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 measure the potential changes in housing need as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government believes that certainty and stability are of paramount importance for our local communities, local authorities and developers following the Covid-19 pandemic and at a time when the planning system will be undergoing significant long-term reforms.

Following consultation, in December, we made changes to our standard method by increasing need in our 20 most populated urban areas to maximise use of existing infrastructure and to support development that reduces the need for high-carbon travel. Our changes allow local areas to get on and plan based on a method and level of ambition that they are familiar with, giving them the best possible chance of ensuring their plans are up to date by December 2023.