Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Improving housing availability and affordability

12 October 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

Housing

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Matthew Pennycook raised concerns about improving housing availability and affordability in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Matthew Pennycook highlighted the government's dedication to improving housing availability and affordability.
  • He announced a new equity loan scheme for first-time buyers and reforms to the Empty Dwelling Management Order regime.
  • Amendments to the Social Housing Bill were mentioned to strengthen homelessness prevention measures.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

Matthew Pennycook emphasised the government's commitment to enhancing housing availability and affordability, announcing a series of measures including a new equity loan scheme for first-time buyers, reforms to the Empty Dwelling Management Order regime, amendments to the Social Housing Bill to strengthen homelessness prevention, and further measures to protect leaseholders and regulate property agents. These initiatives aim to bring housing under stronger public control, expand housing choice and availability, and improve security and affordability across tenures.

Other contributors (1)
  • Matthew Pennycock Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

    Matthew Pennycock detailed the government's initiatives to support first-time buyers through a new equity loan scheme, reforms to the Empty Dwelling Management Order regime, amendments to the Social Housing Bill to enhance homelessness prevention, and measures to strengthen leaseholder protections and regulate property agents. These actions are designed to improve housing availability and affordability and bring housing back under stronger public control.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy