Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 15 June 2026 · 26 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 18 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Lauren Edwards asked about providing an update on actions related to the Grenfell Tower fire anniversary.
  • Lauren Edwards inquired about the benefits of adding a "none of the above" option on ballot papers for increased election participation.
  • James Cleverly questioned the Minister about serious action to end abuse of retrospective planning in Essex, referencing an unauthorised development in his constituency.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lauren Edwards Lab Rochester and Strood
NHS
Context

Yesterday marked the ninth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, which led to 72 deaths. The government accepted the inquiry's findings last year.

Question

I thank the Minister for his comments about Grenfell. Yesterday marked the ninth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire—a day for remembrance and sombre reflection. My thoughts are with the survivors, bereaved families and all those affected by this tragedy. Can he provide an update on what actions have been taken so far to implement the recommendations from the inquiry?

Answer from Steve Reed

Yesterday marked the ninth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire—a day for remembrance and sombre reflection. The 72 residents who so tragically lost their lives will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the survivors, bereaved families and all those affected, and I know that they have the deepest sympathies of the whole House. We accepted the inquiry's findings last year, and we will take forward action on all 58 recommendations. We are determined that nothing like this will ever happen again.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details on the actions taken to implement the recommendations or a timeline for their completion.

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Q2 Lauren Edwards Lab Rochester and Strood
Democracy & Elections
Context

The government introduced legislation to lower the voting age to 16. The MP asks about adding a 'none of the above' option on ballot papers.

Question

I welcome the legislation that the Government have introduced to lower the voting age to 16, and to make it easier for people to register to vote, but has he considered the benefits for increased participation in elections of adding a “none of the above” option on all ballot papers? This change could be made without primary legislation.

Answer from Steve Reed

The Government are very interested indeed in increasing participation in elections, and I know from personal experience that the biggest way to do that is to increase campaigning, because that increases turnout. Beyond that, the Government have already piloted flexible voting pilots at the May 2026 elections; we tested early voting, and the use of non-traditional places to vote. Also, the Democratic Engagement Fund is providing £2.5 million to support local projects that encourage more people to vote.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific answer on whether they have considered adding 'none of the above' option and its potential benefits.

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Q3 James Cleverly Con Braintree
Housing Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP expresses agreement with the Secretary of State's comments on Grenfell and criticises Labour's inconsistency regarding voting age policy.

Question

May I echo the words of the Secretary of State, nine years on from the terrible fire at Grenfell? It is incredibly important that we learn the lessons from that tragedy and ensure that people are protected in their home. Labour says that 16 and 17-year-olds are mature enough to vote, but in a written answer to me, it also says that 16 and 17-year-olds are not mature enough to serve on juries, because that is “an adult duty”. It says that 16 and 17-year-olds should vote, but should not play on their phone after the Government-defined bedtime of 8.30 in the evening. These are just two examples from the list of inconsistencies triggered by Labour's “votes at 16” policy. The only consistent thing about that policy is the blatant party political self-interest, isn't it?

Answer from Steve Reed

I am not sure about the right hon. Gentleman's last point; I think the laughter across the Chamber probably answers that one for him. Of course, 16 and 17-year-olds were able to vote in some elections in parts of the United Kingdom while he was in government.

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Q4 James Cleverly Con Braintree
Housing
Context

Travellers built an unauthorised development in Willows Green in the MP's constituency over a bank holiday weekend. The MP seeks action from the government to end the abuse of retrospective planning.

Question

Travellers built an unauthorised development in Willows Green in my constituency over a bank holiday weekend. I wrote to the Secretary of State about this, and his reply amounted to little more than a hand-wringing word salad. If he is serious about ending the abuse of retrospective planning in Essex and elsewhere, why will he not take up the proposals that we have put forward and end the “build first and apply later” culture?

Answer from Steve Reed

That is exactly what the Government are doing. We are looking at how we can tackle those developers who go ahead and build and then seek planning consent retrospectively. It is not acceptable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific proposals or a timeline for tackling retrospective planning issues.

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Q5 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Housing
Context

The MP is concerned that developments in Central Bedfordshire have come forward without the right infrastructure. He thanks the Minister for ensuring Tempsford will be included in housing targets.

Question

New towns such as Tempsford should offer an opportunity to ease development pressures, not add to them, so I thank the Minister for listening to my representations, and ensuring that if Tempsford comes forward, it will be included in Central Bedfordshire council's housing target, rather than being in addition to it. Across Central Beds, lots of developments have come forward without the right infrastructure. As we explore the vehicles required to bring forward new towns such as Tempsford, how can we ensure that we do everything possible to get infrastructure right from the outset?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his constructive engagement on the new towns programme, and on Tempsford in particular. It helped to inform our approach, including to the decision that new town proposals will contribute to meeting the identified housing need of relevant authorities in all instances.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details or commitments about ensuring infrastructure is in place from the start for new towns like Tempsford.

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Q6 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Local Government
Context

The government's proposed high-value council tax surcharge will be collected by councils but retained by the Treasury. The MP questions the misleading nature of this policy.

Question

The Government's proposed high-value council tax surcharge will be collected by councils but retained by the Treasury. If councils neither control the charge nor keep the revenue, why is it being called a council tax? Will the Minister commit to changing this misleading policy title? Given that most of the revenue from the surcharge will be raised in London, will the Government ensure that a fair proportion is reinvested in the capital?

Answer from Alison McGovern

I thank—[Interruption.] I can assure the shadow Secretary of State that I was very busy last week. Most people are bothered about the fairness of the council tax system, and that is why it is right that the Chancellor introduced this policy.

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Q7 Tom Collins Lab Worcester
Children & Families
Context

The Department for Education has released new guidance for local authorities on family hubs, a significant departure from conventional delivery models.

Question

The MP noted the Department's release of new guidance for local authorities on family hubs and asked what measures the Department might consider to foster networking and best practice across local authorities. He also requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss how his all-party parliamentary group on family hubs could help deliver this culture change.

Answer from Alison McGovern

Yes, I will.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide measures or specifics to foster networking and best practice; it only confirmed a meeting request.

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Q8 Manuela Perteghella Lib Dem Stratford-on-Avon
Housing Local Government
Context

The British Home Stores building in Stratford-upon-Avon is disused and crumbling, affecting the local high street's beauty.

Question

The MP asked if the Minister agrees that it must be made easier for communities to tackle eyesore buildings by imposing harsher measures on offending landlords and strengthening local authority measures to bring them back into use. She requested clarification on FSAs receiving the power to use an overnight visitor levy as proposed in the King's Speech.

Answer from Nesil Caliskan

I thank the hon. Member for raising that important issue. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 goes some way towards addressing it, but I highlight that the Government are pushing ahead with high-street rental auctions, which are helping to bring long-term empty shops back into use.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address FSAs receiving powers or confirm a meeting; instead, it discussed an existing initiative.

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Q9 Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth
Housing Local Government
Context

The King's Speech contains proposals for an overnight visitor levy, to be devolved to mayoral strategic authorities or foundation strategic authorities.

Question

The MP noted the proposal in the King's Speech for an overnight visitor levy and asked if FSAs will also receive the power to use the levy. She requested a meeting with the Minister and Treasury officials to discuss this.

Answer from Nesil Caliskan

The cheer across the House is a second reminder for me of the importance of coastal communities; the first reminder came when I responded to the Adjournment debate in the week before last. The Government are committed to mayoral strategic authorities having the fiscal tools to drive good growth in these areas. We have recently consulted on extending those power to FSAs, and will publish a response shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm if FSAs would receive powers or confirm a meeting; it discussed consultations and responses.

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Q10 Ian Sollom Lib Dem St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Context

The Government have announced the greater Cambridge development corporation as an “infrastructure-first” development.

Question

The MP asked the Minister to set out what new infrastructure the development corporation will be responsible for delivering and by when it will deliver this infrastructure.

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we are in the process of establishing the greater Cambridge development corporation. We will set out further details, as we did just a few days ago, about its development management powers, its planning powers and the specific sites that it will look at.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specifics on infrastructure or timelines; instead, it mentioned setting out further details in due course.

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Q11 Joe Morris Lab Hexham
Housing Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The tenants of an estate near Haltwhistle received section 21 notices a week before the Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into effect.

Question

The MP expressed concern about mass eviction of his elderly constituents and requested support from the Minister to prevent rural communities being victimised by these practices. He asked for a meeting to discuss this issue further.

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. I appreciate fully his concern about the potential mass eviction of his constituents. It is precisely so that private tenants can enjoy greater security, including the growing number of older people who now rent their homes, that we abolished section 21 no-fault evictions. I am happy to meet him to discuss the case further and what more support we might provide.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address how the Government would prevent future evictions; it only confirmed a meeting.

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Q12 Rosie Duffield Ind Canterbury
Environment
Context

Whitstable experienced a recent drought during a heatwave, leaving residents without water. South East Water cannot guarantee meeting current or future demand.

Question

The MP asked if the Secretary of State had met South East Water or Canterbury city council to discuss issues with water supply and demand. She requested clarification on measures taken by stakeholders to address this issue.

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

We meet a range of stakeholders through the water delivery taskforce. I understand that, in response to Canterbury's local plan consultation, the Environment Agency has recommended close liaison between the local authority and South East Water to ensure that planned housing growth is located where additional water is available to supply new development.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm meetings with stakeholders; it discussed consultations and recommendations.

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Q13 Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme
Context

Residents at No. 1 London Road in Newcastle-under-Lyme were told urgent action was needed due to fire safety concerns over the building's cladding. However, four years later, no action has begun.

Question

The MP asked what steps the Minister will take to ensure that the Building Safety Regulator functions effectively and does not create greater risk through significant delays.

Answer from Samantha Dixon

I know that my hon. Friend has been working hard to support his constituents in Newcastle-under-Lyme on these important issues. I am happy to meet him, but let me also reassure him that work to improve the performance of the Building Safety Regulator is ongoing and is bearing fruit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specifics on steps taken or timeline for improvements; it only confirmed a meeting and reassured effectiveness.

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Q14 Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion
Housing
Context

Many councils, especially Brighton and Hove, are acquiring new market homes for social and affordable housing.

Question

The MP asked if the Secretary of State would help her win the Chancellor's support for a dedicated “buy the supply” fund for councils to acquire new council housing.

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

Funding is already available for councils to acquire new market homes for social and affordable housing through our social and affordable homes programme. They can obviously also rely on section 106 contributions and the local authority housing fund, the fourth round of which makes £950 million available for councils to acquire homes for better-quality temporary accommodation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address a new dedicated “buy the supply” fund; it mentioned existing programmes and funds.

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Q15 Jonathan Davies Lab Mid Derbyshire
Environment
Context

Concerns about infrastructure projects undermining benefits of national parks such as health, biodiversity, and economy.

Question

Can the Minister tell me what steps we can take through the next iteration of the national planning policy framework to ensure that the aforementioned benefits are not undermined when infrastructure projects must be progressed?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

We continue to target a win-win for both development and nature. I am more than happy to sit down with my hon. Friend to discuss how the NPPF contributes to that objective.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps outlined in NPPF or other measures to prevent negative impacts on national parks.

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Q16 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

The Government stripped Epping Forest district council of the local right to determine major planning applications, affecting green belt areas and local democracy.

Question

Will the Secretary of State step in and reverse this awful planning policy decision which is a complete affront to local democracy?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I do not intend to reverse the decision; I made the decision. The hon. Member's local authority is one of nine that have been designated for poor performance, just as the previous Government designated local authorities when they fell below the required standards in their planning processes.

Not addressed: No intention to reverse the decision or address its impact on democracy and green belt areas.

How: Changed Subject

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Q17 Sonia Kumar Lab Dudley
Business & Trade
Context

Concerns over high street shop closures and economic impact.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to speed up high street regeneration by bringing empty shops back into use, and will he visit Dudley town high street?

Answer from Nesil Caliskan

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. I will point to two things: first, later this year we will bring forward a high street strategy backed by at least £150 million; and secondly, as I said earlier, we are pushing ahead with the high street rental auctions programme, which is already seeing empty shops being brought back into use.

Answered
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Q18 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Housing
Context

Developers using viability assessments to avoid providing affordable homes in Allithwaite near Grange-over Sands.

Question

How will the Minister stop developers using viability assessments to wriggle out of providing affordable homes for communities such as mine?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

We think it is right that developers can use site-by-site viability assessments, as the alternative where viability challenges are acute is that we get no homes coming forward at all. We have consulted, in the recent consultation on the NPPF, on standardised inputs to viability, and we will set out further steps in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps outlined against developers using viability assessments.

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Q19 Bayo Alaba Ind Southend East and Rochford
Housing
Context

Meridien Point leaseholders face a £3 million internal defects bill, lack of funding support, and legal fees.

Question

How can we look at existing funding criteria for mid-rise buildings and encourage Homes England to fully support leaseholders in taking on well-resourced developers?

Answer from Samantha Dixon

Buildings between 11 and 18 metres may be able to enter the cladding safety scheme, but I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this matter further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific review of funding criteria or encouragement for Homes England support mentioned.

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Q20 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Local Government
Context

Concerns about the New Forest being placed under control of Labour-dominated Southampton in unitary authority formation, against stated building blocks.

Question

How can it be justified for a unitary authority to be formed that rips the waterside away from the New Forest?

Answer from Alison McGovern

The Secretary of State took the decisions about local government reorganisation according to the criteria that we set out, but I hear the right hon. Gentleman's comments and will take them into account as we move forward.

Not addressed: No justification provided for decision or specific explanation of criteria used.

How: Changed Subject

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Q21 Sean Woodcock Lab Banbury
Housing
Context

Cherwell district council's failings in addressing a major planning application, with Banbury having a huge and desperate housing need.

Question

Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss how we can fix that despite the council?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the housing challenges in his part of the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete plan or commitment mentioned beyond agreeing to a meeting.

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Q22 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem Eastbourne
Context

Campaign for Eastbourne pier registration as an asset of community value to safeguard its future.

Question

Will the Government back the campaign to ensure that Eastbourne pier continues to stand strong?

Answer from Nesil Caliskan

Having served as a council leader, I know just how important community assets are, and I am happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss the matter further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct support for campaign mentioned beyond willingness to discuss.

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Q23 Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell
Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

Concerns about a spatial development strategy being imposed on Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Swindon with a larger geography undermining devolution.

Question

Does he share my concern that that would undermine devolution before it even started?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I am aware of my hon. Friend's robust views on this matter. There are a range of views about the right geographies for spatial development strategies. The Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Barking (Nesil Caliskan), and I are looking at all the consultation responses we have received, and we will make decisions on the full basis of having those fed in.

Not addressed: No acknowledgment or direct response to concerns about undermining devolution.

How: Changed Subject

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Q24 Damian Hinds Con East Hampshire
Local Government
Context

The MP raised concerns about wilful ignoring of planning consent, seeking clarity on how the new NPPF will address this issue.

Question

Further to the Minister's answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for New Forest East (Sir Julian Lewis), will he take the opportunity of the new NPPF to make it absolutely clear that if someone wilfully ignores—not inadvertently, but deliberately and wilfully—the need for planning consent, they will not subsequently get retrospective permission?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

We will not rule out retrospective planning applications of any kind—I think residents across the country who build a conservatory and then make an application, having forgotten to submit the paperwork, would take issue with that. There is a specific issue of intentional unauthorised development, and we are looking at that through the NPPF.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not clarify how wilful ignoring of planning consent will be addressed in the new NPPF.

How: Looking At This

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Q25 Christopher Bloore Lab Redditch
Local Government
Context

The MP thanked those who applied for the chair of their local Pride in Place board and encouraged residents to participate, highlighting a significant financial investment.

Question

Last week we held interviews for the chair of our Pride in Place neighbourhood board in Redditch. Will the Minister join me in thanking all those who put their name forward and encourage all residents in Greenlands and Woodrow to take part in the scheme, which will see the largest single financial investment in my town in my entire lifetime?

Answer from Nesil Caliskan

I join my hon. Friend in recognising the significant investment for his area. The Pride in Place programme, rolled out by the Government, is our commitment to devolution, and we are investing in areas that have been ignored for far too long.

Answered
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Q26 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Housing
Context

The MP questioned the impact of planning applications on high streets, particularly through supermarket kiosks that offer services such as key cutting and shoe repair.

Question

Will the Minister for Housing and Planning review the 2,500 square metre threshold for edge of town centre and out of town centre planning applications and conduct an assessment of their impact on the high street, particularly through the lens of supermarkets setting up things like key cutting and shoe repair kiosks, which decimate our high streets, as has recently happened in Princes Risborough?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

If the hon. Gentleman would like to write to me with further details about the matter, I will of course consider it.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific ask regarding review and assessment of planning thresholds.

How: Write To Me

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