Oral Answers to Questions

Caroline Dinenage Excerpts

Monday 20th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

There is no evidence that removing the spare room subsidy has had that impact. There will be an assessment in the spring, when we will look at that. I would imagine that any of the 1.69 million people who are currently on waiting lists in a council area with an empty house would be outraged that they are still on a waiting list and are not being accommodated by the local council. There should be no empty homes out there when such a significant number of people are demanding a house.

[Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con)]

15. What guidance he has issued to local authorities on prioritising (a) members of the armed forces and (b) local residents for social housing.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Kris Hopkins)]

I am incredibly proud that this Government have published guidance strongly encouraging councils to prioritise armed forces members and their families for social housing. Last month we issued guidance ensuring that local homes go to local people.

[Caroline Dinenage]

My constituency has a very proud history of serving the armed forces and was an early adopter of the armed forces covenant. Although I warmly welcome the Government’s efforts to encourage local authorities to prioritise local people when allocating social housing, what is the Minister doing to encourage local councils to make sure that forces families are not disadvantaged by this measure?

[Kris Hopkins]

As a former squaddie, I think this Government can be very proud of what we have done, whether it is the Help to Buy scheme, the covenant, or making sure that members of our armed forces who have been away from home still have a high priority on waiting lists. That message has gone out to local councils, and they need to adhere to the policy to support members of the armed forces who live in my hon. Friend’s constituency and in many others.