Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 24 January 2022 · 18 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 13 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Paul Blomfield asked about the increase in housing benefit claims among private renters in Sheffield, noting wages are not keeping up with rising rents.
  • Laurence Robertson inquired about changing building regulations to require all new buildings to be self-sufficient in energy, aiming for net zero and reducing fuel poverty.
  • Matthew Pennycook sought assurance that the Secretary of State would not allow the Chancellor to raid departmental budgets, including funding for new affordable homes, if industry fails to fix the building safety crisis.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Blomfield Lab
Housing Benefits & Welfare
Context

Data from February 2020 to April 2021 shows a significant increase in private renters claiming housing benefit, with high levels of category 1 hazards in private rentals compared to social housing.

Question

I certainly endorse the comments by the Secretary of State in relation to Holocaust Memorial Day. The latest figures for Sheffield from February 2020 to April 2021 show a 46% increase in the number of private renters claiming housing benefit, because wages are simply not keeping up with rising rents. Some 28% of private rentals in the city contain category 1 hazards, which involve serious risk of harm, compared with just 4% of social housing. As the cost of living crisis deepens and energy bills rise, what are the Government doing to alleviate pressure on private renters and when this year will the Secretary of State publish the rental reform White Paper?

Answer from Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

The hon. Gentleman makes a very good point. It is the case that there are a number of people in the private rented sector who are not getting the deal that they deserve, both regarding the level of rent and the decency of their homes. I look forward to working with the hon. Gentleman on that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specifics about measures or timeline for White Paper.

How: Looking Forward To Working

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Climate Energy
Context

Asking about regulations requiring new buildings to be self-sufficient in energy.

Question

Will the Minister consider changing building regulations to require all new buildings to be self-sufficient in energy, which would have the triple benefit of securing supply, helping us towards net zero and reducing fuel poverty?

Answer from Eddie Hughes (Minister for Building Safety)

The building regulations set out the minimum energy performance standards. They do not prescribe the technology that is required—they just set the goal—which allows builders and homeowners the flexibility to innovate and select the most practical and cost-effective solutions appropriate to any development. Obviously, our intention is to go further. We have had the part L uplift, and building regs will move towards the future homes standard for 2025.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to change regulations specifically requiring energy self-sufficiency.

How: Setting Goals But Not Prescribing Technology

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Q3 Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich
Housing
Context

Concerns about the cost of living crisis affecting affordable housing funding.

Question

Would the Secretary of State give the House a clear and categorical assurance that if he cannot ultimately extract enough money from industry finally to fix the building safety crisis he will not allow the Chancellor to raid his Department's budgets, including funding already allocated for new affordable homes, to make up the shortfall?

Answer from Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving me an opportunity to update the House on the conversations we had with developers last Thursday. Those conversations were cordial and constructive, but we were also clear about the obligation developers have. I am confident that they will meet it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No assurance given regarding raids on department budgets.

How: Cordial And Constructive Conversations

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Q4 Marco Longhi
Environment
Context

Concern about green belt development happening by the back door between constituencies.

Question

There are currently no statutory requirements for a planning authority to consult immediate neighbours in another planning authority, nor are there any in relation to the issuing of certificates of lawful use. As a result, green belt development by the back door is happening right now between my constituency and neighbouring South Staffordshire. Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me to discuss those complexities in more detail?

Answer from Christopher Pincher (Minister for Local Government)

I am obliged to my hon. Friend. As he will know, protecting the green belt is a firm manifesto commitment. Certificates of lawful use are intended to confirm that an existing use of land is lawful from a planning perspective. If there is any doubt about the lawfulness of the existing use, local authorities should reject the application and consider other ways of ensuring that progress is made. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the issue further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitments on statutory requirements for consultations or green belt protection measures.

How: Intend To Protect Greenbelt, Meet To Discuss

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Q5 Sarah Owen Lab Luton North
Housing Women & Equalities
Context

Data shows women are disproportionately affected by housing costs and homelessness.

Question

The latest figures from Shelter show that women are 36% more likely than men to be in a constant struggle to afford housing costs or be in arrears and that under this Government nearly two-thirds of people in temporary accommodation are women. Can the Secretary of State not see that the Conservative cost of living crisis, the damaging cuts to universal credit, and the failure to give renters security in their homes are forcing even more women into homelessness?

Answer from Eddie Hughes (Minister for Building Safety)

What we do see is that Government funding during the covid pandemic has meant that, as the English Housing Survey tells us, 93% of people are up to date with their rent. With regard to helping people, our renters White Paper is coming forward. We will be doing things like banning no-fault evictions and they will help renters regardless of gender.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No acknowledgement or specific action addressing women's increased homelessness risk.

How: 93% Up To Date With Rent, Renters White Paper

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Q6 David Johnston
Environment
Context

Concern about homes built to outdated environmental standards due to when planning permission was granted.

Question

I warmly welcome the Future Homes Standard, but in the meantime many homes are being built to the environmental standard of several years ago purely because of when their planning permission was granted. They will need to be retrofitted. Will my right hon. Friend consider requiring companies to build to the latest environmental standard, rather than the one in place when permission was granted, after a certain time has elapsed?

Answer from Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

We absolutely will consider that. I know there are innovators in my hon. Friend's constituency who are leading work in that precise area, so I look forward to working with him and those in his constituency to achieve just that goal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or commitment for requiring use of latest standards.

How: Working On It

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Q7 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Local Government
Context

Requesting recognition for the western gateway partnership similar to other regional initiatives.

Question

Do Ministers agree that the western gateway partnership, of which Newport is a part, deserves the same level of recognition and visibility in Government as other pan-regional partnerships, such as the northern powerhouse and the midlands engine? If so, will Ministers appoint a ministerial champion?

Answer from Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

Yes, and let me consider it.

Not addressed: No specific commitment or action mentioned beyond considering the request.

How: Considering

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Q8 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Housing Local Government
Context

Barton upon Humber, a market town in the constituency, faces many residential planning applications causing pressures on public services like school places and dentistry.

Question

I am concerned about the impact of many residential planning applications in Barton upon Humber. Public services are struggling to cope with existing pressures. Will Ministers consider strengthening guidance for planning authorities to prioritise public service availability?

Answer from Christopher Pincher

I will certainly consider the specific points raised. Through proposed planning reforms, we aim to ensure developer contributions are made earlier and more land value is captured to fund infrastructure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify if guidance would be strengthened or timelines for implementation.

How: Want To Do, Through Proposed Reforms

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Q9 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Economy
Context

A recent report highlighted a £30 billion cost to the UK economy due to health inequalities in poor areas, suggesting significant work is required on obesity and cramped housing.

Question

The all-party parliamentary group on left behind neighbourhoods reported that health inequalities in our poorest areas cost the UK economy £30 billion. Would you meet with report authors and discuss what needs to be included in the White Paper for levelling up around these health issues?

Answer from Michael Gove

I am happy to meet with report authors and officers of the group. Although the White Paper will include proposals to reduce health inequalities, more work is required on issues such as obesity and cramped housing.

Answered
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Q10 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Local Government
Context

The Minister for Housing wrote to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council last year asking it to update its local plan. The area faces speculative developments.

Question

Will you look to strengthen the role of neighbourhood plans in future and encourage Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to get their plan updated, or will they continue to face speculative development?

Answer from Christopher Pincher

We want to extend the use of neighbourhood plans in constituencies like Hinckley and Bosworth. I have written to the council urging them to update their local plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how role of neighbourhood plans would be strengthened.

How: Extend And Expand, I Have Written

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Q11 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Economy Energy Environment
Context

Home insulation rates under the Conservatives have dropped, emissions from homes are higher now than in 2015, and UK homes are among Europe's least energy-efficient.

Question

Under the Conservatives, home insulation rates have plummeted. Emissions from homes are higher than in 2015 and UK homes are less efficient compared to European countries. Will you adopt Labour's plan for retrofitting every home with a scheme aiding low-income households?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

The Government have plans such as the social housing decarbonisation fund, which has £1 billion committed this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to adopting Labour's plan or retrofitting all homes.

How: Have Plans, Social Housing Decarbonisation

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Q12 Andrew Selous Con
NHS Housing
Context

Important to ensure easy access to infrastructure and public services in large new housing developments.

Question

Will the Secretary of State take steps to ensure that when we build large new housing developments, it is easy for residents to access their local surgery or health centre?

Answer from Michael Gove

We absolutely need to make sure that infrastructure and public services are easily accessible. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend to achieve this in South West Bedfordshire.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify steps being taken or timelines for implementation.

How: Absolutely Need, Look Forward

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Q13 Clive Lewis Lab Norwich South
Local Government
Context

Compared to other areas, Norwich has seen less levelling up and vital services reduced. Struggling families face high energy bills.

Question

Will the Secretary of State stop providing insufficient ad-hoc pots of money for my city and county councils and ensure sustainable long-term funding?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

We do provide sustainable funding. The provisional local government finance settlement offers an additional £3.5 billion to councils, including increases for Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council.

Answered
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Q14 Maria Miller Con
Housing
Context

Basingstoke has built 50% more new homes over the past two decades. Residents are concerned about future projected house-building levels not reflecting special circumstances.

Question

Compared to other communities, Basingstoke has built far more new homes in recent years. What advice can you give my local council on ensuring that future projections for housing reflect specific needs?

Answer from Christopher Pincher

I commend my right hon. Friend and her council for their work on building homes in Basingstoke. To ensure future projections reflect needs, local plans must be up-to-date and agreed upon with the Planning Inspectorate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how to ensure future projections are appropriate.

How: Commend, Local Plan

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Q15 Ronnie Cowan SNP
Local Government
Context

Councils around the UK have been inquiring about the levelling-up fund and its criteria. In particular, the questioner wants to know when Inverclyde can apply for this funding.

Question

The Secretary of State cannot fail to have noticed the number of questions in this session that have centred on the White Paper. Councils around the UK want to know what the timetable is, what the criteria are and when it will be published. Inverclyde wants to apply for this levelling-up funding. Will he help me? Does he want to visit Greenock, so I can show him the projects?

Answer from Michael Gove

I have spent many happy hours in Greenock and am looking forward to many more. I imagine that time there can only be enhanced, whether in Cappielow or anywhere else, with the hon. Gentleman. The key thing about the levelling-up fund is that constituencies across the United Kingdom, including in Scotland, have benefited.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The timetable and criteria for the levelling-up fund were not addressed specifically.

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Q16 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Economy Transport
Context

The questioner wants to discuss the imbalance in investment for active travel networks between urban areas and villages.

Question

The forthcoming levelling-up White Paper is an opportunity to undo the imbalance in investment in active travel networks between towns and urban areas, which get the lot, and villages, which get very little to connect them. Will my right hon. Friend arrange for a meeting between me and one of his Ministers, together with members of Potton Town Council and Sandy Town Council, to talk about their active travel network?

Answer from Michael Gove

Yes.

Answered
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Q17 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Local Government
Context

The questioner inquires about the public's role in deciding the future of local government, specifically regarding unitary deals.

Question

The Secretary of State will be aware that Warwickshire County Council is keen to have some sort of county unitary deal, but he will also be aware that Warwick District Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council recently voted for a combined council—probably with the intent of a unitary one as well. Should it not be down to not the councillors or the Secretary of State, but the public to decide the future of local government across our country?

Answer from Michael Gove

I welcome the moves across Warwickshire to consider how services can be delivered even more efficiently as part of the economic success story that is the greater west midlands. In particular, I commend the leadership of Izzi Seccombe, the leader of Warwickshire County Council. The fact that she and her group continue to be re-elected with ever greater levels of support indicates that she is in a strong position to help bring people together across the constituency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about public decision-making was not addressed specifically.

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Q18 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Local Government
Context

The questioner raises the issue of challenges faced by volunteers serving on parish councils and suggests virtual or hybrid meeting formats to increase accessibility.

Question

Volunteers who serve on our parish councils do an amazing job. In rural communities such as mine, there are significant challenges to attending meetings, such as transport, adverse weather, work and caring responsibilities. In the pandemic, we have seen that the virtual or hybrid format works well. Moving forward, will the Secretary of State look to allow parish councils to sit in virtual or hybrid format to increase and widen access and to help them work to the best of their ability?

Answer from Michael Gove

If during the pandemic we had not allowed councils to meet virtually, not only would we have impaired the effective working of local government, but we would never have known about Jackie Weaver and the country would have been the poorer for it. I commend the work of parish councils and others. I am strongly in sympathy with the view that hybrid meetings should continue in order to ensure the maximum amount of efficiency.

Answered
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