Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether local authorities considering the Government’s letter on putting evidence to cancel local elections were (a) offering additional funding or (b) advised they may lose funding, by his Department, if the local authority (i) did or (ii) did not, make a request respectively.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The £63 million capacity funding is to support councils going through local government reorganisation, with each new unitary authority receiving at least £900,000. It will be for councils to decide how to spend allocations, and this extra funding will help complete reorganisation effectively and sustainably.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement of 25 March 2026 on Local Government Reorganisation (HCWS1455), this transition funding is intended to support the reorganisation process and to establish effective services and governance arrangements. Further detail on allocations in areas where decisions have been taken is set out in that Statement and in letters to council leaders, published on gov.uk.

Local government elections are the responsibility of local authorities, which appoint and fund Returning Officers and meet the costs of administering local polls. Spending on local elections therefore remains a matter for local councils.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will provide a breakdown of the £63 million of funding to support local elections; which local authorities will receive it; what is the methodology; and whether the funding is being taken from any other programme at 2025-26 year end.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The £63 million capacity funding is to support councils going through local government reorganisation, with each new unitary authority receiving at least £900,000. It will be for councils to decide how to spend allocations, and this extra funding will help complete reorganisation effectively and sustainably.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement of 25 March 2026 on Local Government Reorganisation (HCWS1455), this transition funding is intended to support the reorganisation process and to establish effective services and governance arrangements. Further detail on allocations in areas where decisions have been taken is set out in that Statement and in letters to council leaders, published on gov.uk.

Local government elections are the responsibility of local authorities, which appoint and fund Returning Officers and meet the costs of administering local polls. Spending on local elections therefore remains a matter for local councils.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the oral statement of 23 February 2026, Official Report, Column 78, on Local Government Reorganisation, how much of the £63 million in funding for councils is to be allocated to Retuning Officers to assist them with the cancelled, but then re-affirmed, local elections.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The £63 million capacity funding is to support councils going through local government reorganisation, with each new unitary authority receiving at least £900,000. It will be for councils to decide how to spend allocations, and this extra funding will help complete reorganisation effectively and sustainably.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement of 25 March 2026 on Local Government Reorganisation (HCWS1455), this transition funding is intended to support the reorganisation process and to establish effective services and governance arrangements. Further detail on allocations in areas where decisions have been taken is set out in that Statement and in letters to council leaders, published on gov.uk.

Local government elections are the responsibility of local authorities, which appoint and fund Returning Officers and meet the costs of administering local polls. Spending on local elections therefore remains a matter for local councils.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when the Rt. Hon Member for Braintree will receive a response to his correspondence dated 18 February 2026.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

We are considering the points raised by the Rt Hon member in his correspondence and will respond in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when the Rt. Hon Member for Braintree will receive a response to his correspondence dated 3 May 2026.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

We are considering the points raised by the Rt Hon member in his correspondence and will respond in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 47703 on Civic Dignitaries and Members, what his policy is on Members of the House of Lords serving as (a) councillors, (b) council mayors, (c) Police and Crime Commissioners, (d) the Mayor of London and (e) combined authority mayors, including any restrictions on nominating as candidates.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Members of the House of Lords are not disqualified from serving as councillors, elected mayors of single authorities, combined authorities or combined county authorities, the Mayor of London or Police and Crime Commissioners.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Answer of 25 March 2026 to Question HL15625 on Islamophobia, if he will place a copy of the Equalities Impact Assessment on the definition of anti-Muslim hostility in the Library.

Answered by Nesil Caliskan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In line with the Public Sector Equality Duty, Ministers considered equalities impacts as part of the advice provided to them ahead of the publication of the non‑statutory definition of anti‑Muslim hostility. That analysis forms part of internal policy advice to Ministers and was not produced for publication.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the command paper, Protecting What Matters, CP 1540, 9 March 2026, pages 35 and 40, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the definition of anti-Muslim hostility being adopted by (a) the police and (b) Crown Prosecution Service; and which body will be responsible for the practical guidance.

Answered by Nesil Caliskan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The definition is non-statutory and does not create any new tests around the “public interest”. The term should be understood in its ordinary, commonly used meaning in UK legislation and policy: matters that serve society’s wider interests. There is also no single personal or authority who decides whether conduct is within the public interest. As with all non-statutory guidance, application of the definition will always depend on the context.

We encourage adoption of the definition across the public, private and third sectors. Public bodies applying the definition should do so through their current processes for assessing context, proportionality and impact. As part of our next steps, we will work with sectors to consider practical approaches to provide guidance and support effective implementation.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the guidance, A Definition of Anti-Muslim Hostility, section 6, of 9 March 2026, which body or authority will determine or interpret the public interest test.

Answered by Nesil Caliskan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The definition is non-statutory and does not create any new tests around the “public interest”. The term should be understood in its ordinary, commonly used meaning in UK legislation and policy: matters that serve society’s wider interests. There is also no single personal or authority who decides whether conduct is within the public interest. As with all non-statutory guidance, application of the definition will always depend on the context.

We encourage adoption of the definition across the public, private and third sectors. Public bodies applying the definition should do so through their current processes for assessing context, proportionality and impact. As part of our next steps, we will work with sectors to consider practical approaches to provide guidance and support effective implementation.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the cost of pavement licences on the operating costs of hospitality businesses.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Fees for pavement licenses are set locally by licensing authorities. To ensure pavement licenses are affordable for businesses, government sets national fee caps of £500 for new pavement licences and £350 for renewals.

In October 2025, the government launched a call for evidence seeking views on the recommendations set out in the industry-led licensing taskforce report on licensing policy. The feedback received shaped the development of the National Licensing Policy Framework which was published in November 2025 and that can be found on gov.uk here. The government will continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders to take forward the recommendations made by the Taskforce, including in respect of pavement licences.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the introduction of commonhold as the default tenure for flats on the (a) property price and (b) saleability of leasehold flats.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the government’s draft Impact Assessment for the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. This was published on 19 March 2026 and can be found on gov.uk here. It has been reviewed by the independent Regulatory Policy Committee which published its opinion on 1 May. It can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether flying the Palestinian flag has deemed planning consent.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 88668 on 21 November 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his department has made on the adequacy of the number of local authority staff with responsibility for enforcement action in the private rented sector.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Through the Renters’ Rights Act, the government is strengthening local authorities’ enforcement powers and extending and increasing ring-fenced civil penalties to support a ‘polluter pays’ approach to enforcement of the new tenancy system.

In accordance with the New Burdens Doctrine, we will ensure additional net costs on local authorities resulting from the Act are fully funded. To that end, my Department is providing £41.12 million to local housing authorities for this financial year to help them undertake their new enforcement responsibilities. This funding is in addition to the £18.2 million provided in 2025/26.

Our aim over the long term is to establish a sustainable funding system for private rented sector enforcement based on future Private Rented Sector Database fee revenues. We will set out further details in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many homes will be (a) started and (b) completed in this Parliament under the New Towns Programme.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the public consultation on the proposed New Towns Programme and its environmental implications launched on 23 March 2026. This can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the (a) Gardener’s Lodge, (b) Royal Lodge, (c) Chief Clerks Apartment, (d) Surgery Flat, (e) Crown Equerry’s House, (f) The Royal Guard Room and (g) Royal Residence in Buckingham Palace will be liable to pay the council tax surcharge.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The High Value Council Tax surcharge (HVCTS) will be paid on residential dwellings within Crown properties worth more than £2 million consistent with the general approach to domestic dwellings. The Government launched a consultation of HVCTS on 19 May 2026, and its detailed design will be confirmed once the consultation has concluded and policy decisions are finalised.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many homes need to be built in London for the Government to meet its 1.5 million target; and how many have been delivered to date.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government’s Plan for Change includes a hugely ambitious milestone of building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England in this Parliament. This target is not segmented into specific regional contributions.

Total Objectively Assessed Need (OAN) in London, calculated using the revised standard method published in December 2024, is 87,992 homes per year. It is for individual local planning authorities in London to plan to meet local housing need.

My Department publishes a quarterly release entitled ‘Housing supply: Indicators of New Supply, England’, which includes estimates of new build starts and completions in London. Statistics to the quarter ending December 2025 can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the answer of 11 March 2026, to Question 118190, on Local Government Finance, what proportion of the £740 million of funding was comprised of unallocated MHCLG budgets for the Spending Review period; and what is the allocation over each year of Spending Review 2025.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

By the end of the multi-year Settlement (2028-29), the government will have provided a 15.5% increase in Core Spending Power for local authorities in England, worth over £11.4 billion, compared to 2025-26.

At the final Settlement, £740 million of additional grant funding was confirmed, compared to the funding set out at the provisional Settlement. This £740 million was comprised of unallocated funding secured by the Department at the Spending Review (£113 million in 2026-27, £100 million in 2027-28 and £102 million in 2028-29) and funding changes agreed with the Exchequer between the provisional and final Settlement, comprising of £185 million in 2026‑27, £120 million in 2027‑28 and £120 million in 2028‑29. These changes related to adjustments to the treatment and funding profile of existing schemes, rather than new policy decisions taken after the Spending Review.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials have had with political parties on the Rycroft review recommendations since the Rycroft report was published.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On the day the review was published, on 25 March 2026, the Secretary of State sent a letter to political party representatives setting out the Government’s intention to immediately accept two of the recommendations via amendments to the Representation of the People Bill: (1) an annual £100,000 cap on total political donations and regulated transactions made by each overseas elector; and (2) a moratorium on political donations made using crypto assets, of any amount. These changes are intended to strengthen protections against foreign financial interference in UK democracy and to maintain confidence in the transparency and integrity of political donations.

The government is committed to responding formally and in full to the Rycroft Review in advance of the Commons report stage of the Representation of the People Bill. As part of this, the Government will continue to engage across the sector, including with political parties. We have received correspondence from parties in response to the Secretary of State’s letter and look forward to discussing the issues raised in the near future.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what his planned timetable is for agreeing the principal and geography of a combined authority for Surrey.

Answered by Nesil Caliskan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 28 October 2025, we committed to working with partners across Surrey to establish a strategic authority for the area, to avoid service disaggregation when new unitary authorities go live in April 2027. Establishing a strategic authority in Surrey to that timeline would make sure that functions held by the County Council, such as transport and adult skills, continue to be delivered on a Surrey footprint where possible. The establishment of any strategic authority will be subject to the relevant statutory tests being met and local consent.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what his policy is on consulting (a) HM Opposition and (b) minority opposition parties, in relation to departmental spending pledges that go beyond the Spending Review.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Funding certainty is vital to drive progress and sustainable change in places. MHCLG has a series of major funding programmes which extend beyond the current Spending Review period – giving communities the certainty to plan, invest, and grow over the long term. These are programmes that all tiers of government, and therefore all political parties, will have a role in delivering across the country.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the letter sent by the Secretary of State to HM Opposition of 21 March 2026, on MHCLG spending commitments, if he will provide a breakdown of the £62 billion of spending commitments, and the profile across each year and each programme.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Funding certainty is vital to give places the stability and confidence they need to plan, invest, and grow. The £62 billion of long-term funding commitments made by MHCLG comprises:

1. £39 billion for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme;
2. £14.8 billion to fund Mayoral Investment Funds across 19 Mayoral Strategic Authorities, including the six new areas due to be established via the Devolution Priority Programme;
3. £5.5 billion for 288 of our most in-need communities through the Pride in Place programme;
4. £1.7 billion to fund the 13 Investment Zones across the UK;
5. £800 million for City Densification Funds, benefitting 6 Mayoral Strategic Authorities;
6. £147 million for MHCLG’s portion of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Programme.

We will continue to publish past year’s expenditure figures in the department's Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether special advisers have met or corresponded with (a) Criterion Capital or (b) Asif Aziz since July 2024.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Special Advisers at MHCLG have not met or corresponded with Criterion Capital or Asif Aziz since July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the answer of 7 January 2026 to Question 97134 on MHCLG: Departmental Responsibilities, whether his attendance at the Labour YIMBY awards will be declared in gov.uk returns; whether he was accompanied by a private secretary; and if he will publish his speech.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

At the events on 28 October and 24 November the Secretary of State spoke about the overall government approach to housing. No other departmental business was discussed. As these were party political events, it would not be appropriate for the Department to publish the Secretary of State’s remarks or include in transparency returns, as has been the case with previous administrations. The Secretary of State was not accompanied by a private secretary.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he discussed Departmental business at the Labour YIMBY dinner on 28 October 2025.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

At the events on 28 October and 24 November the Secretary of State spoke about the overall government approach to housing. No other departmental business was discussed. As these were party political events, it would not be appropriate for the Department to publish the Secretary of State’s remarks or include in transparency returns, as has been the case with previous administrations. The Secretary of State was not accompanied by a private secretary.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what was the budget for the local election pilot schemes in the May 2026 local elections.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The final costs will depend on the delivery model adopted and the specific needs of each participating local authority. Final costs are not yet available.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what powers (a) shadow unitary authorities and (b) new unitary authorities have to change their formal new name without recourse to the Secretary of State.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The formal names of new unitary councils are set out in the secondary legislation that establishes them. Once the new councils are vested, they have the same powers as other local authorities and can change their name under Section 74 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of unauthorised traveller development taking place on (a) weekends and (b) bank holiday weekends, when local authority planning departments are closed.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

My Department has made no specific assessment of the potential implications for national policy of unauthorised traveller development taking place on weekends, including bank holiday weekends, when local authority planning departments are closed.

The government expects local planning authorities to work proactively and collaboratively with other agencies to respond to unauthorised encampments and development.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to improve coordination between local authorities and the police in relation to (a) unauthorised traveller encampments and (b) unauthorised traveller development.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

My Department has made no specific assessment of the potential implications for national policy of unauthorised traveller development taking place on weekends, including bank holiday weekends, when local authority planning departments are closed.

The government expects local planning authorities to work proactively and collaboratively with other agencies to respond to unauthorised encampments and development.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the new councils of (a) West Surrey and (b) East Surrey will be given Borough status.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Borough status is purely honorific and has no impact on the functions or responsibilities of local authorities. It can only be conferred on district councils by His Majesty The King.

Existing borough status held by current councils in Surrey may continue to be preserved through arrangements such as Charter Trustees, pending any new Charter arrangements. If the new West Surrey and East Surrey councils wish to pursue Borough status for the whole area, then a new charter must be granted. The councils must resolve to present a petition for a Royal Charter and this resolution must be supported by not less than a two-thirds majority of members voting at a meeting specifically convened for that purpose. If a petition is presented, it is then considered by the Privy Council.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has provided additional (a) funding and (b) support to Birmingham City Council to facilitate the ending of the council's bin collection industrial action.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The department has not provided additional funding to Birmingham City Council to facilitate the end of the dispute in its waste service. The dispute is a local issue, so it is for the Council and Unite to find a sustainable solution, which we urge them to do in the interest of local residents. The Government took action last spring in lock step with the Council to clear the accumulation of waste and Commissioners are present at the Council to support its wider improvement journey.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 124686 on Tower Hamlets Council, what work the Tower Hamlets Ministerial Envoys are taking in relation to reviewing grants given by the mayoral administration to third parties in Tower Hamlets.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Ministerial Envoys are undertaking a deep dive project as part of the strengthened intervention package that was set out in the Directions on 17 March 2026, to provide assurance in relation to long-standing concerns. This includes the allocation of resources (such as community assets and community grants), patronage in recruitment and staff promotions, housing allocations, licencing and planning decisions, and the structure, functions, activities and roles within the Mayor’s Office and Mayoral Advisory team.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has issued guidance to councils on best practice for the operation of casting votes in No Overall Control councils.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Government has not issued guidance on the operation of casting votes at formal council meetings where there is no overall control.

It is for individual councils to set their own voting procedures at meetings in line with requirements under Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Found: partner or closefamily member Ms Truss’ husband is employed by Arrakis Investments Ltd Rt Hon James Cleverly

Found: Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, Minister of State 5.

Found: partner or closefamily member Ms Truss’ husband is employed by Arrakis Investments Ltd Rt Hon James Cleverly

Found: Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, Minister of State 5.

Found: family member Mr Dowden’s wife provides ad hoc editing for Policy Exchange Rt Hon James Cleverly

Found: Ministerial engagements for Graduate route review Date Event Attendees 25th March 2024 Meeting with James Cleverly

Found: 12th March 2024 Rt Hon James Cleverly

Found: The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said: The new Integrated Security Fund will allow the UK to deliver