MHCLG).

Found: (MHCLG), Flood risk and coastal change, 6 March 2014, updated 17 September 2025

Found: MHCLG and Homes England developed these programmes over time.

Found: facts £21bn 1 April 2026 amount of funding the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG

Found: The Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) aims to address these market failures

Found: across the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG

Found: public estate including Best Start Family Hubs and working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: public estate including Best Start Family Hubs and working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Annexes 584 Liquid Gas UK (UKLPG) UKLPG Guidance and Codes of Practice Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: date on which provision on account is based 2026-27 Required on Account Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Required on Account Table 2: Supply Estimates by Department, 2026-27 (Voted) Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: (MHCLG) Transfer of funds for Supporting Families -151,000 (Section L) BCT (IN

Found: (MHCLG) Transfer of funds for Supporting Families -151,000 (Section L) BCT (IN

Found: the implementation of Law Commission recommendations 9 Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG

Found: or event fees charged in retirement property leases may be unfair, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: the implementation of Law Commission recommendations 9 Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG

Found: 1 -10 -27 -33 Modelling and assumption changes 0 -10 -17 -24 Policy savings updates (DESNZ and MHCLG

Found: 0.202649271908342 -10.0480847076294 -17.1485994351501 -24.4084007319263 Policy savings updates (DESNZ and MHCLG

Found: together expertise from across the region from the Department for Transport, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Responsibilities to MHCLG ...........................................................................

Found: all tiers of our Community Accommodation Service (CAS) and through our work in partnership with MHCLG

Found: landlords seeking an exemption should follow the guidance produced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Introduction 2.1 The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued this guidance in parallel

Found: to housing and services (9.3%), and living environment deprivation (9.3%) (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: 2026-2036 Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), which is run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Found: Mae MHCLG yn gwneud rhywfaint o waith penodol ar hyn.

Found: MHCLG is doing some specific work on this.

Found: include the Ministry of Justice, Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government