House of Commons · Westminster Hall
25 February 2025 · 12 other contributors · 4,978 words
Opened by Olivia Bailey Lab Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Responding minister: Matthew Pennycook
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Olivia Bailey raised concerns about affordable rural housing in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
We need to address the lack of supply and political will that prevent small developments with affordable housing in rural communities.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
My Reading West and Mid Berkshire constituency faces a lack of affordable housing in beautiful rural villages, with house prices increasing at nearly twice the rate of urban areas. In Upper Basildon, four out of nine houses on sale cost over £1.25 million, while only one is under half a million pounds.
Asked the Minister if they would give way to address specific concerns.
Praised her council's £623,000 contribution to a community housing project that will offer 39 new social rented homes and配套设施。
Asked about the importance of land reform, abolition of hope value, and reforming compulsory purchase orders in delivering genuinely affordable homes in rural communities.
Stressed the urgent need for affordable housing, noting his constituency's severe shortage despite a commitment to build 1.5 million homes nationally.
Representing a coastal community with acute rural housing pressures, she highlighted the impact of second homes on local residents' ability to afford living in their villages.
Emphasised the importance of legislation ensuring people born in the countryside can stay there, highlighting the issue of affordability for long-standing residents.
Asked whether the Government's standard method for calculating housing needs is appropriate for every area, particularly rural areas like Isle of Wight where local constraints limit development.
Noted that 8.4% of properties in his constituency are not primary residences, impacting housing supply and prices, especially for young people.
Expressed concerns about second homes and short-term lets in her constituency, suggesting that licensing and regulation could be part of the solution for the rural housing crisis.
Disagreed with Joe Robertson and stated that changes to the planning system are necessary for achieving a national plan to build 1.5 million new homes across England, while maintaining protections for designated landscapes and exploring all options to deliver needed housing. Replied that he was winding up and would not give way.
Discussed the historical practice of local authorities providing housing for key workers such as doctors, policemen, and teachers, questioning if this should be revived to ensure people can work in these sectors.
Highlighted the unaffordable rental costs in North Warwickshire, causing young people to leave the area due to a lack of affordable housing.
Government Response
Matthew PennycookThe Minister for Housing and Planning
Acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs about affordable rural housing, commended Olivia Bailey's work in representing her constituents' views, and highlighted the Government's focus on planning reform to ensure developers deliver affordable homes. Discussed the Government's plans to support affordable housing in rural areas through grants, consultations, and policy considerations. Highlighted measures such as additional grant funding, national planning policies, recovery systems for sold homes, and reviews of section 106 contributions.