Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will hold discussions with the metro mayors on the potential merits of electrifying the Midland Mainline.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Secretary of State is committed to working closely with metro mayors, and understands the important relationship between them and the Department. This commitment to collaboration includes on projects such as Midland Main Line electrification. Discussions on transport issues with regional and local leaders have already begun.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timetable is for introducing new trains on the Midland Mainline between Sheffield and London.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Under East Midlands Railway’s plan, the new Class 810 ‘Aurora’ Bi-mode trains will commence passenger service operation during 2025, with phased introduction continuing into 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring local authorities in their local plans to (a) allocate sites for (i) social housing and (ii) housing for elderly persons and (b) ensure the provision of housing with high-level adaptations for people with disabilities.

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

The National Planning Policy Framework outlines that it is for local authorities to assess the size, types and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community, including those who require affordable housing, people with disabilities, older people, and to reflect this in their planning policies. In 2019, we published guidance to help local planning authorities implement this policy.

We are consulting on our approach to revising the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system. This includes proposed changes designed to support the delivery of affordable homes including social rent, alongside securing a mix of types and tenures including housing for specific groups including older people. The consultation began on Tuesday 30 July and closes on Tuesday 24 September.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of preventing second home owners who become subject to a higher council tax charge from switching their home to a business and avoiding council tax altogether.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

From April 2025 councils have discretionary powers to charge a council tax premium of up to 100% on second homes. Properties available for commercial short-term letting may be eligible for business rates where they have been available to let for at least 140 days in the past year, are available to let for at least 140 days in the next year and can demonstrate at least 70 days of actual letting activity in the last year. The Government will continue to keep all tax policy under review.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the tram train pilot between Sheffield and Rotherham, how many similar schemes (a) have been developed, (b) are under construction and (c) are being planned.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

There are currently no other tram-train examples in England. The Department is currently working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority as they develop their business case for their “Pathfinder” project in the North East Quadrant of Greater Manchester, where tram-train is being considered as a potential technology option.

In addition, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is considering the expansion of the Sheffield Supertram, which might include tram-train, and the Department is working closely with SYMCA as they continue to develop those plans.

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