Housing Delivery Test Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Lord Singh of Wimbledon
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Housing Delivery Test
Lord Singh of Wimbledon Excerpts(4 years, 1 month ago)
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Lord Greenhalgh (Con)
My Lords, I think that my noble friend is referring to the housing needs formula. This takes affordability into account and is capped to limit increases for areas. That is a sensible way to build any foundation for this test.
Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB) [V]
My Lords, having worked for a large construction company, I know how easily housing output can be affected by varying demand, the weather and the economy. With that in mind, does the Minister agree that the housing delivery test of achieving at least 95% of local authority need is nothing more than an aspiration to give an illusion of control over the unpredictable?
Lord Greenhalgh (Con)
My Lords, the vast majority of councils—two-thirds—are building the homes that their areas need, and only 54 of over 300 authorities have below 75% deliveries. The test is working, and we will continue to maintain close communication with those authorities where it is not.