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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2022 to Question 16828 on Beach Huts: Property Transfer, if he will publish the (a) policy objectives and (b) intent and spirit underpinning the Government's extension of the freedoms provided; and what the process is for him to be notified of any indication that authorities are not using the direction as planned.

From April 2022, the Government has extended the flexibility for authorities to use capital receipts to fund transformation projects that produce long-term savings or reduce the costs of service delivery until 2023-24

It is for local authorities to make sure that they apply the flexibility correctly and have regard to the Guidance on Flexible Use of Capital Receipts. The guidance is clear that the flexibility is to allow authorities to use the proceeds from the sale of assets to fund transformation and release savings. Authorities must appropriately comply with the rules and guidance, and adherence should be subject to internal scrutiny and review by auditors

The Government is now carefully considering whether amendments are needed to the direction and guidance to make sure the freedoms are used in the spirit and intent with which they are provided.