House of Commons · Westminster Hall
23 February 2022 · 0 other contributors · 3,255 words
Opened by Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Responding minister: Neil O'Brien
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Munira Wilson raised concerns about teddington police station in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Minister is asked to clarify legislation and national guidance that MOPAC must adhere to when selling Teddington police station. Wilson hopes that the government will acknowledge there is no clear statutory basis for selling the site to the highest bidder and seeks clarification on whether there is a dispensation in national policy to sell at below market value for community benefit.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Teddington police station site is in the process of being sold off to the highest bidder. Munira Wilson fears that the site could be repurposed for luxury housing rather than community benefits such as a new GP surgery and affordable housing. There are over 1,800 local residents who have signed her petition within two weeks, showing widespread support for alternative use of the site.
Government Response
Neil O'BrienI congratulate the hon. Member for Twickenham on securing this important debate. I agree with her comments regarding the disposal of land and the broader implications for community initiatives and regeneration. Section A4.15.14 of 'Managing Public Money' advises public sector organisations to consider wider value for money when disposing of property, allowing local authorities, including MOPAC, to dispose of land at less than best value if it creates public benefits, subject to the Secretary of State's approval up to £2 million. The Government recognise that converting the former police station into affordable housing and a GP practice can generate wider community benefits. I will write to her today clarifying these points. The Minister stated that London needs more affordable homes rather than luxury flats for millionaires, encouraging mixed developments through the £11.5 billion affordable housing programme. The Metropolitan Police have already recruited 2,121 additional officers and received an increased funding of up to £3.24 billion in 2022-23. He emphasised that MOPAC has choices regarding how to allocate resources, including the conversion of the former police station into affordable housing. The Minister also highlighted Government policies supporting brownfield regeneration with a £1.8 billion funding and a community ownership fund for retaining local assets. These align with the proposal for Teddington Police Station's redevelopment into an asset serving the wider community.