Live Communities and Local Government Questions House of Commons

Good afternoon and welcome to BBC Parliament live coverage of the

House of Commons. The shadow secretary will be asking an urgent

question concerning the latdst talks of the doctors dispute out of the

next planned a strike on Wednesday. Followed by two statements, first

the international secretary we talking to MPs about Syria following

the closure of the border whth Turkey. MPs then move on to the

annual motion for the Social Security benefits and the state

pension. There's a general debate looking at the future the roots of

the Western Railway. Don't forget to join me for the round up of the day

in both house of Parliament at 1 o'clock tonight. First the puestions

to the community secretary, first question from the Labour Party from

the housing if it's operating. Order order. I wish to repe`t what

is said to the house last Friday. It is with great sadness that H have to

report to the house the death from the Honorable member from Sheffield

and Hillsboro. He was a resdarcher for David Plunkett. And as `

representative for the union of mine workers. He was also a counsellor on

Sheffield City Council for 05 years holding important cabinet

responsibilities during that time. And serving as deputy leader from

the Council. He held the exdcutive to account on behalf of his

constituents. Most recently on the Wednesday the 20th of January he

asked the Prime Minister wh`t the support was providing... I lust tell

the House that Harry informdd me a few weeks ago of his circumstances.

Noted be recorded that he fought bravely his illness and then bore it

with stoicism and fortitude. Continuing to battle on beh`lf of

his constituents. To the very end. Our thoughts are with Harry's wife

Jill and his family at this very sad time. Order. Questions to the

Secretary of State for Commtnities and Local Government. Number one

please Mr Speaker. Thank yot Mr Speaker. May associate myself and my

colleagues about Harry and we will all be missing. With permission I

would also answer questions one and 18 together. The government has

always been clear that the lost vulnerable will be protected. We

will work with the sector to ensure appropriate protections are in

place. May associate with mxself with the sentiments that have been

expressed as well. The revidw the report in spring. Meanwhile the

Secretary of State is still pressing ahead with the cuts before the

review comes out. Kenny minhster say what is this? I would say to the

Honorable Lady that as she lay of heard on the debates on this

recently. We have already bden very clear that the most vulnerable in

our society will be protectdd. We must also make it fair for taxpayers

as well. With the Minister acknowledged that while his

announcement will be delayed. And his welcome. He does not go far

enough and that the proposals should project much-needed stability back

into the sector. As I said `t the debates recently we are working with

the sector and the changes coming in 2018, we have been always vdry clear

that the most horrible in otr society will be protected. That s

vulnerable. I'll be grateful if my Honorable friend could confhrm that

housing associations will bd given urgent clarity as to whether the

local housing... If it is not there is a real worry that many whll

close. And he'll be an unnecessary rise and on homelessness. Preventing

youth homeless is a prioritx for governments where investing in a ?50

million fair chance fund. This is helping 2000 vulnerable you don t

homeless people get into accommodation in education `nd

training and employment. We are working closely to provide `

long-term solution for this. Thank you Mr Speaker, and I to associate

myself and these pitches with big comments that you made Mr Speaker.

He will be very missed by the Labour Party, his constituents, and his

families and friends. Research from changing lives in Newcastle based

specialist housing agency s`ys that they and other housing support

providers across the countrx will lose a huge sum of money from the

Chancellor's crude cuts. Me`ning the discretionary fund that the

government says they must rdly on is totally inadequate. What is the

Minister going to do? It is vital for many thousands of peopld for

disabilities and other spechalist needs remains and is properly funded

in the future. We will make sure the most vulnerable in our socidty are

protected. To deliver homes to specialist for the elderly `nd those

with disabilities. We also provide a ?3 billion investment in thd better

care fund. Thank you. Can I associate myself with your

sentiments about a former colleague. This government is committed to

increase homeownership. Abott 3 ,000 households have purchased a home

through 2012. Major sponsor programme in London. In the first

seven days, 15,000 people h`ve registered. Since April 2010, many

homes have been sold. This would give 1.3 million more familhes the

opportunity to do this. This is a major employer in our consthtuency.

We all know that we more sm`ll-scale developments in the supply chain to

increase the supply of homes. Does my right honourable friend `gree

that franchising so their plots to ask an EE developers is one way to

get small-scale developers hnto the supply chain? One of the effect of

the financial crash... We nded to get them back involved. We will use

public sector land to carve it up a new small plots so that small

builders can take advantage of it. Should have and to excuse hhs? Busy

generation that have no hopd of owning their own homes. Isn't it

about time we have some bold and Methodist policies. How manx new

talents, how many new gener`tions of buildings are going on, how many

houses are being built, can he answer that? I would say to the

honourable gentleman that over the last five years homeownershhp and in

particular house-building, has been revived from the crash. Hear, hear!.

He should welcome these. Yot should welcome the introduction of starter

homes to give first-time buxers afoot on the housing ladder. Should

welcome the extension of help to buy which is helped so many people

achieve their dream of a hell of their own. -- home of their own

Does the Secretary of State agree that affordable housing in rural

areas is absolutely key? In providing homes in all commtnities

we need to make sure that wd have diversity. Especially in rural

areas. The idea to any of these schemes are affordable isn't

Orwellian myth. In my consthtuency do need an income of 70,000 to get

into an affordable home. It is going to go up to 90,000. Who is that

affordable to. ? I think he does a good service to his constittents, he

should know that under the combination of help to buy `nd

shared ownership in London, the deposits that a first-time buyer can

acquire is as low of ?4800 on the average price paid... He wotld do

his constituents a service of promoting the schemes to thdm. I

welcome the comments about the importance of small and medhum sized

building sector. One of the most damaging things that could happen in

the involvement of that sector and London would be the provision of a

affordable housing target which have no viability and would actu`lly

drive developers away from breeding sites forward. This is not ` matter

of speculation is the matter of facts. Housing in London fell. Want

to provide homes for Londondrs. The mayor has had an exemplary record of

providing homes of all type for Londoners. The ?400 million that is

being invested in the 20 hotsing zones across London. That is a

tribute to the tenacity of our Honorable friend. I am pleased to

say the hundreds of families in my constituency of Bath and North East

Somerset have been helped bx this scheme. Don't families are still

unable to access it. With vhctory as they agree with me -- agreed to meet

with me and other constituents who have high-value areas their

constituencies... I will certainly meet with them. It is vastlx

essential that we have homes built in every area of the communhty. So

that young people and the rhsing generations have the chance to

continue to be part of the communities in which they wdre born

and raised. Where is the fellow LAUGHTER With permission I want to

answer questions four and fhve together. All tenants much have a

safe place with which to live. They must provide good quality and safe

accommodation. According to an inquiry, there were many colplaints

and only 14,000 were subject to update the assessments, and they

only prosecuted one I broken landlord every year. It is

irrefutable that local authorities lack the resources and in some cases

the will to take action agahnst rogue landlords. Can he reshst a

modest change against tenets for homes that are not fit for human

habitation? Local authoritids should be using the powers that got. It is

already a requirement for properties to be fit and proper. She mhght want

to welcome the ?5 million of the ?6.7 million to help. If shd sees

the way finds work she will see is beyond anything you've ever seen

before. I have to say that luch of what the Minister has said hs not

what I hear. People that spdak to me speak of substandard homes. Without

any checks. They deal with their landlords due to fears of bding

evicted? Does he now regrets not supporting Labour agreements of the

housing and planning bill. Hear hear!. I would hope for council tax

or duty properly. Which is what will enable local authorities to issue

several pen as he is up to ?30, 00 and seek repayment orders dropped to

12 months. This gives resources that they've never had before. Sounds of

some very heavy breathing going on. While the Honorable lady is right to

point out the difference, vdry offering neighbouring counchls with

the same resources are enforcing these regulations in radically

different ways. Can I encourage the Minister to promote the best

practice enforcement and most importantly to challenge those

councils are failing to use the powers they have. My Honorable

friend who has a wealth of experience in this field spdaks with

great common sense and logic. The local authorities should be using

the powers that got by far. They should be using the powers that got

to crack down on the rogue landlords that all of us including good

landlords want to see driven out of the system. They commend thd

government for the toughest action possible on rogue landlords. Will he

give continue to work a cross party basis is necessary on a trust which

is that a commitment on both parties of years. It's particularly in areas

of affordability issues? We are working across government and sins

of the institutions that max have come forward. I can tell thd House

of the states regeneration panel will be meeting tomorrow. 33% of

constituents, many of these constituents have been victhms of

addictions and we estimate that 4000 people were victims of revenge

eviction, and 200,000 peopld across the country and a calendar xear

suffered from rogue landlords. The minister has a sticky about how much

work the government has been doing. That is all supported last xear One

impact has that had on a nulber of evictions across the countrx? Local

authorities must use these powers to crack down on these rogue l`ndlords

to ensure they are providing the services. Some of the worst

landlords have been prosecuted by the Council and the Departmdnt of

local government has awarded them a ?74,000 grants to keep about work.

When councils are proactive there are resources available for them to

be more proactive. My honourable friend is right. They are wdll

protected and well served. Tse the extra funding we put in. A new

?30,000 civil fines against local authorities will build up of

forward. On the 20th of January the

government were able to announce the Aberdeen city deal heads of terms.

Idea which in terms includes an investment fund which shows the

investment going in and Aberdeen across the country as a whole. With

the treasury having received over ?300 million from rosy revenue of

the last four years and knowing of the current low oil price is

aggravated by deliberate underpricing and coding frol our

friends in Saudi Arabia, dods the Minister not think that the UK

Government should at least latch the 250 million given by the Scottish

Government extended just a 025 million by the UK Government to help

the region from a difficult time? I think most people welcomed the deal,

a significant investment is going in that demonstrates the British

Government and the Scottish Government to drive forward the

economy and Aberdeen to facd the challenges. It underlines that we

are better together. Hear, hear I would first like to offer the

condolences of the SNP to the family and friends of Harry Harper. The

deal and the investment of 2.9 billion, that is not much. They only

stepped up 125 million for the deal. We're disappointed and let down by

the government. When you agree a city deal with ?125 million added to

the other money that is going in as wanted wanted by local people, and

is something I think should be welcomed and is a that will drive

growth. Other areas would bd very keen to secure it if they could as

well. This government is not providing the 50-50 basis for this

deal. The Scottish Government is intruding 379 million to thhs deal.

Was there but respond to calls from the secretary and step up the

additional ?200 million the Aberdeen clearly needs? I had hoped that when

I saw I was an area of questioning which which would be dealing today

that the questions will focts on the great positivity on the announcement

that is the characteristic of working together that the tdrms of

this deal have been announcdd. Is the deal that is only possible from

the contribution from the rhch government has made a long sigh with

the Scottish Government working with local partners, I think it hs one

that should be welcomed on the benches. As though Mr Speakdr to

underline the point that I was making other areas like citx deals

as well. Went to work with them to deliver them. To make sure they re

properly thought through but we will continue had those discussions and

deliver something which can make a real difference.

This city deal was submitted in September with further information

to be sent knitted with the UK and Scottish governments. Local

government has received the settlements from the UK Govdrnment.

Despite follow-up we have ydt to hear anything back. Kenny mhnister

confirm whether a deal will be in place prior to the elections? And

Deborah and Scott went city deal Edinburgh and Scotland city deal.

That's a good he opportunithes as well as the cost. It is no surprise

he is keen to seek a deal for his area as well. If the right xou can

be reached is something we will deliver on. Government commhtted

?500 million to the Greater Cambridge city deal. Followhng the

news that only 25% of Aberdden in Shire's deal. What percentage of the

deal with the Minister be committing. Those discussions are

ongoing and we will see what conclusion they reached. Thd

recognition across the housd of the city deals can make is a re`l

difference. The value that they can bring an aggressive they can

generate real continuing his discussions and I hope that we can

retake Falluja and that will be welcomed. The deals to the whole of

making a real difference and will continue to do so. I will answer

questions 89 and together. We have committed to fulfilling a commitment

of supporting Brownfield land and to that end recommending a ?2 billion

fund. We are determined to lake sure that we get 90% of that land by

2020. In my constituency we place great importance that the green belt

provides for communities. C`n he tell me what support he is providing

for more commercial as well as housing development to encolpassing

green belt. ? We are protecting green belt. This ?2 billion fund

will make that land more attractive. To make sure we do everything we can

to give those Brownfield ardas. Which isn't included in the Derby

city councils strategy. The site however say will be ready bx 20 8.

Does my honourable friend agree that the local authorities should be more

to utilising these sites, and making ready for development? My honourable

friend who is working passionately for her local community to lake sure

that Brownfield land is appropriately and properly tse, it

is true to say that the loc`l authorities should be in working

with local communities to m`ke sure the programme for land are

understanding its availabilhty is to take advantage of the new ?2 billion

fund as well. ... Just days ago the head application to build 500 homes

in the green belt site, I a shot support of localism but how can the

government make councils stdp up to the challenge of Brownfield

development? My honourable friend highlights a very good case. The

prison minister she was rapdd counsel -- positive... The local

community and pencil take note what they think it about luck next time

around. Harry Harper will probably be the last man alleges House of

Commons. Despite a series of this illness. He was still here weeks ago

passionately arguing for thd workers in Sheffield. Here is a dedhcated

service for the people of Sheffield including closing of the hole was

programmed. Can I say to Mr there are many sites in Sheffield where

more than a thousand homes to be built up. The land is subject to

flooding. The City Council have identified ?40 million to a flood

prevention programme. Will he agree to those to find out how we can get

a joint approach to make sure this land can be

I think he outlines a reallx good example of where everyone c`n be

working together for the best interests of the community to see

more housing built, I am happy to organise that meeting and I will

make sure I have that conversation with an local authority with himself

and myself. Thank you Mr Spdaker, York desperately needs family and

social housing and get the Council are planning on building

predominantly high-value unhts on the 72 York Central round fheld site

which will go nowhere in addressing our holding prices. Will thd

Minister meet with me to discuss a principal of York first, putting the

interest of the city ahead of asset housing? Eight I'm sure the

honourable lady will apprechate that it is absolutely right, the local

communities make local decisions about what is right, and her local

authority has the ability to look at their housing meet and make a

decision of what is right to debt due for them is what we need to do

in York. Thank you Mr Speakdr, in 2012 the Secretary of State told the

House that the new planning policy framework offered clear and

unequivocal protection of the green belt, green belt approvals have

increased fivefold in the l`st five years under this government. The new

permission and principle powers under Clause 102 will only further

undermine the green belt. One will be government put urban regdneration

first rather than this? I would say to the honourable gentleman if you

look to the national planning policy framework and the guidance that he

has come out with a strength of the protection and green belt over what

has been there before, I wotld say if you look at the new planning

commission principle, the ndw requirement for a Brownfield

register and the ?2 billion fund, they'll be going further th`n any

government before and make sure that Brownfield is the first. Th`nk you

Mr Speaker, does the Ministdr agree with me that my Honorable friend for

Richmond Park spent to try the London land commission to force

local authorities to bring forward unused lines will secure thd homes

that Londoners need and also protect the environment and give rotnded the

quality London deserves? I think my Honorable friend outlines an

approach and a very producthve approach about the next Mayor of

London has outlined to make sure with him as the joint chair of the

commission on that issue? Does the Minister understand the plight of

the residents of Port in grden and urban vintage in my constittency who

I have seen under the greatdr Manchester combine the authorities

special framework, every pidce of open green space that is left

remaining in that area identified for future developments is ht about

time that we had a planning system that works for the people of Port in

green? Well, I think the honourable gentleman's council has represented

on that authority, I hope they would have their voice and I am also

co-chairing the Manchester commission and respect with the

Labor interim chair on that panel as well. Thank you Mr Speaker, having

previously failed to sorry don't number ten. It's Monday. LATGHTER

On this occasion I will answer this question so low on his own, ?22

million to enable planning for 015 to 2018 and provides planning groups

with online resources and advice services and brands. And technical

support in priority areas, the housing and planning bill I will say

will speed up and simplify the planning process further. I think

the Minister for that import an answer to the question numbdr ten,

having previously failed to deliver the first time, the Lib Dem led the

Borough Council not consulthng on its new and somewhat controversial

local planet to draft documdnts As the Minister agree with me the best

possible solution for my constituents to have a suit`ble and

properly supported local pl`n and to back parishes on their commtnity

created neighbourhood plans as there are currently none going to

referendum in easy. My Honorable friend makes a very good pohnt, I am

pleased to be able to say to the House to give her constituents if

they go forward with the neighbourhood plan it will have

weakened planning law, the local authorities failing to do that duty

by locals residents Aaron Wdber plan is the best way to do that. A number

of neighbourhood plans have failed because of causes including

insufficient evidence, unre`listic expectations, and also failhng to

meet European environmental requirements. How is the department

giving those formulating thdse plans to ensure that they meet thd

standards set down by the independent examiners? As ottlined

in my initial answer Mr Spe`ker we have not only online resources and

services, we have grants of up to ?8,000 with a further ?6,000 in

particular difficult areas. I will say to the honourable lady we have

workshops going out around the country to talk the areas the

national Association of loc`l councils also talking to thdir

parish council about how thhs works. I would say to her that every single

neighbour plan has gone to referendum and passed a hugd

majority. Would it not be a good idea to highlight and example are

neighbourhood plan in each shire area which could be specifically

rolled out across that Contd to encourage more parish counchls in

particular to get involved? My Honorable friend, as he oftdn does

raises a very good idea, I will be talking to the group who gone out

and do this kind of work, sharing best practices around the country,

and I think it is a very good idea for local authorities to look at

what others have done and whll be doing our best to promote that

further fullback.... Thank xou Mr Speaker, we have provided up to the

5p of funding to meet demographic pressures on social care, this is

significantly more than the ?2. billion the local Government

Association estimates it is needed. 20 the government going to set that

the problems of social care would only be overcome when there is a

comprehensive public and provided system of social care free had the

point of need, a national c`re service exactly parallel to and into

Brody National Health Service, each with public service free of

privatsation? I think the honourable gentleman for his question, what I

would say to him is that thhs government is absolutely colmitted

to full integration of health and social care by 2020, and we will

require all areas will have a clear plan for achieving that by 2017 He

will also be interested to know that the spending review does include

over ?500 million by the end of the decade for the disabled fachlities

grants which is more than doubling from this year the amount, this will

fund around 85,000 home adaptations by that year, this is expected to

prevent 8500 people from medting to go into a care home by 2019, 20 20.

Adult social care is going to be one of the biggest challenges wd face

over the next several decadds, with the Minister agree with me that more

needs to be done to integrate health and social care, particularly

building on the success of the better care funds to encour`ge local

authorities to work with local health providers to provide

innovative solutions for adtlt social care? I thank him for his

questions and he's a real c`mpaigner on this particular issue, as he

identifies the particular ftnd is paying dividends and the ichng

significant work that in many areas is reducing delayed transfers of

care from hospitals for exalple we are absolutely intent on spreading

the best practice from this around all areas of the country, and where

areas are the most challengd we have put plans in place to improve those

areas. I'm afraid what we h`ve just heard is nonsense, government

funding for social care. Assured of what is needed, directors of adult

social services tell us that 4. billion has already been cut and

that the gap is growing at ?700 million a year. The social care

presets will on the ?400 million a year, and the particular fund is the

Minister mentioned does not start until next year at 105 millhon a

year. I think we be given what they have got to think about the fact

that they are risking the collapse of social care because the funding

is too little and too late. Hear, hear! I would say to the honourable

lady that the funding that hs coming into the particular fund, the one

billion is all new money to adult social care and that money hs going

directly to local authoritids. The absolute key here is the integration

of health and social care and as I have set out to the colleagte in my

Honorable friend this government is determined to achieve that

integration. Thank you very much Mr Speaker, does the Minister `gree

with the conserved cons of dither through was recently called in the

press that inadequate government funding has left his local consuls

struggling to provide adult social care services? Hear, hear! Will

firstly, I would like to welcome the honourable lady to the disp`tch box,

I hear what she says about the conservative leader of my local

authority, Warwickshire County Council, I speak to my lady that she

is referring to at all times. What I would say to her is Warwickshire

County Council said a sustahnable budget last week and we are able to

do that by protecting social care services. Hear, hear! Number 13 Mr

Speaker. Resettlement costs for year one half undivided department for

developments to the official development assistance budgdt, I'd

be spending review we announced a further ?129 million towards local

authorities across years two through five, this was calculated after

consulting with the LGA, and also local authorities experienchng to

this field as they like bec`use they would incur on being part of our

Syrian refugee resettlement programme. I am working up `n icon

to by refuge of two Syrian families in Redic, with my right honourable

friend of relief is the right thing do and reassure people this would

not be paid for by local cotncil taxes? The leader of French consul I

would like to thank them for their part in the big with the console, as

they are aware, we work closely with local authorities to ensure that the

capacity is identified as bding suitable for that area. I would

again like to confirm it to the honourable lady that the funding

available to the spending rdview will go a long way towards funding

for the resettlement of the Syrian refugees. Can I come in the Minister

for being the first Home Office minister in living memory to have

set a target for resettlement and met that targets? However, there are

still another 19,000 Syrian refugees to be resettled before the next

election. And the number of other asylum-seekers has risen from 9 00

to 17,000 people. Where are we going to find this accommodation? This is

because, if you would excusd me but to become permitted by the chairman

of the Senate committee does put one off 1's stride. LAUGHTER

I would like to remind the right honourable gentleman that the

refugee scheme I am responshble for requires very much the good nature

of local authorities, that together would be at Saddam programmd is very

important to us. We work closely with them and I am very ple`sed to

say that we have an equal ddmand for places for the supply of refugees. I

understand the Minister, it is humbling indeed to be praisdd by

someone of the right honour`ble gentleman exalted status. L@UGHTER

14 Mr Speaker. The average council tax has long been higher in the will

areas than urban areas, sevdral consuls and honourable membdrs have

pointed out the extra cost of providing services in rural areas,

something which I am determhned to address. Figures from the rtral fair

share campaign show that those who live in urban areas received 45

more funding than their rur`l counterparts. One at the sale time

those rural residents are p`ying on average ?81 more in council tax

With the right honourable friend agree with me that my consthtuents

have every right to feel aggrieved in inequality, what steps is the

government going to do to address this issue? I been looking very

carefully the responses to the consultation on local government

finance including that from Leicestershire, which seems to make

a perfectly reasonable point that the essential requirement is that

the underlying formula should reflect the costs of providhng

services in different places and if the honourable gentleman is patient

and comes back a bit later H will have more to say about that. Isn't

it the fact that in practicd despite their rhetoric, and the conservative

consuls are charging more than they were consuls? That is what the

honourable gentleman's question conceals. It is a very long

established fact that conservative consuls offer the works council tax

the works council tax and L`bor consuls is something that is

accountable for the success and majority and local government. Could

my right honourable friend confirms whether or not to the gap bdtween

urban and rural authorities is widening because if it is whdening,

in favour of urban authorithes, will not be council tax payers in rural

authorities were going to sde their council tax rise considerably over

the next two years have to conclude that they are subsidizing hhgher

spending urban authorities? What I will say to my Honorable frhend is

that they are moving to a world in which consuls are going to be funded

by council tax and business rates, it seems to be essential in doing

this fact the formula that tnderpins it is fair to all the types of

authority and that has been very clear and representations that he

and others have made. The Tory election manifesto promises to keep

council tax well, the secretary of state explained to the Housd why he

has just written to town halls up and down the country saying that he

expects them to force counchl tax up by over 20% over the next four

years? I have written no such letter letter, what I will remind him is

that council tax doubles under the previous government, and th`t all

the forecast we have made it to be lower in real terms than it was at

the beginning of the last Parliament. Last but not forgotten.

Thank you Mr Speaker, may I associate myself with the comments

regarding Harry, he was a ddar friend, a decent man, and wd will

miss him very much indeed. Lr Speaker,... Annexing grateftl for

what the honourable has said. We are committed to ensure that has she

remains at the heart of thehr community, we have introducdd a one

billion package of support which includes business rates relhef, help

for small business, measures to tackle overzealous parking

enforcement and practical changes by the planning system. A week before

the general election, at thd consulate told the report s`id that

within the first 100 days of a Tory government, the comedy added to

pride zones in which new businesses with the spirit business rates over

the next five years, can he confirm that nine month into a Tory

government, there is no entdrprise zone in my constituency, local

businesses are still painful rates. We offer an apology to the people...

I thank the honourable lady for that question, what I would say to her is

that we are absolutely commhtted to supporting high street, the high

street bank rates, investment in Heisey property is up by 30$, and

where areas are doing the rhght things, they are seeing a rdturn of

people back to their high street, that was seen to the great British

high street competition, thdre are a number of winners from Yorkshire, I

am sure those in the constituency will be able to take some of those

gives from the people forward so that we can improve their hhgh

street. Topical questions Mr Jeffrey Robinson. Topical question number

two Mr Speaker. Since the bdginning of January, the cities and local

government the Venetian bill has been passed its third reading, the

right to buy has been launched in five different areas, and dhrect

commissioning of housing has been launched. Mr Speaker can I take this

opportunity to pay tribute to the life and work of this is Hazel

Pearson who died on Friday `t the age of 92, having retired from being

a counsellor for the last ydar at the age of 91. She was a formidable

leader of conservatives and achieve much for her town and was greatly

respected by all parties and by her community of over 47 years of

service, this is because shd represented everything that was best

in public service. Infield has the fourth highest inflation figure of

all London boroughs, and thd last census said that we saw a population

increase of more than 41% in one decade. This rapid population growth

in boroughs is well above the national average and is not

reflected in an increased ftnding settlements, I am grateful to the

honourable member who I met with last month on these matters but in

the light of that meeting and submissions made, what further

measures if the government willing to provide to ensure a more

equitable funding mechanism for borrowers in this situation? I

understand the point she makes which is a very reasonable point, I think

it is important that the funding that local governments recehves

reflects the very latest information that is available in terms of the

population, I have reflected on the presentations that have been made in

the consultation and I have more to say about that later. Thank you Mr

Speaker, my city of Plymouth local campaign seems to mislead mx

constituents on the subsidids, something many people see as a

fairway of bringing parity between sectors. I commend the government

for making funds available for specific cases where it is not

appropriate. Could the Minister therefore confirm that Plymouth City

Council has chosen to return his housing payment every year to

central government and therdfore no one should be struggling as a result

of this policy. I think my Honorable friend had like a very interesting

point that they are sending the subsidy back and claiming that it

cannot look after it, that local... Hear, hear! The Secretary of State

will know that one of the m`ny proud achievements over the last Labor

government was the rise in ` number of families able to realise their

dream of owning their own home. Up by 1 million over 13 years, can you

Secretary of State tell us since conservative ministers took charge

since 2010, what has happendd to the number of homeowners? I can say to

the honourable gentleman, I find it interesting that he raises the

question, bearing 90 said hd thought a falling homeownership was not a

bad thing. I disagree with him on that as I do other things. H think

homeownership is something people should aspire to and we shotld be

supporting it. I am proud that a number of first-time buyers has

doubled since 2010, and I hope it will take it further and we must go

further to support his aspirations. Let me repeat it Mr Speaker, the

number of homeowners on thehr Labor was up by 1 million. Since 20 down

-- 2010, it is down by 200,004 young people, it is now in freefall with

little or no hope of ever bding able to buy their own homes. Nevdr mind

if this policy he has no long-term plan for housing in this cotntry.

That is why, I have commisshoned the independent record review to look at

the decline in home ownershhp. Now, we have welcomed evidence from

ministers, will we at least agreed to look at its findings so that five

years of failure and homeownership does not turn him -- in two Tanev.

Coming from someone who oversaw this since 1923, I saw this interesting

is the review is being led by who himself has called for an end to

hope to buy, the very product that is helping tens of thousands more

people reach homeownership. Maybe he's about to tell us if thd Labor

partners will and hope to bty. He and his party voted against that and

delivered start homes with hncreased up to buy and extended all of these

measures to make sure there are more homes being built for those people

working hard, aspiring to own their own homes, being let down bx the

crush on Labor. What advice does my Honorable friend have for groups

like the neighbourhood for room in my constituency, how found himself

in the constant fights with the local authority to make progress, it

appears to ignore government advice on Brownfield sites without any

consequence? I will say to ly Honorable friend having met some of

these constituents I know hd has supported them hard, he shotld move

forward, we are putting funding into support, it does give them that

waiting law. It is a really good way of having control.

What does the Minister estilates will be the total percentagd rise

for residents of Birmingham, once the Chancellor's social card tax

increase the presets and 1.8% council tax rise are all added

together? What I would say to the honourable gentleman is that in due

course spending power figurds that we released just before Chrhstmas

and be have just consulted on, it does not take into account

authorities putting their council tax up to the maximum referdndum

principle, the council tax hn Birmingham is a question for

Birmingham City Council, my right honourable friend was absolttely

right. We should not take any lectures from the party over council

tax, they have been in power for 13 years and council tax doubldd. My

Honorable friend confirms to the House that geeky people of Redic

want to be a full member of House that geeky people of Redic

combined authority, they will be to take part in the direct election of

a Mayor? I know she is a passionate advocate for the people of Redic and

she is doing a very good and effective job of explaining and

whenever I see her why she has a desire to pursue this matter and

ensure her constituents will get a say if it is appropriate at an

appropriate time. I can confirm that for a to become a full membdr then

yes they would have a vote hn back mirrored election. That would only

be done by local agreements, as we have pursued throughout devolution

in this government, we want to build consensus and work with loc`l people

to find deals and structures that meet their ambitions. Aberdden has

supported oil, with our reshdents having to put up with the b`d and

good that comes with this, the UK Government has tried to tell

Aberdeen that their investmdnts will inspire hundreds of millions of

pounds of investments from @berdeen businesses. Can the governmdnt Tommy

what they will be doing to dncourage business is in Aberdeen who are

suffering along with the rest of us to stump up cash. I thank hdr for

her important question, it ties to these questions we will havd to be

about the Aberdeen to the ddal and the significant amount of money

going in from the British Government from West minister and going in with

partnership with the Scottish Government am I in partnership with

local authority leadership `nd local leadership of business commtnities

in Aberdeen. We intend to ensure that that deal brings real growth

and benefit, we recognise the challenges it faces because of the

price of web and the other factors which affect its local economy, we

will work with local people who understand what is needed to drive

change and do everything we can to support the economy. Under Layor

Livingstone, the number of new housing stock in London, did as a

direct result of developers walking away from having an affordable site

thing to the 50% affordable housing target. What is my Honorabld friend

think what happened if the new mayor were to introduce a 50% affordable

housing target Islamic Statd in his questions he outlined the evidence

that those kinds of targets if they are not appropriate for the local

mayor create things, local `reas have got to look at what is right

for them and make sure it is viable. I would say that it is my fdrvent

hope that my Honorable friend. Undivided unity speaker, can I ask

the Minister the city deal from Highland Council is based on the

region for young people, thdy have over many decades to see Adrian of

young people and much work has been done to address this includhng the

campus, more needs to be done to retain young people, a plant such as

the one put forward can help to assist the rebalance of poptlation,

demographics, does the Minister agree that the aims of the plan and

the statement of intent are worthy of support? The Honorable mdmber is

diligent in raising this issue we have discussed in the chambdr

before, he recognises as to why Mr Speaker the value that the sort of

US can bring, he recognises the difference they can make, I

recognise the comments he m`kes and the importance he attaches to it as

a diligent member and local member of Parliament. I cannot pronounce

deals, at this dispatch box here today, we would determine to deliver

whether the deal is the right one and his effective advocate the is

essential in that objective. They have been taken in by other areas

under the voluntary dispers`l scheme, with more refugee children

coming, could my Honorable friend advise how his department whll get

local authorities across thd country to exact their share of the asylum

seeking children already here? We hope dispersal arrangements remain

voluntary and are working whth the Home Office, Department for

Education, local Government Association, and the Associ`tion of

directive children services on a national dispersal scheme for asylum

seeking children. Provisions in the Immigration Bill will underpin

dispersal arrangements and hf necessary enforce them. I know the

Minister will understands the extraordinary high cost of hybrid

sector housing in London, does he understand the impact that the

changes of the local housing alliance are having on residence in

my constituency in Brent North and would he ask his department official

to provide data on the impact of those changes? I would say to the

honourable gentleman if he looks at the answer I gave earlier on, we

have already outlined a one,year delay, we are also looking to these

implications before the 2018 into the Treo working closely with the

secretary at the moment. Maxbe Council are currently working on the

local plant, could the Minister give an update on the work of thd expert

panel which was set up in Sdptember to help streamline the local plan

process? We are determined to make sure the local areas can have a very

clear cut, simple system to deliver local plans to get that working to

give control to the local community as it should be locally led and am

looking forward to seeing the feedback for the panel in the weeks

ahead. Ministers hinted in responses to earlier questions from local

government benches on the ftnding allocations to work areas that they

think there is some unfairndss in the system. Can I encourage

ministers to look again bec`use I agree there is a great deal of

unfairness. My borough is sdeing its funding decimated and cuts `re

devastating for local econolies similar sized town is seeing its

spending power increase over the coming years. This is fundalentally

unfair, will he look again? Well, I will be responding to the fhnancial

system and shortly. All I would say that it is important for evdry type

of authority that its needs and the cost of providing for that hs the

object of the government has. My right honourable friend is cheating

as an eye on building on Brownfield sites, with the closure of

coal-fired power stations and the possible closure of one in ly

constituency, what are we doing to encourage building on Brownfield

sites like that but which include contaminated land? The answdr is

that the Chancellor in the spending review established a fund to

decontaminate Brownfield sites so that they can be made avail`ble in

the way he recommends. Mr Speaker, the local Government Associ`tion is

predicting that the proposals be to some 50,000 council tenants needing

their homes, had the same thme they're saying they do not know how

much their attendants earned. Can the Minister to consuls how or why

they should be asking their tenants how much they own? I would say to

the Honorable gentleman, through the process of the planning bill this

would be looking at to bring this in. We are working with thel, it is

absolutely right that we cole up with a deal that is also fahr to

taxpayers to make sure it they do so anyway that always make surd they

will always pay to work. I `m soon to minister is aware that the patent

is due for adoption this spring But he gives some reassurance to the

planning committee of the council that they cannot start to m`ke

decisions in line that plan, save any knowledge of the planning

expectorant will not overturn those decisions for protecting thd country

from speculative development. Hear, hear! I think it is good news, my

Honorable friend outlines that at this late stage, I can confhrm that

as a local planning gets to that stage it takes a more weight and

therefore the local authorities should be making plans in lhne with

that local plan as it comes forward and that is the right thing to do

for local communities. What assessments of ministers made about

consuls who do bring forward the preset increase around soci`l care

for those consuls who have ` very low council tax base and actually

this will not bring forward the required funding to ensure that

social care continues at thd level it should in areas like this? Part

of the settlement that was lade in the spending review was to hnclude

this new council tax preset lawful in addition to the better c`re funds

so that on top of the resources that consuls already invest, we will be

able to invest more than thd local Government Association requdsted for

social care in advance of the spending review.

Urgent question. Thank you Lr Speaker. The Secretary of State for

Health to make a statement on the junior doctors contract