Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring local authorities in their local plans to (a) allocate sites for (i) social housing and (ii) housing for elderly persons and (b) ensure the provision of housing with high-level adaptations for people with disabilities.

The National Planning Policy Framework outlines that it is for local authorities to assess the size, types and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community, including those who require affordable housing, people with disabilities, older people, and to reflect this in their planning policies. In 2019, we published guidance to help local planning authorities implement this policy.

We are consulting on our approach to revising the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system. This includes proposed changes designed to support the delivery of affordable homes including social rent, alongside securing a mix of types and tenures including housing for specific groups including older people. The consultation began on Tuesday 30 July and closes on Tuesday 24 September.