Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to limiting the size of solar plants in areas of best and most versatile agricultural land.

Answered by Lord Callanan - Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Planning policy and associated guidance set out that the effective use of land should be prioritised by directing large scale solar projects to locate on previously developed and non-greenfield land.

If a developer proposes to use any land falling under Natural England’s ‘best and most versatile agricultural land’, they are required to justify using such land and design their projects to avoid, mitigate and where necessary, compensate for any impacts.

The planning system also sets out how decision-makers should consider the impact of cumulative impacts, for example where a number of solar projects are deployed in close proximity.

Further detail can be found in the National Policy Statement (EN-3), National Planning Policy Framework, and associated planning practice guidance for renewable and low carbon energy.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendation in the report The Voices of Supported Lodgings: Strong foundations for our future, published by Homes for Good and Safe Families on 16 October, that the Government should introduce a 'supported lodgings lead' within every regional care co-operative with responsibility for supported lodgings provision.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Education)

The department welcomes the report from Homes for Good and Safe Families on supported lodgings and appreciate the work they do in the sector to raise awareness of fostering, adoption and supported lodgings.

The department is considering the recommendations made in the report, and how we can support the supported lodgings sector to continue to grow, so that all children have the chance to thrive in safe, loving homes.

The department is working with local authorities and partners to co-design and set up the first Regional Care Co-operatives through two pathfinders in Greater Manchester and the South East. It will be for each Regional Care Co-operative to decide its staffing structure, including whether to have a supported lodgings lead, depending on their regional needs and priorities.

The department will continue to consider opportunities to promote and grow the supported lodgings sector, as every child growing up in care should have a stable, secure environment where they feel supported, and we need more good quality options for children and young people.

Found: THE LORD BISHOP OF SOUTHWELL AND NOTTINGHAM 20★_ Schedule 4, page 164, line 15, at end insert