Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Home Ownership: Government Support

Monday 17 October 2022 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has cut stamp duty land tax and expanded first-time buyers' relief, aiding over 800,000 households through Help to Buy since 2010.
  • There are 24 buildings over 18 metres that still need to be remediated for fire-safety defects.
  • Government is reviewing all options to accelerate house building without raising thresholds for requiring private developers to provide affordable housing.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Gibson
Housing
Context

The MP asks about government measures for home ownership, focusing on the success of Help to Buy in his constituency.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to support home ownership? My right hon. Friend will know that 836 families in Darlington have benefited from Help to Buy in the past year, and 715 of them were first-time buyers. Given the success of the scheme what consideration has he given to extending it beyond March 2023?

Answer from Simon Clarke

We have cut stamp duty land tax and expanded first-time buyers' relief. Over 800,000 households have been helped through Help to Buy since spring 2010. However, it was never designed as a permanent intervention; the scheme will close at the end of March 2023, which has allowed the market to respond with alternative support products for first-time buyers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide any specific plan or intention to extend Help to Buy beyond March 2023

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Q2 Peter Gibson
Environment
Context

The MP inquires about the status of remediation efforts for unsafe buildings, highlighting ongoing issues faced by residents.

Question

Thousands of people with unsafe cladding and other fire-safety defects still live insecurely. What is the Secretary of State's current assessment of the total number of properties needing remediation?

Answer from Simon Clarke

There are 24 buildings over 18 metres that still need to be remediated. The Secretary of State will meet developers soon to ensure they sign the contract, and pre-action notices have been served on building owners who declined to remediate.

Answered
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Q3 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Economy Housing
Context

The MP raises concerns about future generations and existing homeowners facing challenges as low-interest-rate era ends.

Question

Home ownership is key to social mobility, but historically low interest rates ending make it more difficult. Will the Secretary of State commit to work with Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert for clear communication on navigating changes?

Answer from Simon Clarke

We need to communicate clearly about all support and options available. The Chancellor will provide calm, clear messaging this afternoon to reassure investors and ensure low interest rates.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit directly to working with Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert but acknowledged the importance of communication.

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Q4 Justin Tomlinson Con
Housing
Context

The MP asks about reports suggesting a potential increase in the threshold for developer obligations to provide affordable housing.

Question

Will the Secretary of State reassure me that worrying reports that the Government are considering raising the threshold for requiring private developers to provide a proportion of housing that is affordable are not true?

Answer from Simon Clarke

We are looking at all options to accelerate house building. We have consulted before and decided against raising thresholds; this issue is under review but previous reasons not to proceed remain powerful.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear reassurance or confirmation that threshold will not be raised, instead stating it's under review.

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Q5 Ben Bradshaw Lab
Housing
Context

The MP inquires about measures for home ownership, emphasizing the success of Help to Buy and asking if there are plans beyond March 2023.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to support home ownership? My right hon. Friend will know that 836 families in Darlington have benefited from Help to Buy in the past year, and 715 of them were first-time buyers. Given the success of the scheme what consideration has he given to extending it beyond March 2023?

Answer from Simon Clarke

We have cut stamp duty land tax and expanded first-time buyers' relief. Over 800,000 households have been helped through Help to Buy since spring 2010. However, it was never designed as a permanent intervention; the scheme will close at the end of March 2023, which has allowed the market to respond with alternative support products for first-time buyers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide any specific plan or intention to extend Help to Buy beyond March 2023

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