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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he is taking steps with (a) the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and (b) other Cabinet colleagues to amend the National Planning Policy Framework to include regulations for a new infrastructure levy to ensure the provision of adequate (i) GP and (ii) dental provision in new housing developments.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act introduces powers to create the new Infrastructure Levy which aims to generate more funding for infrastructure, such as GP surgeries, to mitigate the impacts of new development.

The Act includes provisions to require local authorities to prepare Infrastructure Delivery Strategies which will set out the strategy for delivering infrastructure and spending Levy proceeds. The Act also enables authorities to require the assistance of infrastructure providers, including Integrated Care Bodies, in devising these strategies and development plans.

We have committed to consult further on the design of the Levy, before we draft regulations.