Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is central to the mission-driven government, from fixing the foundations of an affordable home to handing power back to communities and rebuilding local governments.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Angela Rayner
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Thornhill (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Housing)
Baroness Pinnock (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Gideon Amos (LD - Taunton and Wellington)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Housing and Planning)
Vikki Slade (LD - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Conservative
Kevin Hollinrake (Con - Thirsk and Malton)
Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
David Simmonds (Con - Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner)
Shadow Minister (Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Lord Jamieson (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Paul Holmes (Con - Hamble Valley)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Ministers of State
Matthew Pennycook (Lab - Greenwich and Woolwich)
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Jim McMahon (LAB - Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton)
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Rushanara Ali (Lab - Bethnal Green and Stepney)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Alex Norris (LAB - Nottingham North and Kimberley)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Lord Khan of Burnley (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Friday 4th July 2025
Select Committee Inquiry
Thursday 3rd July 2025
Housing Conditions in England

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee is holding an inquiry into the condition of homes in England.

The …

Written Answers
Friday 4th July 2025
Greater Manchester Combined Authority: Property Development
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what (a) funding and (b) financing support her …
Secondary Legislation
Friday 17th May 2024
Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) and Persons Subject to Immigration Control (Housing Authority Accommodation and Homelessness) (Amendment) Regulations 2024
Regulation 2 of these Regulations makes a number of changes to the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) Regulations …
Bills
Tuesday 11th March 2025
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision about infrastructure; to make provision about town and country planning; to make provision for a …

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Jun. 18
Oral Questions
Jun. 09
Urgent Questions
Jul. 04
Written Statements
Jun. 24
Westminster Hall
View All Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament


A Bill to make provision for, and in connection with, the introduction of higher non-domestic rating multipliers as regards large business hereditaments, and lower non-domestic rating multipliers as regards retail, hospitality and leisure hereditaments, in England and for the removal of charitable relief from non-domestic rates for private schools in England.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025 and was enacted into law.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Secondary Legislation

Regulation 2 of these Regulations makes a number of changes to the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1294) (“the Eligibility Regulations”).
These Regulations amend the Energy Performance of Building Regulations 2012 (“the Principal Regulations”) in relation to data sharing.
View All Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petition Open
55,501 Signatures
(287 in the last 7 days)
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Open
55,501 Signatures
(287 in the last 7 days)
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has not participated in any petition debates
View All Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


0 Members of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee: Previous Inquiries
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Annual Report & Accounts 2019-20 Local government and the path to net zero Long-term delivery of social and affordable rented housing Progress on devolution in England Local Authorities and Commissioners inquiry Local Plans Expert Group recommendations inquiry Capacity in the homebuilding industry inquiry Public parks inquiry Adult social care inquiry Pre-appointment hearing: Chair of the Homes and Communities Agency Housing Ombudsman one-off evidence session Business rates inquiry Consultation on National Planning Policy inquiry Homelessness inquiry Pre-appointment hearing: Local Government Ombudsman Work of DCLG 2016 inquiry Homelessness Reduction Bill inquiry Work of DCLG Housing for older people inquiry Overview and scrutiny in local government Private Rented Sector inquiry Brexit and Local Government inquiry Housing need and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Business rates retention inquiry Department for Communities and Local Government Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17 Homelessness Reduction Act Independent review of building regulations Draft Tenant Fees Bill inquiry DCLG Annual Report and Accounts 2016 Integration Review one-off evidence session Housing for older people inquiry Overview and scrutiny in local government inquiry Government draft Public Service Ombudsman Bill inquiry Housing White Paper and business rates inquiry Land value capture inquiry Planning guidance on fracking inquiry Housing Ombudsman Pre-appointment Hearing inquiry MHCLG Housing priorities Integrated Communities Strategy Green Paper Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Property in Common Occupation) Bill inquiry High streets and town centres in 2030 inquiry Local authority support for Grenfell Tower survivors inquiry Priorities for the Secretary of State inquiry Leasehold reform inquiry Social Housing Green Paper inquiry Funding of local authorities’ children’s services inquiry MHCLG Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18 inquiry Modern Methods of Construction inquiry Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman review session inquiry Local Government Finance and the 2019 Spending Review inquiry Implications of the Waste Strategy for Local Authorities inquiry Homelessness Reduction Act - One Year On inquiry Work of the Secretary of State 2019 inquiry Progress on devolution in England inquiry Long-term delivery of social and affordable rented housing inquiry Litter Jay Report into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham Community Rights Operation of the National Planning Policy Framework Local Government finance settlement 2014/15 Local government chief officers' remuneration Devolution in England: the case for local government Building Regulations certification of domestic electrical work Further review of the work of the Local Government Ombudsman Housing and Planning Bill one-off evidence session DCLG Annual Report 2014-15 inquiry Financial Settlement one-off evidence session Interim Chair of the Homes and Communities Agency Board one-off evidence session The Government's Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill inquiry The housing association sector and the Right to Buy inquiry Planning and productivity one-off evidence session DCLG priorities in the 2015 Parliament one-off evidence session Local Council bank loans inquiry Performance of the DCLG 2013-14 Work of the Communities and Local Government Committee Appointment of the Housing Ombudsman Private Rented Sector Local Government Procurement High Streets and Town Centres Performance of the DCLG 2012-13 Regulation Committee of the Homes and Communities Agency Planning issues Abolition of regional spatial strategies Localism Audit and inspection of local authorities Regeneration National Planning Policy Framework Taking forward Community Budgets Performance of the Department 2011-12 Building Regulations Localisation issues in welfare reform Proposed Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity Local Government Ombudsman Mutual and co-operative approaches to delivering local services The role of local authorities in health issues The role of the Housing Ombudsman The Government’s Review of Planning Practice Guidance Greater London Authority Act 2007 and the London Assembly Park Homes Planning, housing and growth Councillors and the community Financing of new housing supply European Regional Development Fund Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Sustainable Communities Act 2007 Community Budgets Decentralisation and codifying the relationship between central and local government Work of the Department Impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on homelessness and the private rented sector Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill Reforming the Private Rented Sector Draft Strategy and Policy Statement for the Electoral Commission Funding for Levelling Up Electoral Registration Reforms to national planning policy The Spending Review and Local Government Finance Financial Reporting and Audit in Local Authorities The finances and sustainability of the social housing sector Shared Ownership Fire Safety Disabled people in the housing sector The Office for Local Government Local authorities in financial distress Children, young people and the built environment Improving the home buying and selling process The Committee’s past recommendations and the work of successive UK governments Cladding: progress on remediation Children in Temporary Accommodation Rough Sleeping Hazardous Substances (Planning) Common Framework Local Authority Financial Sustainability and the Section 114 Regime The Funding and Sustainability of Local Government Finance Delivering 1.5 million new homes: Land Value Capture Grenfell and Building Safety Housing Conditions in England

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

16th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, CP1336, of 11 June 2025, how much (a) capital and (b) revenue funding is being allocated to the Affordable Housing Programme, in each of the 10 years of that programme.

The Spending Review 2025 policy paper (which can be found on gov.uk here) makes clear that spending on the Social and Affordable Homes Programme will reach £4 billion per year in 2029-30 and rise in line with inflation subsequently.

Government does not usually publish year-by-year spend on specific programmes in advance.

We have announced the overall funding commitment for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme and will continue to publish departmental capital spend figures on an annual basis.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the equitability of service charge terms in TP1 documents for use by freeholders when purchasing properties from developers.

My Department has not conducted a specific assessment about the equitability of service charge terms in TP1 documents for use by freeholders when purhcasing properties from developers.

The level of charges that residential freeholders pay will vary based on several factors, including the types of facilities or services that estate managers need to maintain, and the number of properties required to contribute.

The government remain committed to protecting residential freeholders on private and mixed-tenure housing estates from unfair charges.

We will consult this year on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act’s new consumer protection provisions for the up to 1.75m homes that are subject to these charges, and bring these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter. These include ensuring that homeowners who pay an estate management charge have better access to information they need to understand what they are paying for, the right to challenge the reasonableness at the First-tier Tribunal (in England), and to go to the tribunal to appoint a substitute manager.

The government is also determined to end the injustice of 'fleecehold' entirely and we will consult this year on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by many residential freeholders.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has made a recent assessment of the effectiveness of current regulations on residential park home site operators to ensure the (a) equitable treatment and (b) protection of residents.

The Mobile Homes Act 1983 sets out the contractual obligations for park home residents and site owners and the processes for buying and selling park homes. The Act also bans the use of certain site rules including those which prevent a resident from marketing or selling their home. If a site owner breaches the legislation or fails to meet any of their obligations, a resident has a right to apply to the First Tier Tribunal for a determination.

Additional protections for consumers purchasing goods and services are set out in consumer rights legislation. We are also continuing to support park home residents with free independent advice about their rights and how to enforce them, through the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service.

The government is committed to improving the standards of park home site management and supporting local authorities to ensure site managers are fit and proper persons. We will continue to keep the effectiveness of relevant regulations under review.

We recognise that there are longstanding concerns about the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home. The previous government published a report in June 2022 on the impact of a change in the maximum park home sale commission. It can be found on gov.uk here. We will set out plans in due course to seek further evidence from the sector on the rationale for the commission.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of existing consumer protections of residential park home owners.

The Mobile Homes Act 1983 sets out the contractual obligations for park home residents and site owners and the processes for buying and selling park homes. The Act also bans the use of certain site rules including those which prevent a resident from marketing or selling their home. If a site owner breaches the legislation or fails to meet any of their obligations, a resident has a right to apply to the First Tier Tribunal for a determination.

Additional protections for consumers purchasing goods and services are set out in consumer rights legislation. We are also continuing to support park home residents with free independent advice about their rights and how to enforce them, through the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service.

The government is committed to improving the standards of park home site management and supporting local authorities to ensure site managers are fit and proper persons. We will continue to keep the effectiveness of relevant regulations under review.

We recognise that there are longstanding concerns about the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home. The previous government published a report in June 2022 on the impact of a change in the maximum park home sale commission. It can be found on gov.uk here. We will set out plans in due course to seek further evidence from the sector on the rationale for the commission.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent steps her Department has taken to improve consumer protections for (a) pricing transparency, (b) fair valuation practices and (c) the treatment of homeowners during resale transactions for residential park home buyers .

The Mobile Homes Act 1983 sets out the contractual obligations for park home residents and site owners and the processes for buying and selling park homes. The Act also bans the use of certain site rules including those which prevent a resident from marketing or selling their home. If a site owner breaches the legislation or fails to meet any of their obligations, a resident has a right to apply to the First Tier Tribunal for a determination.

Additional protections for consumers purchasing goods and services are set out in consumer rights legislation. We are also continuing to support park home residents with free independent advice about their rights and how to enforce them, through the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service.

The government is committed to improving the standards of park home site management and supporting local authorities to ensure site managers are fit and proper persons. We will continue to keep the effectiveness of relevant regulations under review.

We recognise that there are longstanding concerns about the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home. The previous government published a report in June 2022 on the impact of a change in the maximum park home sale commission. It can be found on gov.uk here. We will set out plans in due course to seek further evidence from the sector on the rationale for the commission.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information her Department holds on the number of housing estates built since 2010 that still have unadopted roads in (a) Ashfield, (b) Nottinghamshire, (c) the East Midlands and (d) England.

My Department does not hold data on the number of housing estates that have unadopted roads or the average time for roads in newbuild housing estates to be adopted after construction.

Any decision on whether or not to adopt roads is a matter for the local highway authority. The Department for Transport has published guidance on gov.uk on Highways Adoption: The Adoption of Roads into the Public Highway, which was last updated in August 2022. It sets out the process by which new and existing roads can be adopted by highway authorities so that they become maintainable at public expense.

The government remain committed to protecting residential freeholders on private and mixed-tenure housing estates from unfair charges.

We will consult this year on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act’s new consumer protection provisions for the up to 1.75m homes that are subject to these charges, and bring these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter. These include ensuring that homeowners who pay an estate management charge have better access to information they need to understand what they are paying for, the right to challenge the reasonableness at the First-tier Tribunal (in England), and to go to the tribunal to appoint a substitute manager.

The government is also determined to end the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ entirely and we will consult next year on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by many residential freeholders.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the average time is for roads in newbuild housing estates to be adopted after their construction.

My Department does not hold data on the number of housing estates that have unadopted roads or the average time for roads in newbuild housing estates to be adopted after construction.

Any decision on whether or not to adopt roads is a matter for the local highway authority. The Department for Transport has published guidance on gov.uk on Highways Adoption: The Adoption of Roads into the Public Highway, which was last updated in August 2022. It sets out the process by which new and existing roads can be adopted by highway authorities so that they become maintainable at public expense.

The government remain committed to protecting residential freeholders on private and mixed-tenure housing estates from unfair charges.

We will consult this year on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act’s new consumer protection provisions for the up to 1.75m homes that are subject to these charges, and bring these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter. These include ensuring that homeowners who pay an estate management charge have better access to information they need to understand what they are paying for, the right to challenge the reasonableness at the First-tier Tribunal (in England), and to go to the tribunal to appoint a substitute manager.

The government is also determined to end the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ entirely and we will consult next year on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by many residential freeholders.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much and what proportion of the funding allocated for affordable housing in the Spending Review 2025 will be allocated to rural areas.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 2 July 2025 (HCWS771).

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much and what proportion of the funding announced for the 10‑year Affordable Homes Programme at the Spending Review 2025 will be spent in the West Midlands.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 2 July 2025 (HCWS771).

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department plans to take to help support councils to require developers to (a) complete and (b) refurbish (i) building sites and (ii) existing empty buildings.

The Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) for 2021-26 allows a proportion of programme delivery to come from new build and second-hand home acquisitions and funding replacement homes on regeneration schemes where there is a positive impact on overall housing supply.

Local authorities can also access funding through the AHP and Local Authority Housing Fund to bring homes back into use. Where funding, tax, and informal approaches are ineffective, local authorities can use formal enforcement levers to bring homes back into use such as Empty Dwelling Management Orders and Compulsory Purchase Orders.

The government recognise the frustrations that stalled or delayed sites can cause to communities.

Once housebuilders have been granted permission for residential development, meeting local housing needs and preferences, we expect to see them built out as quickly as possible.

Local planning authorities already have powers to issue a completion notice to require a developer to complete their development if it is stalled. If they fail to do so, the planning permission for the development will lapse.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 includes policies designed to support increased build out rates, including the promotion of mixed tenure development.

On 25 May, the government published a Planning Reform Working Paper: Speeding Up Build Out (which can be found on gov.uk here) inviting views on further action the government should take to speed up homes being built.

On the same day, we launched a technical consultation on implementing measures to improve the transparency of build rates from new residential development, which includes proposals to implement provisions in Section 113 of the LURA on the power to decline to determine applications. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the government intends bring forward the regulations to implement these measures at the earliest practical opportunity with the new build out reporting framework coming into force from 2026.

Local planning authorities have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use where development has not taken place in accordance with the planning permission given. It is for authorities to decide how and when they use their powers depending on the circumstances of each case.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of downsizing support schemes on the availability of larger family homes.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 61360 on 30 June 2025 and UIN 59968 on 23 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions she has had with housing associations on supporting downsizing for older tenants.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 61360 on 30 June 2025 and UIN 59968 on 23 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to support the delivery of age-appropriate housing for people approaching retirement in West Dorset constituency.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 61360 on 30 June 2025 and UIN 59968 on 23 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of housing supply for an ageing population in England.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 61360 on 30 June 2025 and UIN 59968 on 23 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to support new housing developments for older people in West Dorset constituency.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 61360 on 30 June 2025 and UIN 59968 on 23 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department is taking steps to increase the supply of specialist supported housing for vulnerable older residents in West Dorset constituency.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 61360 on 30 June 2025 and UIN 59968 on 23 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to support the development of (a) extra-care and (b) sheltered housing schemes.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 61360 on 30 June 2025 and UIN 59968 on 23 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of financial incentives for the construction of supported housing for the frail elderly.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 61360 on 30 June 2025 and UIN 59968 on 23 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2025 to Question 57273 on Road Signs and Marking, what is the mechanism by which her Department is monitoring the implementation of section 81; and whether this includes regular submissions to Ministers.

The operation of section 81 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 is monitored in the same way as any other policy matter, with officials observing any problematic use of the legislation and engaging with the sector and public if they raise any concerns with the department. To date we have not seen, or been approached about, any significant problem with the use of the legislation.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the monetary amount was of financial guarantees for housing provided by her Department from 2019-20 to 2024-25.

Between 2019-20 and 2024-25 MHCLG provided £3.254 billion of financial guarantees for housing.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
23rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will publish the funding allocation for planning enforcement for local authorities for the next (a) year and (b) five years; and what steps she is taking (i) to ensure timely enforcement action in cases of alleged breaches and (ii) with local authorities to help improve enforcement capacity.

Local planning authorities do not receive a standalone funding allocation for planning enforcement.

Planning enforcement is at the discretion of local planning authorities and it is for them to decide when and how they use the powers available to them depending on the circumstances of any given case.

Resourcing planning departments remains a priority for this government.

On 25 February 2025, the draft Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025 were agreed. These regulations increase planning fees for householder and other applications, with a view to providing much-needed additional resources for hard-pressed LPAs.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill also includes provisions that will allow LPAs to set planning fees or charges at a level that reflects the individual costs to the LPA to carry out the function for which it is imposed and to ensure that the income from planning fees or charges is applied towards the delivery of the planning function.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Help to Buy scheme on low income, first time buyers.

The Help to Buy Scheme was closed in May 2023. An evaluation into the impact of the scheme is ongoing.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to issue updated (a) guidance and (b) statutory requirements to (i) discourage planning applicants from providing supporting information in stages and (ii) support local planning authorities in managing delays caused by incomplete submissions.

The National Planning Policy Framework encourages early engagement between applicants and local planning authorities.

Pre-application discussions can help avoid disputes and reduce delays by allowing an applicant and local planning authority to agree what information is required before an application is submitted.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance she has issued to local planning authorities on the redaction of the internal layout of proposed developments from (a) planning (i) officers and (ii) councillors and (b) the wider public.

We have not issued specific guidance to local planning authorities on redacting internal layouts of proposed developments.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
24th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential alignment of ICBs and mayoral authority boundaries.

The English Devolution White Paper sets out a clear ambition to align relevant public service and strategic authority boundaries over time, including in relation to health. The 10 Year Health Plan for England published on 3 July reiterates this commitment, with a clear intention to align ICB boundaries with strategic authorities, wherever feasibly possible. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care have affirmed their shared commitment to this goal.

Jim McMahon
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of wastewater capacity in Fylde constituency for planned housing developments.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 57582 on 26 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has reviewed the level of fees charged by property management companies on the (a) sale and (b) remortgage of a home.

It is unacceptable for property management companies to charge unreasonable fees before providing leaseholders with the information they need.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 contains measures to protect leasehold homeowners, including specific measures to improve the home buying and selling process by ensuring information required to sell a leasehold home is accessible at a reasonable cost.

We will be consulting on the secondary legislation that is required to switch on these measures in due course.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to encourage developers to begin building promptly after planning permission is granted.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 55898 on 9 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph 45 of Annex 10 of the Impact Assessment for the Planning and Infrastucture Bill, published on 6 May 2025, whether the 374k net additions per year from 2027 will apply from the beginning of the (a) 2026-27 financial year, (b) 2027-28 financial year or (c) calendar year 2027.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 55284 on 10 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will introduce legislation to mandate a national licensing scheme for all Houses of Multiple Occupancy.

All Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) where five or more people from two or more households share facilities, such as a kitchen and/or a bathroom, are subject to mandatory HMO licensing.

Following consultation, local authorities can also introduce additional licensing, where smaller HMOs shared by three or four people from two or more households who share facilities are required to hold a licence.

The government has no current plans to mandate a national licensing scheme for all HMOs.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to strengthen (a) regulatory and (b) enforcement measures on anti-social behaviour in Houses of Multiple Occupancy.

All Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) where five or more people from two or more households share facilities, such as a kitchen and/or a bathroom, are subject to mandatory HMO licensing.

Following consultation, local authorities can also introduce additional licensing, where smaller HMOs shared by three or four people from two or more households who share facilities are required to hold a licence.

The government has no current plans to mandate a national licensing scheme for all HMOs.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that the creation of a definition of Islamophobia does not prevent discussion and scrutiny of the religious and ethnic dimensions of grooming gangs.

We are clear vile child sexual abuse must be pursued wherever it is found, and we must guard against misplaced cultural or political sensitivities.

As stated in the Terms of Reference for the Working Group to define Islamophobia/Anti-Muslim Hatred, any proposed definition must be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression - which includes the right to criticise, scrutinise, express dislike of, or insult religions and/or the beliefs and practices of adherents.

Should government accept the recommendations of the Working Group, the definition used will be non-statutory. It will enable government and other relevant bodies to have a greater understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities – with anti-Muslim hate crime having reached record levels.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
1st Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2025 to Question 62328 on Unitary Councils, when will the statutory consultation period for proposed unitary councils in Cambridgeshire begin.

The exact timings and detail will depend on the proposals received. Our working assumption, however, is that following final proposals being submitted at the end of November, a consultation could be launched in early 2026, likely closing at some point after the May local elections.

Jim McMahon
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what (a) funding and (b) financing support her Department has allocated to Greater Manchester Combined Authority for housing development loans since 2011.

In line with the English Devolution White Paper Homes England is working closely will all Mayoral Combined Authorities, supporting them to achieve their housing growth, regeneration and placemaking ambitions. Since 2011 Homes England have provided investments totalling over £483 million (£483,466,719) to Greater Manchester Combined Authority through a range of programmes. These investments have supported the delivery of 35,144 homes. My officials would be happy to send full details should this information be required.

Jim McMahon
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which government funding streams have been available exclusively to Mayoral Combined Authorities since January 2024; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of this on areas without a devolution deal.

Most government funding streams delivered by Mayoral Combined (and Combined County) Authorities (MC(C)As) in England are devolved from national government. In areas where there is not yet a Combined Authority in place, national government continues to oversee these funds.

Several ongoing funding streams are targeted only at MC(C)As in England, but in certain circumstances are paid to a broader range of recipients including in the Devolved Administrations or local authorities.

Funds in England exclusive to MC(C)As include:

  • Investment Funds (also known as ‘Gain Share’), which were agreed through Devolution Deals and support multiple themes including transport, infrastructure, skills, culture and enterprise & innovation within MC(C)As.
  • City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (from 2022-2027; 8 MCAs were eligible). From 2027-2032 9 of the current 13 MCAs are eligible for its successor, the Transport for City Regions fund.
  • The Department for Transport also provides a small number of grants to a subset of Mayoral Combined Authorities for the purposes of supporting transport networks specific to these areas; these grants generally pre-date current devolution arrangements.

The government has not commissioned analysis on the impacts of devolved funding to those without devolution agreements in England.

Jim McMahon
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many and what proportion of new homes are (a) under construction and (b) have been completed since 4 July 2025.

The 4 July 2025 is tomorrow.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase funding for parks and green spaces.

The government is firmly committed to creating better access to parks and green spaces for all sections of society. They are an essential part of local social infrastructure which supports more connected, stronger communities.

Whilst responsibility for funding, managing and maintaining urban parks lies mainly with local authorities, the government is committed to supporting Local Authorities in developing best practice to manage parks and green spaces.

The new £1.5 billon Plan for Neighbourhoods will deliver up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade into 75 communities across the UK, this will include creating and improving green spaces and community gardens.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 54295 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Taxis, how much of the £41,439 was spent on Ministerial travel.

Of the total figure of £41,439 spent on taxis in the period specified, £3058 of the £41,439 related to Ministerial travel

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will list each official diary event and meeting she undertook on 10 April 2025.

The Government publishes details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a quarterly basis.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether civil servants in her Department relocated outside of London will have their pay reduced, and whether civil servants employed in new locations outside London will lose their existing London weighting.

MHCLG has separate National pay ranges and London pay ranges. MHCLG has an established policy and salary change calculation that applies when colleagues transfer from the London to the National pay range or vice versa, this includes individuals being placed on the same relative position on their new pay range as they held on their old pay range, i.e. if the colleague was on the minimum of the London pay range they would move to the minimum of the National pay range.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 30 May 2025 to Question 53573 on Oxford Growth Commission: Public Appointments, if she will publish the Chair's declaration of interests.

As set out in the answer to Question UIN 53573 on 28 May 2025, direct ministerial appointments such as the Chair of the OGC are not regulated public appointments and do not fall within the remit of the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Interests are considered as part of due diligence checks before appointments are made, and the Department is satisfied the usual public law principles applicable to all ministerial decision-making are met by this appointment.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether building regulations apply to the construction of embassies.

The Building Regulations 2010 apply to all buildings in England, with specific exemptions given in Schedule 2. Embassies are expected to respect local laws, including the Building Regulations. Building Regulations may apply when somebody is putting up a new building, making material changes to a building, extending an existing building or altering building services.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Islamophobia Working Group is taking to consult with stakeholders in (a) private and (b) public.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 61355 on 24 June 2025.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that Green Freeports have the (a) authority and (b) mechanisms to hold businesses accountable in relation to their commitments on (i) fair work and (ii) achieving net zero.

As detailed in guidance, Green Freeports are required to implement robust tax site management strategies that ensure investments align with the overarching vision and policy objectives.

Green Freeports must ensure that their partners deliver on the commitments set out in the approved business case. To support this, tax site landholders are expected to enter into formal legal agreements with the Green Freeport operating company to enforce compliance including fair work practices and net zero commitments. The governments reserve the right to sanction Green Freeports where these commitments are not upheld.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when her Department plans to open the technical consultation on the M4(2) requirement in building regulations.

Housing is one of this government’s top priorities, everyone deserves to live in a decent home that is suitable for them and meets their needs.

The government will shortly set out its policies on accessible new build housing, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring everyone has access to a safe, suitable home.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions she has had with Homes England on building accessible homes.

Grant funding allocated through the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, which is delivered by Homes England outside of London, can be used for supported housing, including specialist housing.

The government will shortly set out its policies on accessible new build housing, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring everyone has access to a safe, suitable home.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions has she had with brick manufacturers on meeting the demand for new homes.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 60503 on 25 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans her Department has taken to help tackle land banking.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 60243 on 24 June 2025.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
24th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to encourage the use of swift bricks in newbuild homes in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) in Lancashire.

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

As part of our work to develop a set of national policies for decision making, the government has committed to consulting on changes which would require swift bricks to be incorporated into new buildings unless there are compelling reasons which preclude their use, or which would make them ineffective.

As an interim step ahead of the consultation, my Department published updated Planning Practice Guidance setting out how swift bricks are expected to be used in new development. This outlines that developments should include swift bricks where possible, with the general aim across a development of a minimum of one nest box per unit.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)