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 support areas with a high proportion of construction sector businesses.

The government’s Plan for Change includes a hugely ambitious milestone of building 1.5 million new safe and decent homes in England in this Parliament.

My department is working across government and with industry to address skills shortages and improve skills, competence, and productivity across built environment professions, from construction trades to architects, planners, building inspectors and other specialist professions.

Our landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill will further streamline the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure, helping to support construction businesses across the UK.