Baroness Hodgson of Abinger Portrait

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger

Conservative - Life peer

Became Member: 16th September 2013


AI in Weapon Systems Committee
31st Jan 2023 - 23rd Nov 2023
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
1st Jul 2019 - 31st Jan 2023
Rural Economy Committee
9th Oct 2018 - 26th Mar 2019
Sexual Violence in Conflict Committee
11th Jun 2015 - 22nd Mar 2016


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Baroness Hodgson of Abinger has voted in 13 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Baroness Hodgson of Abinger Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour)
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
(4 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Leader of the House
(7 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(1 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Baroness Hodgson of Abinger's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


2 Bills introduced by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger


A Bill to support women in UK-sponsored and supported conflict prevention, peace processes, mediation and diplomatic delegations; to ensure systematic gender consideration and responsiveness in UK foreign and defence policy; and for connected purposes.

Lords Completed
Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 17th December 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 7th March 2025

A Bill to support women in UK sponsored and supported conflict prevention, peace processes, mediation and diplomatic delegations; to ensure systematic gender consideration and responsiveness in UK foreign and defence policy; and for connected purposes.

Lords Completed
Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 6th September 2023

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 46 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
1 Other Department Questions
22nd Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what the policy of the Office for Equality and Opportunity is on recognising species dysphoria.

The Office for Equality and Opportunity does not have a policy approach that recognises species dysphoria.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
19th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 23 September (HL1035), whether a portrait of the Queen Elizabeth I was removed from 10 Downing Street, and if so, whether they considered the public sector equality duty.

The portrait of Queen Elizabeth I was temporarily removed as part of a refresh of GAC artworks across 10 and 11 Downing Street for our 125th Anniversary on 5 December 2024. The portrait will be reinstalled in 11 Downing Street on Friday 22 November as part of the Chancellor's display of works 'of or by women'.

Baroness Twycross
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
7th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government when they last met representatives of the footwear industry; when the next meeting is to take place; whether that meeting will include heritage craft makers in the footwear industry; and what plans they have to support the continued making and manufacture of shoes and boots in the United Kingdom.

The Department engages with the British Footwear Association (BFA). The BFA attended a roundtable on 24 April 2024 and are due to attend a roundtable with the Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports on 15 October 2024, where there will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the footwear manufacturing sector in the broader context of consumer goods including fashion, textiles, and furniture. The CEO of the BFA attended a Luxury Steering Group with officials to discuss trade promotion opportunities on 18 September 2024.

The Government will introduce a new Industrial Strategy to drive long-term sustainable, inclusive and secure growth - through securing investment into crucial sectors of the economy.

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
29th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ referenced in the King’s Speech brief is now a Government policy commitment and, if so, whether this will include strengthened equality impact assessments for public sector bodies.

The Government is committed to delivering the Plan to Make Work Pay in full. Ministers are identifying the most appropriate delivery mechanisms for the commitments in the Plan, including an Employment Rights Bill that will be introduced to Parliament within 100 days of taking office. Work is already underway to identify and deliver measures through non-legislative and secondary legislative routes. We are already delivering on our commitments, including changing the remit of the Low Pay Commission to reflect living standards for the first time.

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
30th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many acres of farmland have had solar panels put on them since July.

The data for solar deployment since July is not yet available; this information is due to be published imminently, as part of the Renewable Energy Planning Database.

The Government does not currently categorise the data based on land type. However, work is underway to expand the database to include this feature.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the comparative energy conversion efficiency of onshore and offshore wind turbines.

The Department has internal software tools that it uses to model the performance of a specific wind turbine located in a defined location since the comparative energy conversion efficiency depends on the turbine design and the available wind resource rather than if a turbine is used offshore or onshore. The maximum energy conversion efficiency is theoretically 59.26% (The Betz Limit), but practical turbines have efficiency factors around the 40% range.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many responses have been received to (1) Strand 1, and (2) Strand 2, of the call for evidence; whether the date to submit the final report remains 31 August; and what is the planned timing for the Department to publish that final report.

This is an independent review which is ongoing, and as such responses have not been directed to the Department.

As per the Terms of Reference, final reporting will be submitted by the end of August 2024. Upon receipt, the government will consider the report.

Lord Vallance of Balham
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
7th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Heritage Crafts "Red List of Endangered Crafts"; and what plans they have, if any, to support any of those listed to prevent extinction of those skills within the United Kingdom.

As a new administration, we are exploring policy options to support skills development, including safeguarding endangered craftsmanship. We are working closely with the Department for Education and engage with the heritage and skills sectors regularly in order to understand and address skills gaps. The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports traditional craft skills and training, including funding projects that train people in traditional crafts and skills. They also run a Heritage Crafts programme which offers bursaries to help people train in heritage crafts or develop their skills.

The UK ratified the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in March 2024, pledging to take measures to ‘safeguard’ living heritage, including craft. Discussions about how living heritage is safeguarded, and by who, will take place as the Convention is implemented.


Baroness Twycross
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
24th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 26 September (HL1120), whether the second strengthening stage of works on Hammersmith Bridge has started; and if not, when it will (1) start, and (2) be completed.

The first, ‘Stabilisation’ stage of works is now expected to complete in Spring 2025 and will ensure that the Bridge can safely remain open to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic on a permanent basis. The schedule for the ‘Strengthening’ works is under development by the Borough.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
13th Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government when Hammersmith Bridge will re-open to traffic.

Hammersmith Bridge is expected to be reopened following the completion of the second, ‘Strengthening’ stage of works.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
13th Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many vehicles in England are licensed in total; and what is the number broken down by (1) cars, (2) HGVs, (3) motorbikes, and (4) other categories of vehicles.

The table below shows the number of vehicles currently licensed in England.

Cars

28,153,927

HGVs

420,543

Motorbikes

1,204,083

Other categories of vehicles

4,682,394

Total

34,460,947

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
12th Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to address (1) unregulated e-bike hire, and (2) illegal e-scooters.

The Government recognises the need to address the problems caused by unregulated e-bike hire schemes and illegal e-scooters. Ministers are carefully considering next steps and potential solutions. It is a matter for the police to decide what action is appropriate to deal with those who ride e-scooters illegally on the public highway.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
12th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the economic contribution of economically active people over the state pension age in the UK.

No recent assessment of the economic impact is available. However, employment rate by individual age from age 50 to 75 is published in the ‘economic labour market status of individuals aged 50 and over, trends over time: 2024’ statistical report: Economic labour market status of individuals aged 50 and over, trends over time: September 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Table 19 shows the employment rate in 2024 for those aged 66, for example, was 30.1%, an increase of 5.3 percentage points since 2019.

Baroness Sherlock
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
11th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will include in their forthcoming "Get Britain Working" White Paper plans to (1) support older people to be economically active; (2) support older people to volunteer; and (3) address existing barriers for older people in the workplace, including ageism and health-related barriers.

The white paper will set out reforms to employment support to help tackle the elevated level of economic inactivity, support people into good work, and create an inclusive labour market in which everybody can participate and progress in work. These reforms are driven by a long-term ambition to reach an 80% employment rate and to reduce the UK’s inactivity rate back to pre-pandemic levels.

We are transforming how we support people into work, help those on low pay increase their earnings and create a workforce fit for the future. Through bringing together Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service in England, we will have a greater focus on skills and careers, improving links between employability and career provision to support our number one mission of growing the economy whilst breaking down barriers to opportunity.

DWP already offers employment support for eligible over 50s in its Jobcentres, including a tailored service with a Midlife MOT to support people to assess their health, wealth and skills. DWP also works with employers and other stakeholders to promote the benefits of a multi-generational workforce and to adopt practices that support older workers.

Baroness Sherlock
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
27th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are providing aid to the government of Chad to help, and ensure the security of, refugees arriving in that country from Sudan; to support the local host community; and to prevent an outbreak of conflict.

Sudan's displacement crisis is the largest in the world. 11 million people have been forcibly displaced and over 900,000 refugees and returnees have arrived in Chad. The UK recognises the severity of the crisis and has provided £55.8m to support the response in Eastern Chad since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023. We have also played a significant role in drawing international attention to the conflict, notably through the Duchess of Edinburgh's visit to Adre, Eastern Chad, in October this year, where she met with refugees crossing the border.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
27th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to make Chad one of the focus countries for the UK’s UN Security Council 1325 National Action Plan.

The Government supports the approach and ambition of the UK's 5th Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan and intends to build on this ambition during the 25th anniversary year, advancing implementation and focusing on new priorities. Although Chad is not currently a National Action Plan focus country, we continue to dedicate time and resource to delivering our strategic objectives in non-focus countries. Since 2018, the UK has dedicated over £2.9 million to the Women's Integrated Sexual Health programme in Chad. The UK continues to provide support to the response in Eastern Chad, providing £55.8 million since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
28th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will support, and help with the creation of, a United Nations convention on the rights of older persons.

The UK Government is committed to equality and opportunity for all, with a particular focus on those most likely to be marginalised and discriminated against, including on the grounds of their age. We are open in principle to the idea of a multilateral instrument dedicated to the human rights of older people and will continue to play a constructive role in discussions on this issue at the UN and other relevant fora.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what planning applications the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have made to fly flags that do not have deemed consent.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not made any planning applications to fly flags that do not have deemed consent in 2024.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what is their strategy on Afghanistan.

We are continuing to review our policy on Afghanistan. Our overall priorities are to protect UK national security interests, support the most vulnerable Afghans through our humanitarian response and defend human rights, especially those of women and girls.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
14th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government why they decided to request the closure of the Afghan Embassy in London and whether Afghan communities, including women and girls, were consulted.

The State of Afghanistan decided to close the Afghan Embassy in London and dismiss its staff. This decision was not made by the UK Government. UK policy towards Afghanistan has not changed, especially regarding women and girls. In line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Afghanistan is responsible for the appointment and termination of staff at its embassies. We recognise the closure of the embassy is likely to create challenges for Afghans in the UK who require consular services.

The FCDO recommends against all travel to Afghanistan.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
14th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact that the closure of the Afghan Embassy in London will have on the United Kingdom's wider strategy on Afghanistan and its commitment to other policies including the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

The State of Afghanistan decided to close the Afghan Embassy in London and dismiss its staff. This decision was not made by the UK Government. UK policy towards Afghanistan has not changed, especially regarding women and girls. In line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Afghanistan is responsible for the appointment and termination of staff at its embassies. We recognise the closure of the embassy is likely to create challenges for Afghans in the UK who require consular services.

The FCDO recommends against all travel to Afghanistan.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
9th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to join Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands in taking the Taliban to the International Court of Justice for gender discrimination.

We have repeatedly condemned Taliban restrictions on women and girls' rights, including through UN Security Council and Human Rights Council resolutions.  As the Foreign Secretary said on 24 August, the exclusion of women from all aspects of public life is another tragic setback for Afghanistan. We are discussing with international partners ways to hold them accountable. More broadly, officials regularly press the Taliban to reverse their inhuman restrictions, both bilaterally and with international partners.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
25th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to the continued implementation of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative strategy in its final year, and whether they have considered extending the strategy after that point.

The Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) Strategy, launched in 2022, sets out the UK's approach to tackling conflict related sexual violence (CRSV). It covers the period 2022-2025. Decisions on exact future strategies will be taken by ministers in due course.

Empowering women and girls and preventing the conflicts that disproportionately impact on them is a key priority for this new government. We are working to prevent and respond to CRSV, including as vice chair of the International Alliance on PSVI and by providing medical, psychosocial, and legal support to thousands of survivors around the world.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
25th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, if any, to ensure that there is ministerial leadership dedicated to women, peace and security.

The UK remains committed to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

The Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds was appointed on 8 July 2024 as Minister of State for Development at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and will assume responsibility for WPS. She is also Minister for Women and Equalities at the Department for Education. The Minister will attend Cabinet.

The Ministry of Defence lead on WPS will be the Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, who will be supported by the Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Coaker.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
25th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to re-appoint a Special Representative for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The current set of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) envoys is presently under review.  FCDO Ministers will take decisions on envoys in due course, and appointments of any new envoys will be announced publicly.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
25th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are taking steps to strengthen the global response to conflict-related sexual violence by (1) addressing the root causes of sexual violence, (2) improving justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, and (3) enhancing support for survivors of, and children born from, sexual violence in conflict.

The Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) Strategy, launched in 2022, sets out the UK's approach to tackling conflict related sexual violence (CRSV). It covers the period 2022-2025. Discussions on exact future strategies will be taken by ministers in due course.

Empowering women and girls and preventing the conflicts that disproportionately impact on them is a key priority for this new government. We are working to prevent and respond to CRSV, including as vice chair of the International Alliance on PSVI and by providing medical, psychosocial, and legal support to thousands of survivors around the world.

Lord Collins of Highbury
Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to remove VAT from work and building materials that are utilised to repurpose old buildings into housing.

There are a number of VAT reliefs on construction work to properties already for residential use. For instance, a reduced rate of VAT at five per cent applies to residential renovations, subject to certain conditions. These include conversions of buildings from one residential use to another, conversions from commercial to residential use, and the renovation of properties that have been empty for two years or more prior to the renovation work.

The Government also maintains a zero rate of VAT on new-build residential or qualifying buildings to encourage the construction of new homes.

VAT is the UK's second largest tax forecast to raise £176 billion in 2024/25. A vital source of revenue that helps to fund public services.

The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process.

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
6th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, what expert guidance they intend to seek in defining the criteria for well-designed buildings and places.

As the Housing and Planning Minister said in his written statement on 12 November ‘We want exemplary development to be the norm not the exception so that more communities feel the benefits of new development and welcome it. As we act to boost housing supply, we are therefore determined to take steps to improve the design and quality of the homes and neighbourhoods being built.’

The National Design Guide and National Model Design Code set out ten characteristics of well-designed places and how to achieve good design in the planning system. The department intends to update this guidance in Spring 2025 and will test this with urban design experts and practitioners from local authorities and the private sector. We also intend to establish quarterly Steering Boards on design and placemaking, ensuring that our work is guided by those with relevant professional and practical expertise.

We will continue to bolster design skills and capacity through the £46 million package of capacity and capability support provided to local planning authorities. This will be used to fund the recruitment and training of 300 graduate and apprentice planners, along with the £1 million funding to Public Practice for the recruitment of planners, architects and urban designers. Together, this framework provides a clear basis for the delivery of more high-quality, well-designed homes.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
6th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to strengthen the capacity of local planning authorities in the light of their commitment to recruit 300 additional planning officers by 2026, and in order to increase access to qualified design expertise.

My department intends to update the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code in Spring 2025, and we will continue to bolster design skills and capacity through the £46 million package of capacity and capability support provided to local planning authorities. This will be used to fund the recruitment and training of 300 graduate and apprentice planners, along with £1 million of funding to Public Practice for the recruitment of planners, architects and urban designers.

Together, this framework provides a clear basis for the delivery of more high-quality, well-designed homes.

Additionally, our commitment to recruit 300 additional planners, taken alongside wider planning policy changes, will help us to deliver the housing and economic growth this country desperately needs.

We are also developing a wider programme of support, working with partners across the planning sector, to ensure that local planning authorities have the skills, including around design, both now and in the future.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
24th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 23 October (HL1457), what steps they are taking to keep the Party Wall Act 1996 under continuous review; who they are engaging with to do so; which stakeholders will they be engaging with; and what steps they will take to ensure that there is adequate engagement with the public.

His Majesty’s Government is committed to keeping the Party Wall Act under continuous review.

Government officials maintain records of correspondence on the Party Wall Act from parliamentarians and members of the public alike, noting any recommendations concerning the efficacy and application of the act to ensure that any necessary changes can be carefully considered and effectively addressed. No date or decision has been made to review the party wall act. If and when the act is reviewed it would require an open public consultation.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
24th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 23 October (HL1457), when they expect to make a decision on changes to be made in relation to the Party Wall Act 1996.

His Majesty’s Government is committed to keeping the Party Wall Act under continuous review.

Government officials maintain records of correspondence on the Party Wall Act from parliamentarians and members of the public alike, noting any recommendations concerning the efficacy and application of the act to ensure that any necessary changes can be carefully considered and effectively addressed. No date or decision has been made to review the party wall act. If and when the act is reviewed it would require an open public consultation.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
24th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage on 23 October (HL1457), whether their first principle when considering changes to the Party Wall Act 1996 will be "do no harm".

His Majesty’s Government is committed to keeping the Party Wall Act under continuous review.

Government officials maintain records of correspondence on the Party Wall Act from parliamentarians and members of the public alike, noting any recommendations concerning the efficacy and application of the act to ensure that any necessary changes can be carefully considered and effectively addressed. No date or decision has been made to review the party wall act. If and when the act is reviewed it would require an open public consultation.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
15th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, of the 1.5 million houses they plan to build in the next 5 years, what percentage will go to (1) people now residing in the UK, (2) people who will be coming to live in the UK from overseas; and of those people coming from overseas, how many will be (a) foreign citizens with leave to remain, (b) asylum seekers, and (c) illegal migrants.

Immigration is one of a number of factors that impacts assessments of housing demand and future housing supply. The Government's commitment to build 1.5 million homes over the course of parliament is intended to provide the homes the country needs. If a person's immigration status does not allow them recourse to public funds then they are not eligible for an allocation of social housing. This includes asylum seekers.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
15th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, in relation to the 1.5 million houses they plan to build in the next 5 years, (1) how many people are homeless in the UK at present, and (2) whether they have mapped where the housing is needed.

On 31 March 2024 there were 117,450 households in Temporary Accommodation in England.

The proposed local housing need figures for each local authority in England are set out in the 'Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system' consultation documents.

To support our commitment to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation, we are also proposing reforms to the NPPF that are designed to support the delivery of affordable housing, including ensuring that councils can prioritise the types of affordable homes their communities need. These can be found at gov.uk.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
15th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many homes they predict will be created by repurposing existing buildings during the next five years.

The Government is committed to building 1.5m homes over the next parliament and that development must look to brownfield first, prioritising previously used land wherever possible. We proposed a set of targeted changes in our consultation on reforms to the NPPF to support this, alongside proposals to release low-quality grey belt land within the Green Belt to meet housing and other development needs

It is for local authorities, in consultation with their communities, to set out the most appropriate strategy to meet their housing needs.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
15th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, in relation to the 1.5 million houses they plan to build in the next 5 years, whether asylum seekers will have priority for the new housing over those already on housing lists and currently residing in the UK.

I refer the noble Lady to the answer given to Question UIN 5689 on 11 October 2024.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
9th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to conduct a review of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, with special regard to domestic housing and the effects on neighbouring properties (1) to ensure that there is an adequate balance of rights between the developer and the next-door neighbour, and (2) because basements have become more prolific in London.

His Majesties Government is committed to keeping the Act under continuous review. In addition, we will be engaging with stakeholders and the public to gather insights and explore ways to improve its implementation. This collaborative approach will ensure that any necessary changes are carefully considered and effectively addressed.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to consider the potential benefits of beautiful housing in their proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Government wants to create good quality, well-designed, and sustainable homes and places that we are all proud of. That is why the National Planning Policy Framework and our national design guidance highlight the benefits of good design and the role that it can play in improving health and well-being, accessibility and inclusion, and establishing a strong sense of place.

I would like to assure the Noble Baroness that creating beautiful homes and beautiful places is still encouraged by the Framework, including as part of the social objective of the planning system; one of the three overarching objectives for achieving sustainable development.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what their policy is towards repurposing old buildings for housing, to help address the housing crisis.

We have been clear that development must look to brownfield first, prioritising previously used land wherever possible. To support this, we propose a set of targeted changes in our consultation on reforms to the NPPF, published 30 July. These changes include an expanded definition of previously developed land, and changes to make clear that the default answer to brownfield development should be ‘yes’.

National planning policy also expects local councils to support efforts to identify and bring back into residential use empty homes and other suitable buildings.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to encourage developers to use brownfield sites; and whether they plan to give tax breaks to developers of this land to reflect the added costs of making the land fit to be built on.

We have been clear that development must look to brownfield first, prioritising previously used land wherever possible. To support this, we propose a set of targeted changes in our consultation on reforms to the NPPF, published 30 July. These changes include an expanded definition of previously developed land, and changes to make clear that the default answer to brownfield development should be ‘yes’.

National planning policy also expects local councils to support efforts to identify and bring back into residential use empty homes and other suitable buildings.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have identified older buildings in each local authority area that could be adapted to provide housing.

We have been clear that development must look to brownfield first, prioritising previously used land wherever possible. To support this, we propose a set of targeted changes in our consultation on reforms to the NPPF, published 30 July. These changes include an expanded definition of previously developed land, and changes to make clear that the default answer to brownfield development should be ‘yes’.

National planning policy also expects local councils to support efforts to identify and bring back into residential use empty homes and other suitable buildings.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
19th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to recommend the installation of (1) solar panels, and (2) small wind turbines on all new houses.

Future standards next year will set our new homes and buildings on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuels and ensures they are fit for a net zero future. This will support our ambition that the 1.5 million homes we will build over the course of this parliament will be high quality, well designed and sustainable. That is why the Deputy Prime Minister and I are clear that rooftop solar and other renewable technology should play an important role, where appropriate, as part of the future standards for homes and buildings.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
19th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to recommend the installation of facilities to capture storm water for domestic use in all new houses.

The Environment Improvement Plan 2023 recognised that water efficiency could be supported through Building Regulations, planning and voluntary schemes. The Government will review this position in the coming months and recognises that new work might need to consider technical challenges of water capture and avoidance of cross-contamination between rainwater and potable water supplies.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
17th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the research by Cambridge University’s Department of Engineering into recycling cement, as reported in May 2024; and what plans they have, if any, to incorporate it into future housebuilding and planning policies.

We welcome research into ways to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment through safe, innovative products. Building Regulations are outcome based and do not prescribe specific materials. This gives housebuilders the freedom to use the most appropriate materials and technologies for their projects, which allows them to quickly capitalise on innovation.

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)