Business of the House

Michael Payne Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman is right to say that planning is a devolved matter. I remind the House—it would not be business questions without my doing so—that we have provided the Scottish Government with more than £50 billion a year, which is the biggest funding settlement since devolution began. I would be happy to facilitate the meeting that he requests.

[Michael Payne (Gedling) (Lab)]

In communities such as Netherfield and Daybrook in my constituency, there has been an unchecked rise in the number of houses in multiple occupation, which is undermining community cohesion and local services, and affecting housing availability. Will the Leader of the House urge the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to reverse the last Conservative Government’s change to legislation that allowed HMOs to be established without any local planning process and control?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I understand that my hon. Friend has been working closely with his local council on this matter, and I pay tribute to him for his diligence in that work. Local authorities have planning powers to limit the proliferation of HMOs in their areas. We keep the regulation of HMOs under review. I will ensure that the Secretary of State hears his words and that he gets a response.