Affordable Housing Supply 2025-03-04

2025-03-04

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Cat Smith Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Context
The Lancaster Guardian published a report highlighting the difficulties faced by families in temporary accommodation in Lancaster. Additionally, there are concerns from local developers about delays in the planning process.
Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to the Lancaster Guardian for its recent investigative report into the reality for many families living in temporary accommodation in the Lancaster district? That is paired with a frustration I hear from local house building developers over delays in the planning process in the district. What more does the Minister think can happen in Lancaster to ensure that families in the district actually have secure housing?
My hon. Friend knows that we are doing everything possible in this place to streamline and improve planning legislation and planning processes. We are providing clear signals to everybody across the country that we need to build and build rapidly, not least to meet our housing target. Local councils play an important role in this process, as they make decisions on local developments. I understand that in Lancaster city council she has had some struggles with members of the Green party, who are becoming blockers as opposed to builders. I say to them and to people across the country that they need to get behind the build agenda, because that is what the British people voted for.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific actions or commitments for Lancaster beyond general statements about streamlining processes.
Response accuracy