Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Danczuk Excerpts

Monday 4th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Pickles]

Significant powers already exist, and the police have powers to deal with people who are causing a public nuisance by consistently making illegal encampments. I draw my hon. Friend’s attention to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which gives the police considerable powers to deal with that. In addition, we are consulting on the introduction of a temporary stop notice with immediate effect, which will put considerable powers in the hands of the local council.

[Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab)]

12. What steps he is taking to increase the number of housing starts; and if he will make a statement.

[Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab)]

14. What steps he is taking to increase the number of housing starts; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for Housing (Mr Mark Prisk)]

Over the past 15 years or more, this country has been building half the number of homes that we need. This Government are determined to reverse that trend, by reforming the planning system, expanding the private rented sector and by building 170,000 more affordable homes.

[Simon Danczuk]

There are thousands on the housing waiting list in Rochdale, and homelessness is rising. Like Rochdale residents, does the Minister not regret his Government’s decision to cut the affordable housing budget by 60%?

[Mr Prisk]

In fact, the £19.5 million is an important investment, not least to try to reverse the fall in social housing under the previous Government of some 421,000 homes. We want to build those 170,000 homes, but there is a long way to go before we can clear up the mess that we have inherited.