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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure that the new guidance on viability with fixed returns for developers and landowners does not lead to a reduction in the number of affordable homes being built due to the construction of only that proportion of such homes which ensures they meet fixed profit levels.

Our proposed guidance on viability seeks to reduce protracted negotiations, giving local authorities and communities certainty that infrastructure and affordable housing will be delivered. Under this guidance, levels of developer and landowner return can be set by local authorities on the basis of relevant local evidence. This will support them to secure developer contributions while ensuring that their plan for development remains viable.