Kemi Badenoch

In 2020, the previous government announced that the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme would achieve “up to 180,000 homes, should economic conditions allow”. Upon taking office, this Government discovered than the 2021-26 AHP is now expected to deliver between 110,000 and 130,000 affordable homes, broken down as follows:

a. At least 40,000 social rent homes

b. 44,000 – 56,000 affordable homes for ownership

c. 5% of delivery for supported housing

d. 5% – 10% of Homes England delivery for rural housing

In July, we announced a year’s extension to the completions deadline of homes built in London through the programme, from March 2029 to March 2030.

The Government is still reviewing its policy inheritance from the last Government, including in relation to street votes.

The National Planning Policy for Waste (NPPW), which is a material consideration in planning decisions, already includes policies on the reuse and recycling of materials when considering development proposals.

Paragraph 8 sets out that when determining planning applications for non-waste development, local planning authorities should, to the extent appropriate to their responsibilities, ensure that the handling of waste arising from the construction and operation of development maximises reuse and recovery opportunities, and minimises off-site disposal.

The planning practice guidance for waste include further advice on this matter.

In addition, chapter 17 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) outlines further policy to support the consideration and use of recycled materials.

Building Regulations set out the standards to which new homes must be built. They do not prescribe density or form of housing.

We will carefully analyse responses to the consultation in question, which is open until 24 September 2024.

The Government will continue to keep the ‘Permitted development rights for householders: technical guidance’ under review.

The non-statutory guidance in question is currently up to date. The Government will update it should we decide to make any changes to the use of selective licensing.

The Government has not made a recent assessment of the potential merits of re-introducing regional planning guidance or regional spatial strategies.

Whilst there could be some situations where, for safety reasons, designers may choose to restrict window opening, the Building Regulations do not preclude the inclusion of openable sash windows in new homes.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer give to Question UIN 1329 on 31 July 2024.

No consultations issued by this department since the new government was formed have yet closed. We are committed to responding in a timely manner to all consultations, as a mark of respect to those who take the time to contribute to the development of policy in this way.

The Government and justice system have taken decisive steps to address the disgraceful violent disorder that was seen in a number of towns and cities in August and we have now seen 1,280 people arrested and over 570 appearances in court which has provided a strong deterrent and demonstrated our determination to keep people safe and restore order.

The Government is determined that we now support the recovery of the towns and cities affected, and also invest in community cohesion. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is leading cross-Government efforts to help places recover – working in partnership with communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address deep-seated issues. Alongside this the Home Secretary has ordered a rapid review of extremism to ensure the strongest possible response to ideologies that erode community cohesion and our democracy.

Without changing its purposes or general extent, the Government will take a more strategic approach to Green Belt land designation and release, so that we can build more homes in the right places. Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to new “golden rules” to ensure it delivers in the public interest.

The Government is currently consulting on a number of reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These include proposals to release low-quality grey belt land within the Green Belt to meet housing and other development needs. We are seeking views on how the proposals under the NPPF would apply to traveller sites, particularly concerning the sequential test to guide release, the definition of grey belt and previously developed land, and proposals that are considered not to be inappropriate development.

The Planning Policy for Traveller Sites sets out that local authorities should produce their own assessment of need and plan to meet this need through their Local Plan.

Local planning authorities have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development. Our proposals do not impact on these and we will keep the use of them under review.

Without changing its purposes or general extent, the Government will take a more strategic approach to Green Belt land designation and release, so that we can build more homes in the right places. Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to new “golden rules” to ensure it delivers in the public interest.

The Government is currently consulting on a number of reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These include proposals to release low-quality grey belt land within the Green Belt to meet housing and other development needs. We are seeking views on how the proposals under the NPPF would apply to traveller sites, particularly concerning the sequential test to guide release, the definition of grey belt and previously developed land, and proposals that are considered not to be inappropriate development.

The Planning Policy for Traveller Sites sets out that local authorities should produce their own assessment of need and plan to meet this need through their Local Plan.

Local planning authorities have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development. Our proposals do not impact on these and we will keep the use of them under review.

Without changing its purposes or general extent, the Government will take a more strategic approach to Green Belt land designation and release, so that we can build more homes in the right places. Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to new “golden rules” to ensure it delivers in the public interest.

The Government is currently consulting on a number of reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These include proposals to release low-quality grey belt land within the Green Belt to meet housing and other development needs. We are seeking views on how the proposals under the NPPF would apply to traveller sites, particularly concerning the sequential test to guide release, the definition of grey belt and previously developed land, and proposals that are considered not to be inappropriate development.

The Planning Policy for Traveller Sites sets out that local authorities should produce their own assessment of need and plan to meet this need through their Local Plan.

Local planning authorities have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development. Our proposals do not impact on these and we will keep the use of them under review.

Without changing its purposes or general extent, the Government will take a more strategic approach to Green Belt land designation and release, so that we can build more homes in the right places. Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to new “golden rules” to ensure it delivers in the public interest.

The Government is currently consulting on a number of reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These include proposals to release low-quality grey belt land within the Green Belt to meet housing and other development needs. We are seeking views on how the proposals under the NPPF would apply to traveller sites, particularly concerning the sequential test to guide release, the definition of grey belt and previously developed land, and proposals that are considered not to be inappropriate development.

The Planning Policy for Traveller Sites sets out that local authorities should produce their own assessment of need and plan to meet this need through their Local Plan.

Local planning authorities have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development. Our proposals do not impact on these and we will keep the use of them under review.

Without changing its purposes or general extent, the Government will take a more strategic approach to Green Belt land designation and release, so that we can build more homes in the right places. Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to new “golden rules” to ensure it delivers in the public interest.

The Government is currently consulting on a number of reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These include proposals to release low-quality grey belt land within the Green Belt to meet housing and other development needs. We are seeking views on how the proposals under the NPPF would apply to traveller sites, particularly concerning the sequential test to guide release, the definition of grey belt and previously developed land, and proposals that are considered not to be inappropriate development.

The Planning Policy for Traveller Sites sets out that local authorities should produce their own assessment of need and plan to meet this need through their Local Plan.

Local planning authorities have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development. Our proposals do not impact on these and we will keep the use of them under review.

The proposed changes to local housing need figures for each local authority are set out in the ‘Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system’ consultation documents. These can be found at gov.uk.

Local development orders are an important tool to enable local planning authorities to proactively grant planning permission for specific developments or classes of development.

The National Planning Policy Framework encourages local planning authorities to use local development orders for particular areas or categories of development where the impacts would be acceptable, and in particular where this development would promote economic, social or environmental gains for the area.

The Planning Advisory Service has also published best practice guidance on the use of local development orders and we encourage local planning authorities to take advantage of this guidance.

It has always been the Government’s intention to provide an update to the House on the New Towns Taskforce. However, the House was not sitting on 31 July. We will provide an update in the usual manner in due course.

Section 81 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 replaced the previously inconsistent arrangements for the renaming of streets. It enables local authorities to make changes to street names if they determine they command ‘sufficient local support’ and sets an expectation of local engagement prior to any change. The Government intends to monitor the operation of these arrangements with a view to assessing the case for secondary legislation.

The Government published a response to the consultation on reforms to social housing allocations on 2 September. It is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-reforms-to-social-housing-allocations/outcome/government-response-to-the-consultation-on-changes-to-social-housing-allocation-tests

The Government published a response to the consultation on reforms to social housing allocations on 2 September. It is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-reforms-to-social-housing-allocations/outcome/government-response-to-the-consultation-on-changes-to-social-housing-allocation-tests

Overall housing delivery in London is currently averaging 37,200 net additions a year (2019-2023).

This is below existing London Plan targets of 52k per year. Under the Government’s proposed new method for calculating housing need, London would have a target of delivering 80,693 homes a year (an increase of 117%).

The Government is committed to working in partnership with the Mayor of London, boroughs, and the sector to significantly increase housing delivery in the capital.

The business rates policy change will be legislated for through a Local Government Finance Bill led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which will be introduced following the Budget and is intended to take effect from April 2025, subject to Parliamentary process. As set out in the technical note, the VAT policy change will be legislated for in the Finance Bill, which will be introduced following the Budget.

English devolution underpins this government’s national mission to deliver economic growth for everyone, everywhere, raising living standards across the UK. We are determined to push power out of Whitehall and into the hands of local people who have skin in the game. Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council agreed outline devolution deals with the previous government, which were put on hold over the general election. My department is reviewing existing programmes of work, including the Norfolk and Suffolk devolution deals, and will work closely with local stakeholders.

Countering extremism in all its forms is important for preserving our democratic values and protecting our society and communities. It is a cross-government endeavour and MHCLG will continue tackle the harms it causes to individuals and in communities.

As we saw following the violent incidents in Southport on July 29, extremism poses a threat to community integration and safety. We have been clear that criminal behaviour masked as protest will not be tolerated. Comprehensive multi-agency support is being coordinated for affected families in Southport, focusing on long-term recovery and community cohesion.

The Home Secretary has commissioned a rapid review of extremism policy to understand the threat of extremism and the response required, with a pledge to take urgent action to address any issues.

Islamophobia, and all forms of religious and racial hatred, have absolutely no place in our society. No one should be targeted because of the colour of their skin, or their faith. This Government is clear that perpetrators of such hate crimes will face the full force of the law.

Sadly, we have seen how Muslim communities and other minorities have been targeted in the deplorable acts of violence following the recent tragic events in Southport. This Government will make sure that criminals intent on causing violence and unrest on our streets will be stopped in their tracks and brought to justice thanks to the new National Violent Disorder Programme. We are also providing rapid additional support to mosques through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme to protect Muslim communities, which comes on top of the £29.4 million already made available to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools this year.

British Muslims are a crucial part of Britain’s history and British life today. This Government will not tolerate Islamophobia in any form and has committed to a more cohesive and integrated approach to ensure that all forms of hatred are stamped out of our communities.

We are committed to ensuring that every part of England can rapidly benefit from devolution, moving power out of Westminster back to those who know their areas best. The English Devolution Bill will establish a more ambitious standardised framework and make it easier to provide devolved powers quickly to more areas through establishing a simpler process for creating new Combined and Combined County Authorities.

Ahead of this we invite councils wishing to explore enhanced devolution to their areas to engage with the department.

This Government has inherited a planning system in which only 31% of local planning authorities have adopted plans in the last five years. We are determined to drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible, to progress towards our ambition of achieving universal plan coverage and ensure plans contribute positively to our ambition of delivering 1.5 million homes.

The Planning Inspectorate monitors the progress of local plans and publishes a list of the overall position for each local planning authority. The list of local plans can be found at the following link.

The Government has set out changes to how we plan for the homes we need as part of the consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, launched on 30 July. Funding will be made available to support authorities at advanced stages of plan-making required to undertake additional work to take account of the updated NPPF once this is published.

This Government has inherited a planning system in which only 31% of local planning authorities have adopted plans in the last five years. We are determined to drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible, to progress towards our ambition of achieving universal plan coverage and ensure plans contribute positively to our ambition of delivering 1.5 million homes.

The Planning Inspectorate monitors the progress of local plans and publishes a list of the overall position for each local planning authority. The list of local plans can be found at the following link.

The Government has set out changes to how we plan for the homes we need as part of the consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, launched on 30 July. Funding will be made available to support authorities at advanced stages of plan-making required to undertake additional work to take account of the updated NPPF once this is published.

Immigration is one of a number of factors that impacts assessments of housing demand and future housing supply. The Government's commitment to build 1.5 million homes over the course of the Parliament is intended to provide the homes the country needs.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 1927 on 6 August 2024.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 1927 on 6 August 2024.

The Government values the contribution made by responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants and believes they must enjoy robust grounds for possession where there is good reason to take their property back.

However, we are determined to level decisively the playing field between landlords and private tenants by providing the latter with greater security, rights and protections and cracking down on the minority of unscrupulous landlords who exploit, mistreat or discriminate against renters.

We do not expect our forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill to have a destabilising effect on the rental market and will continue to work with good landlords and their representative associations throughout implementation.

A clear framework exists through policy and guidance to support local planning authorities deliver well-designed places and to enable them to work together with the communities they serve to ensure the development of new homes responds to the positive or distinctive characteristics of an area.

The Secretary of State will aim to decide whether any designations should be lifted, usually in the first quarter of each calendar year. Exceptionally, de-designations may be made at other times.

This Government was elected on a manifesto that stressed a partnership approach with local authorities and an intention to stabilise the funding system, moving away from wasteful competition. Projects continue to receive funding where agreements are in place. Local places will rightly be seeking clarity on previous commitments of funding. The Government is giving full consideration to this matter, including the hard work undertaken on projects to date, and will continue to work with local authorities on projects in their area.

The department does not hold data on the specific number of planning permissions that are unable to progress due to nutrient neutrality rules. 7.9% of new addresses created in England from 2015/16 to 2018/19 were created in areas affected by nutrient neutrality. This represents an expected additional housing supply of 16,500 dwellings per year.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 556 on 26 July 2024.

Future local authority funding decisions will be a matter for the next Spending Review and Local Government Finance Settlement in which we are engaged.