Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lee Rowley and David Evennett

Monday 22nd January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

9. What steps he is taking to help first-time buyers.

[The Minister for Housing, Planning and Building Safety (Lee Rowley)]

Getting on the property ladder is everything that is important about being a Conservative. The Government have a range of schemes available to first-time buyers, including the first homes scheme, shared ownership and right to buy. So far, nearly 900,000 people have been helped on to the property ladder by this Government.

[Sir David Evennett]

Does the Minister agree that while Labour Members actively block the building of new homes for first-time buyers, the Conservative Government have increased the numbers to a 20-year high and helped almost 1 million households through Government-backed schemes?

[Lee Rowley]

I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend. I hope he heard some of the chunters of “Come on!” from the Opposition Benches when he raised the absolutely correct point that, when the opportunity was there for Labour Members, they flubbed it. They have blocked 100,000 houses that could be used for first-time buyers, people who need help, and the most vulnerable. It is all down to the right hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Angela Rayner).