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

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will make an estimate of the costs of Clause 3 of the Affordable Homes Bill; and if he will make a statement.

The scale of research proposed could be expected to cost more than £250,000, based on the Department’s experience of similar projects. A more precise estimate would require more detailed scoping and market testing.

Local authorities are already required to develop an evidence base locally, to ensure their Local Plan meets the full, objectively assessed needs for market and affordable housing in the housing market area, consistent with the policies set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Government has published new guidance to local authorities on how to assess housing need in their area.