Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government on what basis they decided to reduce housebuilding in northern cities such as Newcastle and Liverpool; and what assessment they have made of how such a reduction will impact (1) house prices, and (2) rents, in affected areas.

There has been no such decision. The consultation on changes to the current planning system set out the elements we want to balance when determining local housing need, including meeting our target of building 300,000 homes, tackling affordability challenges in the places people most want to live, regenerating brownfield sites and renewing and levelling up our towns and cities.

The proposals were out for consultation until 1 October 2020. Following consideration of the consultation responses received, the Government will reflect carefully on feedback and publish a response in due course.