Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Housing Developers: Information on Associated Infrastructure

Monday 22 January 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Andrew Selous questioned the reliability of information provided by housing developers on associated infrastructure.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of accurate information for home buyers and the issues with developer commitments.
  • Kerry McCarthy inquired about the future of the unutilised 2.9 billion in the Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Selous Con
Housing
Context

Developers often commit to building health infrastructure in promotional materials, but these commitments are not always fulfilled.

Question

What assessment has been made of the reliability of information on associated infrastructure provided to buyers by housing developers? In particular, major house builders like Barratt Homes and Taylor Wimpey have committed to building health infrastructure that often does not materialise. Can we ensure that purchasers are not misled and that essential services like doctors' surgeries are built first?

Answer from Lee Rowley

The Minister acknowledges the importance of accurate information for home buyers. He appreciates the hon. Friend's efforts in highlighting issues with developer commitments and agrees to continue working on closing gaps where necessary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ensuring healthcare infrastructure is built first was not directly addressed.

How: Acknowledges Importance, Continues To Work

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Q2 Andrew Selous Con
Housing
Context

A freedom of information request revealed that only a third of the Housing Infrastructure Fund has been spent, leaving £2.9 billion unspent and with the National Audit Office stating delivery seems unachievable.

Question

Only one-third of the Housing Infrastructure Fund has been spent, leaving £2.9 billion unutilised. Given the National Audit Office's concerns about the fund's successful delivery, what is going to happen to this remaining £2.9 billion?

Answer from Lee Rowley

The Minister states that the Housing Infrastructure Fund is transforming challenging areas across the country, despite some issues highlighted by the National Audit Office. He expects it to continue delivering significant benefits in the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on how the unspent £2.9 billion will be managed were not provided.

How: Transforming Challenging Areas, Delivering Benefits

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Q3 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Housing
Context

A freedom of information request revealed that only a third of the Housing Infrastructure Fund has been spent, leaving £2.9 billion unspent and with the National Audit Office stating delivery seems unachievable.

Question

Only one-third of the Housing Infrastructure Fund has been spent, leaving £2.9 billion unutilised. Given the National Audit Office's concerns about the fund's successful delivery, what is going to happen to this remaining £2.9 billion?

Answer from Lee Rowley

The Minister states that the Housing Infrastructure Fund is transforming challenging areas across the country, despite some issues highlighted by the National Audit Office. He expects it to continue delivering significant benefits in the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on how the unspent £2.9 billion will be managed were not provided.

How: Transforming Challenging Areas, Delivering Benefits

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