Amendment of the Law

Anne Begg Excerpts

Monday 28th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Pickles]

Into the former colliery areas. That £30 million is more than the hon. Gentleman’s party had put in. We will certainly do our best to ensure that there is sustainable development in that area.

[Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab)]

Has the Secretary of State had discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions on the reforms to housing benefit, under which it will become impossible for someone who is under-occupying their house to get full housing benefit for that house? He talks about building new homes, but what proportion of them will be one-bedroom homes, because a large number of people who will be looking for property under the new housing benefit rules will be looking for such homes?

[Mr Pickles]

The hon. Lady will be aware that we have abolished the density targets, which led to a glut of flats. We will ensure that the market decides a reasonable mix. That seems to be a more sensible and reasonable way of going about the process.

For too long, the planning system has been a source of friction between councils, communities and businesses.