Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 9 June 2025 · 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 5 Partly answered 12 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial agreement on the need to address infrastructure deficiencies in new developments.
  • Government commitment to continue work on building safety and remediation following Grenfell.
  • Discussions on the affordable homes budget and plans to build the largest increase in affordable and social housing in a generation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alice Macdonald Labour (Co-op) Norwich North
NHS Education Housing
Context

Constituents are concerned that new estates lack necessary infrastructure, such as schools and GP surgeries.

Question

Many of my constituents are concerned that too often new estates go up without the necessary infrastructure, whether that is schools, GP surgeries or even playgrounds. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is vital to address this issue?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. The Government are committed to strengthening the system of developer contributions to ensure that new developments provide the necessary infrastructure that communities expect. We will set out further details in due course. Earlier I mentioned the changes to the national planning policy framework that were announced in December, and we will also support the increased provision and modernisation of various types of public infrastructure.

Partly answered
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Q2 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Housing Environment
Context

The eighth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire is approaching, raising concerns about promised financial support.

Question

As she knows, I can confirm to her that I will work constructively with her and her colleagues to deliver remediation, building safety and the best outcomes for local communities. The previous Government committed over £5 billion for remediation; will the Secretary of State confirm that the spending review will continue to provide such financial support?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)

I thank the shadow Secretary of State for the constructive way in which he has approached this issue. We all remember what happened at Grenfell and the work that the previous Government did, and we are continuing that work, as outlined in phase 2 of the recommendations. The buildings Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North and Kimberley (Alex Norris) has been meeting—as I have—members of the community, RBKC and others to make sure we continue on that journey. I hesitate to say, though, that the previous Government made a lot of promises that are challenging.

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Q3 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Housing
Context

The spending review is critical for the affordable homes budget.

Question

I know that the Secretary of State has had some difficult negotiations this weekend with her colleague the Chancellor. The spending review is critical for the funding of the affordable homes budget. In the past, the Secretary of State has praised the Chancellor’s generosity, as she puts it, not least for providing the extra £2 billion for the affordable homes budget, but will she admit today that that budget is decreasing from previous levels under our Government? Will she say—even if it is after the spending review—exactly how many affordable and social homes she expects to deliver during this Parliament?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)

The shadow Secretary of State has been called a bit later than the hon. Member for Hamble Valley (Paul Holmes), for whom I outlined the reasons we have not put an exact figure on that and confirmed that we will build the biggest increase in affordable and social housing in a generation. I say gently to the shadow Secretary of State that we are delivering for working people by banning no-fault evictions and introducing groundbreaking protections for renters, which the Conservatives promised but did not deliver. We are introducing major planning reforms to build 1.5 million homes; they promised 1.6 million homes, but could not get anywhere. We are also delivering the largest ever single package of devolution measures, pushing power out of Westminster.

Partly answered

How: Deflecting To Other Government Achievements

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Q4 Ben Goldsborough Lab South Norfolk
Economy Employment Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

There is a need for more housing and development in South Norfolk.

Question

We are very good at growing things in South Norfolk, including food, businesses and thriving communities. However, if we want our young people to share in that success, we need to plant a new town in my constituency. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we will achieve that?

Answer from The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)

I do not blame my hon. Friend for trying, but for good reason we established an independent expert advisory panel—the new towns taskforce—to make recommendations to Ministers on the location and delivery of new towns. The taskforce will submit its final report to Ministers in the coming months.

Partly answered

How: Referring To An Independent Advisory Panel

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Q5 Gideon Amos Lib Dem Taunton and Wellington
Housing
Context

Homebuyers are raising concerns about unfinished, potentially unsafe buildings.

Question

Residents in Wellington, in Castlemoat Place in Taunton and in Agar Grove—homebuyers—are just some of a sample who have come to me, raising the scandal of house builders not properly finishing the buildings they have created, leaving them unsafe. What steps will the Minister take to bring forward measures to ensure that house builders repair and make safe their properties urgently, without people having to wait years?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

I am grateful for that question, which raises something mirrored in many parts of this country. The duty to make sure that homes are safe is the responsibility of builders and owners. Where they fall short, there are legal powers for the local authority and for the fire and rescue service to compel them to change.

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Q6 Brian Leishman Lab Alloa and Grangemouth
Climate Environment
Context

There is a growing need for the fire service to handle increased wildfire and flooding incidents.

Question

There is no doubt about it; we face a climate emergency. What plans do the Government have to increase funding for the fire service to meet the increase and projected increases in wildfire and flooding incidents? If funding is to be increased, what will that mean for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

As my hon. Friend rightly identifies, fire is a devolved matter. In England, stand-alone fire and rescue authorities will see an increase in core spending power of nearly £70 million in 2025-26. Those fire and rescue authorities are required to plan for foreseeable risks in their area, including wildfire and flooding, and to decide where to direct resources.

Partly answered

How: Referring To Devolved Matters

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Q7 Claire Young Lib Dem Thornbury and Yate
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

There are concerns about small-site applications on previously undeveloped green-belt land.

Question

In the light of some worrying small-site applications on previously developed green-belt land in my constituency, and of concerns from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, will the Minister undertake to monitor and assess the initial impact of the new grey-belt provisions and look at refining the wording, to avoid salami-slicing of the green belt?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

I am grateful for that question. We will monitor the impact carefully.

Partly answered

How: Promise To Monitor

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Q8 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Housing Children & Families
Context

90,000 children are living in temporary accommodation across London due to the previous Conservative Government's policies.

Question

Across London, 90,000 children are living in temporary accommodation, denied the essentials of a stable home. This has terrible consequences for their physical and mental health and education. When does the Secretary of State believe that we will begin to see those numbers drop substantially?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)

We have invested almost £1 billion in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. We recognise the scandal of temporary accommodation inherited from the previous government. A cross-Government strategy is being developed to address this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify when the numbers would drop substantially or provide a timeline for reducing temporary accommodation numbers

How: Working On

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Q9 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Business & Trade Local Government
Context

Oxton in the constituency has a newly refurbished community shop due to local volunteers' efforts.

Question

The Plunkett impact report highlights how community-owned shops are central to local economies. What steps is the Government taking to support the ownership of community shops?

Answer from Alex Norris

We have invested money in a number of schemes through the community ownership fund and are planning legislation for an improved community right to buy. Local authorities play an important role in this process.

Answered
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Q10 Noah Law Lab St Austell and Newquay
Community Security Local Government
Context

11 mission priority neighbourhoods have been identified in mid-Cornwall alone due to socioeconomic challenges.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure that deprived areas, which fall just short of the mission critical definition, get adequate investment?

Answer from Alex Norris

We recognise the importance of targeting resources at deprivation and need. The government is looking beyond funding to empower local communities, encouraging initiatives such as high street rental auctions, enhanced community right to buy, and local planning processes.

Answered
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Q11 Rebecca Paul Con Reigate
Transport Local Government
Context

An estimated billions-worth of unspent community infrastructure levy may be available at local authority level for investment.

Question

Will the Minister ensure that this money is invested in critical infrastructure such as roads and drainage?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

There are legitimate reasons why developer contributions can be held by local authorities. We are giving attention to cases where significant sums are being held, for instance so they can complete phased development or bring forward other sites over time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions on investing the funds in critical infrastructure

How: Legitimate Reasons

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Q12 Matt Turmaine Lab Watford
Housing
Context

The Shared Health Foundation's report revealed that children living in temporary accommodation are often not safe, secure or able to thrive.

Question

Does the Minister agree that it falls to this Labour Government to fix this issue?

Answer from Rushanara Ali

We have inherited record levels of homelessness and rough sleeping. The Government is taking action through funding for local authorities, such as a £500 million housing fund for councils to house vulnerable people and an injection of £2 billion to deliver up to 18,000 new affordable social homes.

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Q13 Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness
Housing
Context

The jobs tax and slashing of business rate relief have negatively impacted local businesses such as the Barrel in Walkington.

Question

Has the Secretary of State made representations to the Chancellor ahead of Wednesday’s meeting to ensure that more landlords are not forced to close their businesses?

Answer from Angela Rayner

I might like a pint; wouldn't he like to know?

Not addressed: Did not provide any substantive answer regarding support for pubs or representation made to the Chancellor

How: Personal Opinion

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Q14 Emma Foody Labour (Co-op) Cramlington and Killingworth
Housing
Context

People living in Earsdon View have been in an unadopted estate for over a decade due to ongoing disputes.

Question

How can we ensure that people are not left in this situation for decades, often paying management fees on top of council tax, and how will developers be held accountable?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

My hon. Friend has been a doughty champion of leaseholders and residential freeholders in her constituency. We are determined to end the injustice of fleecehold entirely, consulting later this year on legislative and policy options.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specifically address how residents will be prevented from being stuck in unadopted estates for long periods

How: Consulting

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Q15 Jack Rankin Con Windsor
Local Government
Context

Concerns about historic debts being treated in the unitarisation process.

Question

How will historic debts be handled as councils come together, and how will constituents of Virginia Water and Englefield Green not foot the bill?

Answer from The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution (Jim McMahon)

The Surrey arrangement was accelerated to address the lack of balance between debt liability and assets. We are on track to deliver financially viable unitaries in partnership with local councils.

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Q16 Simon Hoare Con North Dorset
Environment
Context

Chalk streams are environmentally important but scarce. They need additional protection beyond existing measures.

Question

Given the environmental importance and scarcity of chalk streams, may I urge the Deputy Prime Minister and her team to support amendments to this afternoon’s legislation that would protect those streams? They are vital, and they need as much protection as we can give them.

Answer from Matthew Pennycook (The Minister for Housing and Planning)

As the hon. Gentleman will know, chalk streams already have protections in national planning policy, but I am sure that we will continue this discussion on Report of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill later today.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to supporting specific amendments

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Q17 Anneliese Midgley Lab Knowsley
Housing Local Government
Context

Residents of Beech and Willow Rise in Kirby face unaffordable costs and potential eviction due to failed leasehold law, previous corporate entities, and inadequate regulation.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and residents of Beech and Willow Rise in Kirby, where a combination of failed leasehold law, previous corporate entities and inadequate regulation risks leaving residents facing unaffordable costs and eviction?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook (The Minister for Housing and Planning)

I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend. I know she has had constructive conversations with the Minister with responsibility for building safety, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham North and Kimberley (Alex Norris), but I am happy to meet her.

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Q18 Jess Brown-Fuller Lib Dem Chichester
Housing
Context

Three hundred social homes are at risk in Chichester despite having outline planning permission because developers are rejecting offers from registered providers.

Question

Three hundred social homes are at risk in my Chichester constituency, despite having outline planning permission, because developers are rejecting offers from registered providers. Will the Minister commit to action to stop developers evading their obligation, and will he meet me to help me protect the delivery of these social homes?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook (The Minister for Housing and Planning)

We recognise the challenges around uncontracted section 106 units. A complex array of factors has led us to this point, but we are giving serious consideration to how we unblock the problem, and how we get those section 106 homes allocated and people living in them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions against developer refusal

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