National Policy Planning Framework: Housing

Debate between Baroness Taylor of Stevenage and Lord Hain

Monday 6th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

It is possible for builders to change the provision if they need to, but that has to be in exceptional circumstances, because the need for social housing is so acute. The Government have set up a new clearing service for those Section 106 homes via Homes England. That was launched on 12 December, and we hope that it will enable us to match up registered providers with the social homes available under Section 106.

[Lord Hain (Lab)]

My Lords, in endorsing the condolences expressed to Baroness Randerson’s family and friends, I remind the House that she was also a stalwart champion of Wales, with a long record of public service that should be recognised.

Can my noble friend the Minister confirm that the 2010-15 Tory-Lib Dem coalition Government spent £10 on building new homes for every £100 on housing benefit? That was virtually a reversal of 40 years ago, when every £100 we spent on building homes was matched by £20 on benefit. Is that not another reason for building many more council houses and for public investment in social housing?

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

I echo my noble friend’s points about Baroness Randerson’s work in Wales. He makes a valid point: a good reason for building social housing is that it saves expenditure on DWP funds. In my own area, a private rented property costs around £1,200 a month; a social rented property is about £600 a month. Even those with my maths skills can work out that that would be a saving. That is why it is so urgent that we get on with building the social homes that we need. There are social reasons for doing so, but also very good financial reasons.