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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has been made of the potential impact on housing need in rural areas as a result of covid-19 related adjustments to working patterns; what discussions his Department has had with local authorities on the availability of housing in Devon; and what steps the Government is taking to help increase the supply of affordable homes for (a) homeownership and (b) the private and social rented sectors.

The long-term impacts of COVID-19 are still unclear and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is actively monitoring and considering potential effects that the pandemic could have on our policies and programmes, including housing need.

My officials and Homes England engage regularly with places across the country, including Devon, to support them to deliver the homes that their community needs, and would welcome any further discussions with authorities in your region.