Debates between Greg Clark and Cheryl Gillan during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Housing and Planning Bill

Debate between Greg Clark and Cheryl Gillan
Monday 2nd November 2015

(8 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
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I have said that it is important that we provide more homes across the country, but particular in London, where we know that demand for homes by people of all types—families and single people—is very acute. The purpose of the Bill is to allow us to provide more homes in London, as I shall go on to say.

Cheryl Gillan Portrait Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con)
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Will my right hon. Friend give way?

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
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I will give way, but I must then make some progress.

Cheryl Gillan Portrait Mrs Gillan
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May I extend a warm welcome to this long overdue legislation? May I point out to my right hon. Friend that in my local authority area, Chiltern District Council, we have some of the highest average property prices in the country? Even with the 20% discount applied to properties known as starter homes, it will therefore be jolly difficult for some of our young people to afford those homes. In addition, will he tell us how my local council can prioritise those homes for local people?

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
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We need to provide homes of all sorts. It is important to continue to provide homes for rent and to provide homes for purchase. My right hon. Friend will have constituents who have grown up in her constituency, who have had family connections there for many years and whose friends and relations are there, and they have to leave her area not because they want to, but because they have to. It is important to provide more homes in areas such as hers, as well as across the country.