Oral Answers to Questions

Douglas McAllister Excerpts

Monday 2nd December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Jessica Toale (Bournemouth West) (Lab)]

2. What steps her Department is taking to increase the supply of social housing.

[Douglas McAllister (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab)]

6. What steps her Department is taking to increase the supply of social housing.

[Gregor Poynton (Livingston) (Lab)]

16. What steps her Department is taking to increase the supply of social housing.

--- Later in debate ---

[Angela Rayner]

We have consulted on changes to the national planning policy framework to maximise development on brownfield land, and we have invited views on proposals for a new brownfield passport, which will provide more explicit guidance on how the potential of land in urban areas can be maximised. We intend to publish updates on the national planning policy framework by the end of this year.

[Douglas McAllister]

In Scotland, 242 people died while homeless last year. Those deaths are a travesty for our country and a damning symbol of Scottish Government failure. My local authority of West Dunbartonshire declared a housing emergency this year. Does the Secretary of State agree that as we head into winter, it is more urgent than ever that the Scottish National party Government finally take action, deliver a fair deal for councils, build more affordable social houses and offer every Scot a safe, secure home?

[Angela Rayner]

My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue; 242 people dying is absolutely horrendous. We face an acute housing crisis. While housing and homelessness are devolved, I urge our Scottish counterparts to grip this issue. I completely agree that he gives a damning example of the crisis in Scotland. Every single homeless death is a tragedy. That is why a sufficient supply of affordable housing and joined-up support services are essential, as we will make clear in our upcoming inter-ministerial meetings with our Scottish colleagues.