Affordable Housing 2023-07-10

2023-07-10

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Toby Perkins Lab
Chesterfield
Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of affordable housing provision in Chesterfield and England, citing a significant decline in new social rented homes under Conservative governance.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of affordable housing provision in (a) Chesterfield and (b) England? Under the Conservatives, the number of new social rented homes fell by over 80%, with 27,000 fewer homes built yearly than under Labour. Mortgage holders face highest interest rates in a generation.
The Government are committed to increasing affordable housing through their £11.5 billion programme, delivering tens of thousands of homes for sale and rent across England. Chesterfield Borough Council is under Labour control with significant Government grant funding to deliver affordable housing locally.
Assessment & feedback
The adequacy assessment was not directly addressed; focused on government efforts and local council's role instead.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Toby Perkins Lab
Chesterfield
Context
The MP continues to question the adequacy of affordable housing, highlighting a significant reduction in social rented homes and challenging the government's impact on both renters and buyers.
Under the Conservatives, new social rented homes fell by over 80%, with 27,000 fewer yearly than under Labour. Renters and buyers cannot afford another year of this Tory Government. Is the amount of affordable housing adequate?
Chesterfield Borough Council, controlled by Labour with significant Government grant funding, is responsible for delivering affordable housing. It's up to Chesterfield Labour council and developers to ensure planning obligations meet local needs.
Assessment & feedback
The adequacy of current provision was not directly addressed; instead focused on the responsibility of the local authority.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the regional issue of homeless people being sent to Ipswich from neighbouring areas, suggesting it's not fair for these authorities to shirk their responsibilities.
A lack of affordable housing contributes to homelessness. While proud of what Ipswich does through organisations like the Ipswich Housing Action Group, I am concerned that neighbouring authorities send their homeless people to Ipswich. Do those authorities have a responsibility to tackle homelessness in their own areas? Can Labour-led councils stop this from happening?
We expect local authorities to work together on tackling homelessness, alleviating pressures on vulnerable people. It is right for Labour-led councils to collaborate with any authority responsible.
Assessment & feedback
The direct responsibility of other areas was not confirmed; instead focused on expected collaboration between councils.
Response accuracy