Housing Reform

Debate between Diana Johnson and Grant Shapps

Monday 21st November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Grant Shapps]

I can tell my hon. Friend that I have today issued new directions to the social regulator that cover each of the points that he has raised. In particular, I know all Members will join me in the belief that it is essential that this country properly and correctly honours the sacrifice of those who have been out and fought for this country. That is explicit in the new directions, as is much more flexibility to take into account, for example, whether somebody is working, and whether that should be considered a positive attribute in gaining access to social housing.

[Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

A year ago today, the Government axed a £160 million scheme to build new houses in my constituency to rent and buy. Will my constituents see the benefit of any of the money that has been announced today?

[Grant Shapps]

I think that is a reference to the housing market renewal areas. [Interruption.] Perhaps the hon. Lady would like to drop me a note, because I may have misunderstood which funding she was referring to, and then I will be very happy to respond in detail.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Diana Johnson and Grant Shapps

Thursday 21st October 2010 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Shapps)]

My hon. Friend is right to point out that there are instances in which HMOs cause problems for local communities. Indeed, it happens in my own constituency.

On their last day in office, the last Government introduced a blanket authority requiring HMO planning permission to be obtained everywhere in the country before the use of a property could be changed. On 1 October, we altered the arrangement to ensure that it could be zoned as and where a local authority needed it to be.

[Diana R. Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

T3. In the light of the 60% cuts in the social housing budget that were announced yesterday, will one of the Ministers tell me whether the private finance initiative scheme in Orchard Park and the stock transfer in Bransholme will go ahead?

[Grant Shapps]

Now that the spending review is out of the way, we shall be able to announce which PFI projects will be able to continue.