Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to update the guidance issued by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 12 September 2016 concerning submitting proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, in particular regarding the email address local authorities can use to submit proposals.

Answered by Lord Lemos - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Government has no plans to update the guidance issued on 12 September 2016 concerning the submission of proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. The email address has been updated.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether it will be for new unitary authorities to decide whether to apply for the creation of a Foundation Strategic Authority.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government has been clear that it wants to see devolution extended across the whole of England, with more areas benefiting from the powers and funding available to Strategic Authorities.

We have therefore written to leaders of councils in areas without devolution agreements, inviting them to work with neighbouring authorities to agree a suitable geography and submit proposals.

These proposals must meet the criteria set out in the English Devolution White Paper, in particular that they command the support of the proposed constituent councils and support effective delivery for communities. For areas undergoing local government reorganisation, we will continue to work closely with local partners, including any new unitary authorities, on potential future devolution arrangements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect to publish the UK Cooling Outlook strategy.

Answered by Baroness Curran - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is committed to supporting the transition to sustainable cooling in the UK and globally. As a signatory to the Global Cooling Pledge, endorsed by over 70 countries, the UK is committed to reducing cooling‑related emissions by at least 68% by 2050 while expanding access to sustainable cooling.

To support the delivery of the commitments, the Department will publish a UK Cooling Outlook by the end of 2026, a consolidated evidence base on current and projected cooling demand to 2050, alongside the policies in place to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency across cooling and refrigeration.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has given advice or guidance on the planning and environmental constraints of developing sites close to foot and mouth carcass burial sites in flood risk areas.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer given to Question UIN HL7342 on 21 May 2025. Furthermore, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that planning policies and decisions should prevent new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of water pollution or land instability.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new NPPF, including proposals in a new standalone chapter dedicated to managing flood risk and coastal change, as well as proposals relating to pollution. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to support councils to improve planning enforcement against unauthorised traveller sites through the sub-division of land.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Local planning authorities have a wide range of planning enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, available to them.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new National Planning Policy Framework. That consultation, which can be found on gov.uk here, included proposals relating to strengthening the policy on intentional unauthorised development. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.