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Covid-19: Housing Market
13 May 2020
Lead MP
Robert Jenrick
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyHousingAgriculture & Rural AffairsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Robert Jenrick raised concerns about covid-19: housing market in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced a comprehensive plan to reopen the housing market and restart the construction industry. He emphasised that over 450,000 sales have been stuck in the system due to restrictions during the pandemic, with each month seeing around 300,000 tenancies coming up for renewal. The government is lifting the temporary freeze on home-moving as long as individuals are not shielding or self-isolating. He also mentioned that estate agent offices can reopen, removal companies can resume operations, surveyors and conveyancers can return to work, and show homes can open again, provided they follow safety measures such as social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government outlined a plan to restart the housing market and construction industry. He noted that due to safety concerns during the pandemic, transactions had been minimal, but he expressed confidence in the sector's ability to recover as it has historically played a key role in economic recovery.
Bristol West
The Government's commitment to do 'whatever it takes' to protect the vulnerable during the pandemic has been scrutinised carefully by Labour, offering suggestions and challenges. However, today’s announcement on housing leaves many unanswered questions regarding protection for renters and those affected by cladding scandals. The speech highlights concerns over workplace safety, homelessness, and financial support schemes, calling for a 'housing first' approach to end street homelessness permanently. It also raises issues about the local housing allowance staying at 30% of market rent and halting section 8 evictions due to arrears caused by lockdowns.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
The Secretary of State responded positively to Thangam Debbonaire's concerns, confirming the continuation of essential building safety work despite previous opposition from Labour. He acknowledges the significant reduction in rough sleeping and expresses commitment to ensuring long-term suitable accommodation for those affected by homelessness. The speech also addresses the importance of physical viewings adhering to social distancing guidelines and emphasises the moratorium on evictions until June, with an extension possibility. Robert Jenrick dismissed Labour's proposal regarding rent payment as encouraging unmanageable debt and outlined additional financial support measures for councils.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
The Father of the House asked when the Government would act to ban leasehold sales, ensuring justice for affected individuals. He seeks advice on ending financial games in the leasehold sector and highlights the work of campaigners against rip-off practices.
David Linden
Lab
Caerphilly
Thanked the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement, noting that it was largely reported in the morning papers. Criticised the UK Government for announcing decisions without clarifying they do not apply to Scotland, where the lockdown will be lifted based on science and local decision-making. Questioned the logic behind easing some restrictions while maintaining others that seem inconsistent from a public health perspective.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
Clarified that the statement applies only to England, urging Scottish Government to make its own decisions and be accountable for them. Reiterated that social distancing guidelines apply universally and should not be misinterpreted or misrepresented.
Theo Clarke
Con
Stafford
Welcomed the reopening of estate agents in Stafford, expressing relief for constituents who were stalled during home-buying due to the pandemic. Asked about measures to ensure viewings can proceed safely while adhering to new Government guidance.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Welcomed support for private tenants but raised concerns over rent arrears and the impact on small landlords. Suggested a scheme similar to Spain’s, offering low-interest loans to help tenants pay rent. Asked about measures to protect social housing construction during market downturn.
Peter Gibson
Con
Richmond
Asked about steps being taken by the Government to ensure flexibility in the operation of the construction industry while adhering to safety protocols and social distancing guidelines.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Pressed for action to avoid a mass homelessness crisis when eviction moratoriums lift post-crisis, highlighting the vulnerability of renters in the private sector.
Alex Norris
Lab/Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Asked the Secretary of State to clarify that his policy on funding for councils to end homelessness applies equally to those with no recourse to public funds, emphasising the virus's disregard for migration status.
Inquired about advice offered in new guidance for individuals following chief medical officer’s advice to shield at home, indicating that such individuals should not move house except under unusual circumstances.
Suggests that the Government's recent communications regarding easing of restrictions are unclear, citing a YouGov poll indicating only 30% of respondents believed the UK Government’s instructions to stay alert were clear. Calls for confirmation that easing applies only in England.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
Asserts that the government has put in place a comprehensive and coherent plan for the housing sector, involving all parts of the industry to ensure guidance is clear. Emphasises the importance of this easing measure for millions wanting to move house and 2.3 million jobs dependent on it.
Raises concerns about a stand-off between Natural England and local authorities in Hampshire over nitrates, which has hindered home building and encouraged greenfield development despite the need to unlock the housing market.
Robert Jenrick
Reform
Newark
Acknowledges ongoing work with DEFRA and Natural England to resolve issues affecting housebuilding in Hampshire’s Solent area, expressing hope that guidelines will enable continued progress on this critical issue.
Government Response
The Minister addressed several questions posed by Thangam Debbonaire, including building safety measures, rough sleeping support, renter protection through eviction moratoriums and pre-action protocols, and financial aid for councils. He also responded to Peter Bottomley's query about leasehold practices, confirming the commitment to legislating ground rents down to a peppercorn and ending new homes built as leaseholds except in exceptional circumstances. Clarified the application of the announcement to England alone. Reiterated the importance of social distancing guidelines and provided reassurances on measures to protect renters, construction workers, and individuals in vulnerable groups. Asserts comprehensive guidance for housing sector has been published and welcomed by industry. Acknowledges work with DEFRA and Natural England to resolve issues affecting housebuilding in Solent area.
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