Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Iain Stewart and Lord Pickles

Monday 20th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Pickles]

The only person who I think is looking at those as potential sites is Michael Lyons, who is working for the Labour party on these matters. Just to be absolutely clear, I cannot rule out some ambitious civil servant re-heating and re-badging an old Labour scheme to bring it to us. I want to be absolutely clear: no one is going to be forced to have a garden city against their will. I think that the right hon. Gentleman is a little confused. He seems to be mixing up a prospectus with this report, whether it exists or not, but the prospectus with regard to the local growth fund—an extra £1 billion has been put in—will of course be published in the spring.

[Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con)]

T4. The Minister will be aware of last week’s article in The Daily Telegraph alleging a major relaxation of planning laws. This has caused some concern in my constituency, where substantial housing growth is already planned. What reassurance can he give my constituents that we will not have some planning free-for-all?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Iain Stewart and Lord Pickles

Monday 12th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con)]

4. What steps he is taking to inform social tenants of their right to buy.

[The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles)]

My Department is bringing right to buy directly to tenants. This month, we are writing to around 100,000 households, including those in Milton Keynes. We have a dedicated website, social media and helpline, and are working with councils to provide specialist events for tenants.

[Iain Stewart]

Milton Keynes council has produced an excellent guide to right to buy. May I urge my right hon. Friend to share it with other local authorities that, for some reason, might be more reticent about promoting this excellent policy?

[Mr Pickles]

My hon. Friend is rightly proud of his council. The website is exemplary, as is the information available to tenants. We are committed to ensuring that people have a clear understanding of right to buy, which offers discounts of up to £75,000. I hope the Local Government Association takes note of that excellent piece of work.