Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Under the Equality Act 2010, all public bodies have a Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) to have due regard to certain equality considerations when exercising their functions, this includes public engagements such as planning consultations.

Planning consultations are carried out through a range of methods and local planning authorities are required to publish these on their website. Public authorities must make their website accessible and publish and keep updated an accessibility statement on their website.

The duty should always be applied in a proportionate way depending on the circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the potential equality impact.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 102319 on 12 January 2026.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 102319 on 12 January 2026.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 104999 on 19 January 2026.

The government is committed to boosting housing supply and unlocking economic growth.

My Department is providing an additional £71.5 million in funding to the M5 Junction 10 Housing Infrastructure Funding project. The project is expected to directly unlock 8,900 homes; enable a further 12,000 homes; and support major developments around Cheltenham at Golden Valley and the National Cyber Innovation Centre, with up to 12,000 jobs expected to be created.

The government is committed to boosting housing supply and unlocking economic growth.

My Department is providing an additional £71.5 million in funding to the M5 Junction 10 Housing Infrastructure Funding project. The project is expected to directly unlock 8,900 homes; enable a further 12,000 homes; and support major developments around Cheltenham at Golden Valley and the National Cyber Innovation Centre, with up to 12,000 jobs expected to be created.

On 6 October, my Department published two consultations outlining reform proposals to transform home buying and selling. They can be found on gov.uk here and here.

As part of those consultations, we highlighted our interest in ensuring that data is consistent, trusted, and shareable across the market. We also proposed to explore mandating a standardised core data set for digital logbooks and sales packs linked to the Unique Property Reference Number and Land Registry records.

Both consultations closed on 29 December. We are now reviewing the feedback received and will set out details of next steps later this year.

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that transport issues should be considered from the earliest stages of plan-making and development proposals, using a vision-led approach to identify transport solutions that deliver well-designed, sustainable, and popular places. This should involve identifying and pursuing opportunities to promote walking and cycling.

The Framework also outlines that when assessing sites that may be allocated in local development plans, or specific development applications, it should be ensured that sustainable transport modes are prioritised taking account of the vision for the site, the type of development and its location, and that safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all users. Within this context, applications for development should give priority first to pedestrian and cycle movements, both within the scheme and with neighbouring areas, and should create places that are safe, secure, and attractive and which minimise scope for conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

We are currently consulting on changes to the Framework, including updated policies on sustainable transport which seek to further embed a vision-led approach to transport planning. The consultation will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026 and can be found on gov.uk here.

Statutory guidance strongly encourages local authorities to give priority for social housing to victims and their families who have escaped abuse and are being accommodated in a refuge or temporary accommodation.

Local authorities are also encouraged to give additional priority to people who are homeless and require urgent rehousing as a result of domestic abuse.

The government has also taken action to remove barriers for victims of domestic abuse to access social housing. Regulations, which came into force on 10 July 2025, mean that victims of domestic abuse moving as a result of that abuse will no longer need to meet a local connection or residency test in order to access social housing.

We also intend to work with partners to update statutory guidance on social housing allocations to ensure that allocations reflect local need and effectively support vulnerable households, such as those with victims of domestic abuse.

The Home Ownership for People with Long-term Disabilities scheme is a specialist form of shared ownership and we have confirmed that it will continue to be funded under the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme where proposals meet programme requirements and deliver value for money.

To support housing association participation, my Department is working with Homes England to publish further guidance on eligibility and delivery, including for specialist shared ownership models such as the Home Ownership for People with Long‑term Disabilities scheme.

The Home Ownership for People with Long-term Disabilities scheme is a specialist form of shared ownership and we have confirmed that it will continue to be funded under the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme where proposals meet programme requirements and deliver value for money.

To support housing association participation, my Department is working with Homes England to publish further guidance on eligibility and delivery, including for specialist shared ownership models such as the Home Ownership for People with Long‑term Disabilities scheme.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government is working closely with Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) and officials from other Government Departments to build an evidence base, share intelligence and develop mitigations to tackle the fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries and personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs).

The department collects data on incidents attended by FRSs with this data including the cause of the fire and the source of ignition. This data is published in a variety of publications, available here. This does not yet include data on whether fire incidents attended were caused by or involved lithium-ion batteries.

Our new Fire and Rescue Data Analysis Platform (FaRDAP) has been rolled out, and work is ongoing to update the data it will collect covering both the questions and answer categories to capture lithium-ion batteries, and their uses in vehicles like e-scooters and PLEVs.

National Operational Guidance has been developed for fires involving alternative fuel vehicles to support fire and rescue services when attending such incidents. It contains specific hazard guidance, including control measures on how to identify and immobilise the vehicle and how to isolate high-voltage systems.

Neither my Department nor the Planning Inspectorate has issued any guidance to local authorities on when and how often they can issue stop notices in relation to housing asylum seekers.

This Local Government Finance Settlement is our most significant move yet to make English local government more sustainable. The government is making good on long overdue promises to fundamentally update the way we fund local authorities. We are delivering fairer funding, targeting money where it is needed most through the first multi-year Settlement in a decade.

The provisional Settlement 2026-27 will make available almost £78 billion in Core Spending Power for local authorities in England, a 5.7% cash-terms increase compared to 2025-26. For York Council we are making available up to £198 million in 2028-29 in Core Spending Power, an increase of 7.7% compared to 2024-25.

Core Spending Power allocations for individual local authorities through the provisional Local Government Financial Settlement 2026-27, including those in the Yorkshire region can be found here.

The Flexible Use of Capital Receipts general direction was introduced in 2016 by the previous government and remains substantively unchanged.

The total value of capital receipts received by local authorities in 2024-25 was £4.3 billion, as reported on gov.uk here.

This government has not changed the rules on use of capital receipts; not all capital receipts are eligible for use under the general flexibility. For example, under the direction, eligible capital receipts must be genuine disposals outside of the local authorities’ group structure. Nor does the flexibility override any statutory restrictions that may exist on certain types of assets. The government does not collect specific data on eligible capital receipts held by local authorities.

Use of the flexibility is at the discretion of local authorities but must be compliant with the conditions of the general flexibility and their wider statutory duties. The government is clear that its use should represent value for money and be in the best interests of local residents.

Yes.

A team of five civil servants has been assigned to support the review. The review will not be undertaking a formal call for evidence, but individuals and organisations are able to submit evidence via the public mailbox - reviewteam@rycroftreview.independent.gov.uk.

Luton Borough Council reported their retained business rates for 2024-25 to the department here in the document ‘Revenue outturn summary (RS) 2024 to 2025’, in the ‘LA Dropdown’ tab line 870. For 2025-26, their estimated retained business rates is here in the document ‘Revenue Account Budget (RA) data 2025-26 (part 1)’, in the ’LA Dropdown 25-26’ tab in line 970.

At the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2026-27 to 2028-29 the department published local authorities’ baseline funding levels. The baseline funding level does not represent the total amount of business rates an authority will retain in a year but amount of an individual local authority’s Fair Funding Assessment provided through the local share of retained business rates income. The values for 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 are published here, in column L of the relevant years’ tabs.

The number of hereditaments receiving the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief as at 31 December 2024 can be found in Table 4 here.

This is based on a snapshot taken by local authorities on or as close to the 31 December 2024. It is not possible from the data collected to exclude properties at the cash cap.

The snapshot as at 31 December 2025 is currently being collected and will be published by the end of March.

The provisional Settlement 2026–27 will make available almost £78 billion in Core Spending Power (CSP) for local authorities in England, a 5.7% cash-terms increase compared to 2025–26. By the end of the multi-year Settlement in 2028-29 Maldon will have a total of £11.3 million, and Braintree will have a total of £24.2 million in CSP.

The government has been clear that councils furthest above their new funding allocations which have benefitted the most from the existing system will need to accept some income losses, to ensure funding can be redirected to where it is assessed as being needed most. Recalculating available business rates alongside a new assessment of funding need will ensure that business rates income is reallocated to meet these changes in relative need - restoring the Business Rates Retention system to its intended purpose of providing a responsive funding stream for local government while rewarding authorities for business rate growth. This group of authorities will still receive protection of 95% of their income, including business rates growth.

Building owners are responsible for managing safety and performance risks in their buildings, including asbestos, in a proportionate, risk based and evidence-based way. Duty holders must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which require them to identify any asbestos, assess its condition, and determine the risk of exposure.

They must maintain an asbestos management plan that sets out how asbestos containing materials will be monitored or, where necessary, safely removed by a licensed contractor. In most cases, asbestos that is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed is safer left in place and managed appropriately.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK’s primary regulator for asbestos. It enforces the regulations, operates the asbestos licensing regime, and provides technical guidance to support compliance.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is in regular discussion with the Secretary of State for Education on a large number of issues, including on matters related to local authority performance. The Department for Education is responsible for policy on safeguarding and the statutory requirements local authorities must meet in relation to vulnerable children.

The Department is currently finalising the Future Homes and Buildings Standards following the consultation, which opened in December 2023 and closed in March 2024. As part of establishing the new Government, we have taken the time to carefully review previous proposals to ensure they align with our ambitions in this area. It is essential that we get the technical details right to deliver a robust and workable standard.

Work to develop the technical specifications for new homes has included drafting proposed performance requirements, undertaking detailed modelling, and engaging with industry and other stakeholders. These processes have informed the energy efficiency specifications set out in the consultation. Industry engagement has continued throughout the policy development process. In particular, key issues around rooftop solar have required a series of follow-up discussions with industry to ensure the policy is practical and effective. The consultation response will be published in Q1 this year.

Our National Plan to End Homelessness sets out action to improve health access for people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping, in alignment with the 10-Year Health Plan for England. As part of this, we will establish Neighbourhood Health Centres in areas with the lowest healthy life expectancy, acting as ‘one-stop shops’ for patient care and hubs for multi-disciplinary teams delivering holistic, trauma-informed services.

We will test a new model of community care for people for people living with severe mental illness through 24/7 Neighbourhood Mental Health Centres in six pilot sites and 16 associate sites, to improve access to mental health support, including for people experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping.

We will invest £185 million from 2026-29 and continue to fund the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol treatment programme.

Councils can also use their Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant 2025/26 funding flexibly to meet the needs of people in their areas, including by delivering specialist mental and physical health services. Havering Council received £379,926 funding through this grant this year.

To support the health of families in temporary accommodation, we will introduce a new duty on homelessness teams in local councils to notify schools, health visitors and GPs that a child is in temporary accommodation, helping ensure that they are appropriately supported.

Provisions on the declaration and registration of councillor interests restrict them from participating in decisions where they may have a conflict of interest. Participating in a decision where there is a conflict of interest may be a breach of codes of conduct and potentially a criminal offence.

The proposal from Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council set out that, based on the 2021 census population data, East Surrey Council would have a population of 545,798, and West Surrey Council 657,309. The Secretary of State decided to implement the two unitary proposal for Surrey, subject to Parliamentary approval, having assessed the proposals against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance and having regard to all representations received through the consultation and to all other relevant information.

The proposal from Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council set out that, based on the 2021 census population data, East Surrey Council would have a population of 545,798, and West Surrey Council 657,309. The Secretary of State decided to implement the two unitary proposal for Surrey, subject to Parliamentary approval, having assessed the proposals against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance and having regard to all representations received through the consultation and to all other relevant information.

The proposal from Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council set out that, based on the 2021 census population data, East Surrey Council would have a population of 545,798, and West Surrey Council 657,309. The Secretary of State decided to implement the two unitary proposal for Surrey, subject to Parliamentary approval, having assessed the proposals against the criteria set out in the statutory guidance and having regard to all representations received through the consultation and to all other relevant information.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Question UIN 76613 and Question UIN 76612 on 16 October 2025.

My Department has made no such assessment.

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a new ground for landlords who wish to sell their property, Ground 1A. This enables landlords to evict a tenant when they wish to sell their property if it is not possible or appropriate to sell with a sitting tenant.

Some landlords may find it quicker and easier to sell with sitting tenants. We encourage them to do so when the circumstances are right.

My Department continues to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunal Service to ensure that the justice system is well prepared for the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act. This includes ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place for monitoring data relating to rent increase challenges in the Residential Property Tribunal.

In keeping with general practice, we do not currently intend to place the Memorandum of Understanding in the library.

The Government’s Strategy for Modern and Secure Elections outlines how we will deliver on Labour’s manifesto commitment to strengthen the rules governing political donations. Our proposals draw on long‑standing, well‑established recommendations from expert bodies across the electoral sector.

Views of stakeholders have been key to the development of these reforms. Regarding the Electoral Commission’s Parliamentary Parties Panel, the Commission convenes these panels and publishes the minutes of meetings on its website.

We will continue to engage with stakeholders, including political parties, as we work to finalise and implement these reforms.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) only holds information related to Higher-Risk Buildings with at least two residential units and cannot provide a response to questions related to commercial premises.

For Higher-Risk Buildings, the BSR does not hold specific Key Building Information in relation to reinforced concrete transfer slabs which includes those constructed using prior design methods.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) only holds information related to Higher-Risk Buildings with at least two residential units and cannot provide a response to questions related to commercial premises.

For Higher-Risk Buildings, the BSR does not hold specific Key Building Information in relation to reinforced concrete transfer slabs which includes those constructed using prior design methods.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) can confirm that in 2025 there were 159 Regularisation Applications received with 47 approvals being delivered. The average time in which an approval was made was 33 weeks.

In 2025 BSR received 2335 Completion Certificate Applications, granting 664 approvals. The average time in which an approval has been made was 28 weeks.

The BSR can confirm that in 2025 there were 514 Change Control requests received with 148 of these marked as complete. The average time taken by the BSR to approve the applications cannot be determined as the Change Requests do not have a definitive outcome date.

Last June, MHCLG announced a new phase for the BSR, including strengthened leadership, steps to address operational challenges to speed up decision making, and plans for a new body for the BSR.

Enhanced operating models are delivering significant progress. A new Innovation Unit has dramatically reduced processing time for new build applications, with the highest quality applications approved within the 12-week target, whilst the BSR continues to make strong headway tackling cases already in the system.

BSR continue publish performance data monthly to support transparency and accountability.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) can confirm that in 2025 there were 159 Regularisation Applications received with 47 approvals being delivered. The average time in which an approval was made was 33 weeks.

In 2025 BSR received 2335 Completion Certificate Applications, granting 664 approvals. The average time in which an approval has been made was 28 weeks.

The BSR can confirm that in 2025 there were 514 Change Control requests received with 148 of these marked as complete. The average time taken by the BSR to approve the applications cannot be determined as the Change Requests do not have a definitive outcome date.

Last June, MHCLG announced a new phase for the BSR, including strengthened leadership, steps to address operational challenges to speed up decision making, and plans for a new body for the BSR.

Enhanced operating models are delivering significant progress. A new Innovation Unit has dramatically reduced processing time for new build applications, with the highest quality applications approved within the 12-week target, whilst the BSR continues to make strong headway tackling cases already in the system.

BSR continue publish performance data monthly to support transparency and accountability.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) can confirm that in 2025 there were 159 Regularisation Applications received with 47 approvals being delivered. The average time in which an approval was made was 33 weeks.

In 2025 BSR received 2335 Completion Certificate Applications, granting 664 approvals. The average time in which an approval has been made was 28 weeks.

The BSR can confirm that in 2025 there were 514 Change Control requests received with 148 of these marked as complete. The average time taken by the BSR to approve the applications cannot be determined as the Change Requests do not have a definitive outcome date.

Last June, MHCLG announced a new phase for the BSR, including strengthened leadership, steps to address operational challenges to speed up decision making, and plans for a new body for the BSR.

Enhanced operating models are delivering significant progress. A new Innovation Unit has dramatically reduced processing time for new build applications, with the highest quality applications approved within the 12-week target, whilst the BSR continues to make strong headway tackling cases already in the system.

BSR continue publish performance data monthly to support transparency and accountability.

Since 4 July 2024, the Secretary of State has called in the following planning applications:

Cases called in 04/07/24 to 14/01/26

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Question UIN 62663 on 22 July 2025 and to Question UIN 51990 on 19 May 2025.

My Department is still analysing the research in question. We will keep the decision to publish any suitable and relevant information under review.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statements made on 4 July 2025 (HCWS780) and 18 December 2025 (HCWS1210).

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statements made on 4 July 2025 (HCWS780) and 18 December 2025 (HCWS1210).

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 103087 on 13 January 2026.