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

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce barriers to building more houses in relation to environmental regulations.

The current systems of environmental assessment have become increasingly complicated, inaccessible and are failing to deliver the environmental outcomes we need. We are committed to achieving win-win outcomes for the economy and for nature and are considering how the powers to introduce Environmental Outcomes Reports can drive improvements.

Alongside this, we are working-up proposals to use development to fund nature recovery where currently both are stalled. Our commitment to the environment is unwavering which is why we will only act in legislation where we can confirm to Parliament that the steps we are taking will deliver positive environmental outcomes.