Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Graeme Morrice and Kris Hopkins

Monday 20th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Graeme Morrice (Livingston) (Lab)]

14. What assessment he has made of changes in demand for larger social homes since April 2013.

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

We do not undertake a national assessment of need as we believe that such assessments are better made at a local level. In the new affordable homes programme we will encourage the building of homes to match local needs, including smaller properties in areas with a shortage, and funding for larger homes where that is appropriate.

[Graeme Morrice]

There is much evidence to suggest that the Government’s bedroom tax is responsible not only for an increase in the number of empty larger properties but for escalating rent arrears and significant extra costs to social landlords. As my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington North (Helen Jones) said, why is the Minister defending this iniquitous and failing policy that is resulting in abject misery for thousands of families up and down the country?

[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.