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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has issued guidance to local authorities on offering loans to developers at (a) less than market rate and (b) on preferential terms.

It is for councils to determine their own capital strategies, as they are best placed to understand local needs and are accountable to the local electorate.

In doing so, local authorities have a duty to comply with the Prudential Framework and must have regard to statutory guidance to ensure plans are prudent, affordable, and sustainable.

Guidance for local authorities on investments was published under the previous government – a copy can be found here.