Housing: New Homes Target

Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate Excerpts

Wednesday 17th January 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gascoigne (Con)]

First, I congratulate my noble friend on once again campaigning on this issue and holding the Government’s feet to the fire. I have heard those figures before, and I reassure my noble friend that the revised NPPF does not allow evasion to build. Local authorities have to make provision for housing and identify sites to deliver homes, and the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act makes it clear that this is a plan-led system. That is exactly why we have recently taken intervention against seven local authorities and will consider using these powers for others that are not making sufficient progress.

[Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate (Non-Afl)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe (Lab)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate (Non-Afl)]

My Lords—

[Noble Lords]

Oh!

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, is there a requirement for all new builds to be fitted with electric heat pumps and compliant insulation? If not, why not?

[Lord Gascoigne (Con)]

On heat pumps specifically, I am afraid that I do not know. In the revised NPPF, I think that it is looked at for new builds going forward, but I do not want to say something that is not true. I can say that homes being built from 2025 should obviously be zero-carbon ready. Also, on new development, one of the good things we have said is that we will deliver a 10% net gain on biodiversity.