Topical Questions 2020-10-05
2020-10-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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This year marks 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.
It is vital that we remember what happened so that we can learn the lessons of the past, so will my right hon. Friend reassure me and the House that the Government remain committed to delivering a national holocaust memorial?
I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition, the right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer), has expressed his support for the national holocaust memorial. I hope that now is the moment for Members from all parties in this House and, indeed, in the other place to unite behind the proposal and ensure that the memorial is built as soon as possible.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Millions of people live in cold, damp and expensive-to-heat homes during a respiratory illness pandemic.
With millions of people living in homes that are cold, damp and expensive to heat, in the midst of a respiratory illness pandemic, with millions more looking to the Government to give hope for the good jobs of the future, and with a climate change crisis as well, what part of cancelling Labour's zero-carbon homes standard does the Secretary of State think was a good idea? When will he commit his Government to returning to a zero-carbon—not low-carbon but zero-carbon—homes standard?
As we have set out time and again, we are committed to net-zero homes—we do not want to see any new home built in this country that needs expensive retrofitting in future. If anyone thinks that the Labour party is going to deliver that or indeed any other strategy for homes in this country, they will be “sorely disappointed”—those are the words of The Guardian, not myself.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Many council estates built in the '50s, '60s and '70s are falling into disrepair.
The Government are absolutely right in their commitment to building more homes, but we also need to look after the ones that we have. I am especially thinking of those predominately council estates that were built in the '50s, '60s and '70s, with many homes falling into a state of disrepair. Will the Secretary of State commit to looking at ways in which we can regenerate those estates and build back better?
I will. I would like to see further investment in estates regeneration of the kind that my hon. Friend describes, and he will know that my hon. Friend the Chancellor recently announced £2 billion for the green homes grants to improve homes across the country.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Scotland has had more structural rules on cladding than the rest of the UK for several years now.
Scotland has had more structural rules on cladding than the rest of the UK for several years now and has different tenancy forums from England, so does the Secretary of State have any idea of the potential consequences of the internal market Bill on Scottish housing regulations and building standards, including those on cladding?
I work closely with the devolved Administrations on housing matters, and I am open to any representation from the Housing Minister in Scotland. As far as I am aware, we have had no representation whatsoever.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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A recent example shows planning permission was granted for a development without sufficient consideration of the impact on local NHS.
In Crewe and Nantwich, we have seen recently another example of planning permission being given for a housing development without sufficient consideration of the impact on the local NHS, which really causes concern among my residents, especially as the development went against both the neighbourhood plan and the local plan. What more can we do to ensure that the impact on NHS services is more consistently taken into account in planning decisions?
The decision to which my hon. Friend refers is now being challenged in court, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment while those proceedings are live. None the less, he makes an extremely important point that people across the country want to see infrastructure flowing with new housing, whether that be hospitals, GP surgeries or schools. I would highlight that, in our planning reforms, our new infrastructure levy will drive more investment in infrastructure—both social infrastructure and physical infrastructure—in the years to come.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The current top-down centralised response to covid is not working anywhere near as well as it needs to.
The current top-down centralised response to covid is not working anywhere near as well as it needs to. Properly integrating council leaders and metro Mayors into the decision-making process will help protect lives and livelihoods. May I ask the Minister or the Secretary of State to ensure that, together, we work to achieve properly joined-up Government and that local and regional leaders are treated like partners and not passengers? [R]
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. Of course we are in regular contact with the M9 group of Mayors about the covid-19 response and indeed, as I have said, we have meetings with him and colleagues tomorrow with the Secretary of State. Metro Mayors do occasionally attend Cobra meetings where it is appropriate.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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The MP noted that residents in his constituency moved into new homes with serious issues on moving-in day, including flooded kitchens. This prompted him to raise concerns about building standards for new properties.
I am concerned about residents moving into new build homes facing considerable issues such as flooded kitchens. Will my right hon Friend ensure the new homes ombudsman service will be established promptly to protect residents in this situation?
My hon Friend is correct that too many homes have been built to poor standards. We are legislating for a new homes ombudsman and working with the New Homes Quality Board to raise standards, and will respond to Law Commission reports soon.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about immediate establishment of an ombudsman service, but the answer did not specify when it would be established or what steps are being taken now.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
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Three and a half years ago, the constituency of Birkenhead suffered from a terrible gas explosion that hurt people and left a massive hole in the town centre. The MP is grateful for meetings with Ministers to discuss progress.
You and Ministers will remember New Ferry's tragic gas explosion three and a half years ago. I am meeting a minister this week. Will you join me to publicly thank residents, businesses, and charities for rebuilding efforts?
I agree with the hon Lady. I pay tribute to residents, businesses, and charities who have worked hard to recover and rebuild the town over the past three years. I am at her disposal to discuss this matter.
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Q9
Partial Answer
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The MP raises concern about the housing infrastructure fund allocating 80% of its budget to London and the south-east, while only 20% is allocated to other areas.
Does my right hon Friend agree that we need to address the inherent unfairness in the operation of the housing infrastructure fund by directing funding to areas with greater affordability challenges?
My hon Friend and I agree on this. The housing infrastructure fund directs funding where there is greatest affordability challenge, but any Government wanting to level up must direct investment to other parts of the country.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for a commitment to allocate funds more fairly, but only acknowledged the point without specific commitments or timelines.
Response accuracy
Q10
Direct Answer
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Cheshire West and Chester Council has incurred over £35 million due to managing the coronavirus pandemic, despite receiving some government support. The council is still behind on its budget by £8 million.
Managing the pandemic has cost Cheshire West and Chester Council over £35 million, leaving them behind by £8 million in their current budget, already depleted by £330 million since 2010 due to Government cuts. Will Ministers commit to providing support for this deficit?
We have provided £4.8 billion in financial support, with £3.1 billion spent addressing pressures. The council has received £21 million in additional covid funding and an increase in core spending power of almost £18 million.
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Q11
Partial Answer
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The MP thanked the Department for unprecedented financial support to regenerate Blackpool, including £8.6 million received over summer and anticipated £50 million via the towns fund and future high streets fund.
I thank my right hon Friend for financial support provided to regenerate Blackpool town centre, not just £8.6 million received but also expected £50 million from the towns and future high streets funds. Can he reassure me that regenerating towns like Blackpool will remain a priority?
My hon Friend is championing for Blackpool. It has received funding from high streets and towns funds, and I look forward to announcing the outcome this autumn.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked if regenerating Blackpool will remain a priority, but only acknowledged the support given without committing it as a priority going forward.
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Storm Dennis caused extensive flooding in Rhondda, with 25% of affected properties nationwide. The Prime Minister promised support but it has not materialised yet despite repeated assurances.
It is 232 days since Storm Dennis flooded many properties in Rhondda, a quarter of all UK flood-damaged properties. Despite promises and letters from the PM, no funding has arrived. Can you sort out the issue by the end of today?
I am happy to take up the matter with my right hon Friends the Chancellor and Environment Secretary and revert to the hon Gentleman with a plan.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for immediate action, but the answer only promised to follow up on the issue without providing any substantive actions or timelines.
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Q13
Partial Answer
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The MP raised concerns about millions of people trapped in unsellable, cladded flats, with mortgage companies refusing to remortgage and shared ownership tenants facing unfair costs.
Millions are trapped in unsellable, cladded flats. Mortgage companies refuse to remortgage and shared ownership tenants face 100% costs despite owning only 10%. When will the Secretary of State help our constituents?
I do not agree with that analysis. We are bringing forward building safety regulations changes, outlining plans for a £1.6 billion fund to support those in need.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked when the Secretary of State will start helping trapped residents, but the answer only defended actions taken without specifying timelines or commitments.
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Covid regulations prevent homeless shelters from opening, leading to concerns for homeless people's safety and well-being.
Covid regulations prevent homeless shelters from opening. Will the Government extend the severe weather emergency protocol to cover all areas affected by any lockdown, both to protect homeless people and to prevent the virus from spreading?
We are working with the chief medical officer's team and Public Health England to prepare guidance as to how night shelters could be opened safely and in what circumstances. We are also working with local councils to consider alternatives so that nobody should be left on the streets in the coldest weather this winter.
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Specific commitment or timeline for extending severe weather emergency protocol
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Q15
Partial Answer
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Residents of Burton Joyce and Stoke Bardolph are concerned about preserving their green spaces and village identity.
My constituents in villages such as Burton Joyce and Stoke Bardolph want to protect their green spaces and their village identity. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that the Government's proposed planning reforms will ensure local people can decide on the shape of their community?
We want to ensure that the green belt is protected so that there are beautiful green spaces for our constituents to enjoy and the identity of villages and communities such as those represented by my hon. Friend is preserved for future generations.
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Specific details or commitments on proposed planning reforms
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Q16
Partial Answer
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John Wheatley's Housing Act of 1924 transformed municipal housing in Scotland, but Tory policies have tarnished its legacy.
Will the Secretary of State guarantee not to reduce Scottish housing standards given fears arising from Grenfell and other cutbacks, or will it be proven that only an independent Scottish Parliament can protect these rights?
We are determined to build more homes in this country while protecting and enhancing standards. Nothing we do will compromise building safety regulations; indeed, quite the opposite.
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Specific guarantee not to reduce Scottish housing standards
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Q17
Direct Answer
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The London Borough of Richmond is facing a £15 million deficit in the high needs element of its dedicated schools budget, putting wider council services at risk.
Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me, representatives of the London Borough of Richmond and the Department for Education to find a workable solution to this £15 million deficit issue?
I am personally very happy to meet the hon. Lady and her council to have a discussion about what more can be done, we are working closely with DFE, CIPFA and the sector to understand what more can be done to mitigate immediate risks.
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