Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Barwell and Liz McInnes

Monday 24th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I think the Minister meant outside the Chamber.

[Liz McInnes (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab)]

7. What steps he is taking to ensure that the planning system encourages the building of more affordable homes to rent or buy.

[The Minister for Housing and Planning (Gavin Barwell)]

The Government continue to reform the planning system. We have set out our clear intent to intervene on those councils that do not have an up-to-date plan. We have legislated to ensure that the planning system delivers starter homes for first-time buyers, as well as affordable homes for people wanting to rent.

[Liz McInnes]

I thank the Minister for that answer. The recently published Greater Manchester spatial framework states an ambition to

“significantly increase the supply of housing that people can afford, including through the planning system.”

How will Greater Manchester be able to achieve that ambition, given that the Housing and Planning Act 2016 lets developers off the hook by effectively ending their obligation to provide affordable homes to rent and buy?