Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, what steps the Crown Estate is taking to release brownfield and derelict sites to (a) local authorities and (b) the private sector for housing.
The strategic direction of the Crown Estate is set by its Board, independent of Government, and the day-to-day operations is run by its executive.
The Crown Estate has set an ambitious strategy that includes pursuing development in key regeneration locations that fall within its direct ownership, working in partnership with local authorities and others.
In instances where it is not possible for The Crown Estate to develop opportunities, which is the case on ownerless land, there is a well-established process for these sites to be brought back into beneficial use which includes engaging, where appropriate, with local authorities and/or the private sector.