Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, for what reason he has included new build student accommodation in the target numbers for development plans.

This Government is committed to creating a fair and just housing system that works for everyone across the country.

National Planning Policy Framework states that it is important a sufficient amount and variety of land can come forward where it is needed, that the needs of groups with specific housing requirements are addressed, and that land with permission is developed without unnecessary delay. This includes students, alongside other groups, such as owner occupiers: as set out in the Levelling Up White Paper, Government is clear that the planning system should contribute to increasing the number of first time buyers in all areas.