0:00:00 > 0:00:02flexible working bill. -- Boris Johnson will speak on the Centenary
0:00:02 > 0:00:06of the stick-mac. Now the questions with the Communities Secretary,
0:00:06 > 0:00:12Sajid Javid.Since 2012 we have invested £174 million in 295
0:00:12 > 0:00:15projects with the coastal communities fund, which have helped
0:00:15 > 0:00:22deliver over 18,000 jobs, as is forecast. Money has been provided
0:00:22 > 0:00:29through the fund to support economic growth and job creation.Craig
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Mackinlay.Does he agree that it helps attract more visitors to our
0:00:33 > 0:00:36coastal communities so they will thrive, and as he promised to
0:00:36 > 0:00:40consider carefully any future bids to the fund to restore the front of
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Ramsgate Royal Harbour in my constituency, the only royal Harbour
0:00:44 > 0:00:50in the country, to its former glory? Mr Speaker, I agree with my
0:00:50 > 0:00:54honourable friend. The £2.5 million already allocated to his
0:00:54 > 0:00:57constituency will help South Thanet thrive and help attract more
0:00:57 > 0:01:02visitors suddenly, and I say we have helped secure funding already. I
0:01:02 > 0:01:06know he is a passionate advocate of Ramsgate Royal Harbour and I know he
0:01:06 > 0:01:09is a meeting coming up with the local growth minister to discuss his
0:01:09 > 0:01:19plans.The North Sea region programme is funded by EU grants,
0:01:19 > 0:01:23270 -- totalling 170 million euros. What plans are there for replacing
0:01:23 > 0:01:27that funding when the UK leaves the EU?The honourable lady will know we
0:01:27 > 0:01:32have set out plans for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which eventually
0:01:32 > 0:01:40when it comes into play will replace you funding such as that which he
0:01:40 > 0:01:48mentions.Mr Speaker, we will make it mandatory for landlords to be
0:01:48 > 0:01:51part of an ombudsman scheme and we are increasing local authority
0:01:51 > 0:01:56powers to tackle fraud practices. We also publisher call for Eddie and
0:01:56 > 0:02:01evidence seeking views on agents on the 18th of October -- call for
0:02:01 > 0:02:07evidence.Over to the register of interests. Can I thank my honourable
0:02:07 > 0:02:11friend for that answer? In clamping down on practices in the private
0:02:11 > 0:02:14sector can I urge to keep an eye on some of our housing associations who
0:02:14 > 0:02:17seem to think they are often above and beyond the rules and regulations
0:02:17 > 0:02:22which govern the private sector?Mr Speaker, my honourable friend is
0:02:22 > 0:02:26absolutely right to raise the profile of social housing tenants.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30This is why last month we announced there will be a Green paper on
0:02:30 > 0:02:34social housing, a broad review of issues facing social housing sector,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38to ensure tenants' voices are heard. My honourable friend the Housing
0:02:38 > 0:02:41minister is travelling across the country to listen to tenants and
0:02:41 > 0:02:49make sure we truly understand all the issues.Under the council's
0:02:49 > 0:02:54excellent landlord licensing working with HMRC and the police the council
0:02:54 > 0:03:03since January has issued 204 notices to address and a serious hazards --
0:03:03 > 0:03:082004 notices. Can the Secretary of State assure me that from the 1st of
0:03:08 > 0:03:13January he will not deny private tenants in my constituency the vital
0:03:13 > 0:03:19protection that this scheme provides?Mr Speaker, the right
0:03:19 > 0:03:22honourable gentleman will know that the licensing is an important part
0:03:22 > 0:03:26of making sure we can look after tenants, particularly those who
0:03:26 > 0:03:30might be more vulnerable. Every application we get, we consider
0:03:30 > 0:03:33carefully. We want to make sure it is proportioned but we will
0:03:33 > 0:03:37absolutely take a very careful look at it.I welcome the Government
0:03:37 > 0:03:41plans to reform both the lettings market but also the estate agents
0:03:41 > 0:03:45market. Given however that most firms undertake both lettings and
0:03:45 > 0:03:48sales, will the Government avoid unnecessary duplication of both
0:03:48 > 0:03:57rules and regulators. So -- separate resumes could be confusing for
0:03:57 > 0:04:01consumers and difficult for business.My honourable friend
0:04:01 > 0:04:05speaks with experience and makes a very good point. Of course we will
0:04:05 > 0:04:10absolutely want to avoid unnecessary regulation, duplicate regulation,
0:04:10 > 0:04:16but I think he agrees with the Government that regulating letting
0:04:16 > 0:04:18agents is absolutely necessary and it is good we are progressing with
0:04:18 > 0:04:27it.Is it one of the first lines of defence against rogue landlords,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29local Government, and particularly health inspectors, so how does
0:04:29 > 0:04:35taking an axe to local Government finance help tenants?Mr Speaker,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37the honourable honourable gentleman should know that when we change the
0:04:37 > 0:04:42law in April 2017 so local authorities had more power to
0:04:42 > 0:04:46intervene against rogue landlords, we also provided additional funding,
0:04:46 > 0:04:53some £12 million.Can the Secretary of State tell us what steps the
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Government is taking to encourage private landlords to offer longer
0:04:55 > 0:05:01tenancies?My right honourable friend makes a very important point.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05As we fix our broken housing market with so many more people today
0:05:05 > 0:05:08renting than ever before, it is important we listen to them and we
0:05:08 > 0:05:13find ways to ensure that more are offered longer tenancies. That is
0:05:13 > 0:05:16why I recently announced this is something the Government actively
0:05:16 > 0:05:18are looking at and we will bring forward plans which will ensure this
0:05:18 > 0:05:30in the budget.Number three, Mr Speaker.Mr Speaker, we have
0:05:30 > 0:05:34established a building safety programme and identified all unsafe
0:05:34 > 0:05:37aluminium material cladding on English social housing buildings
0:05:37 > 0:05:41over 18 metres. I have also asked all local authorities in England to
0:05:41 > 0:05:45identify such cladding on privately owned residential tower blocks and
0:05:45 > 0:05:48to report their findings to Government. This is to ensure
0:05:48 > 0:05:54appropriate action is being taken to keep all residents safe.I thank the
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Secretary of State for that reply, but I want to ask him about things
0:05:57 > 0:06:02that could be done to prevent fires from claiming lives. We know that
0:06:02 > 0:06:07sprinklers save lives yet only 2% of council tower blocks have sprinkler
0:06:07 > 0:06:10systems. As the Secretary of State content with that state of affairs,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14and is not four months on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, when will he
0:06:14 > 0:06:18stop passing the buck and help local authorities that sprinklers in
0:06:18 > 0:06:24high-rise buildings?The honourable lady will know that it is already
0:06:24 > 0:06:29the law in building regulations that since 2007 any new high-rise
0:06:29 > 0:06:33dwellings above 30 meters are required to fit sprinklers. In terms
0:06:33 > 0:06:37of whether that is appropriate and whether more can be done, I think
0:06:37 > 0:06:40the appropriate way to look at it is through the independent building
0:06:40 > 0:06:46regulations review of fire safety that we are taking and we will
0:06:46 > 0:06:48listen very carefully. I know the game is gathering evidence and there
0:06:48 > 0:06:51is a call for evidence right now and perhaps the honourable lady would
0:06:51 > 0:07:03like to input into that. -- I know that the Dame is gathering evidence.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Licensing recycling site has toxic chemicals and presents real concerns
0:07:06 > 0:07:09as the fire safety. Would my honourable friend meet to discuss
0:07:09 > 0:07:13the need to ensure fire safety is our top priority in house-building
0:07:13 > 0:07:19as well?My honourable friend 's right to raise this issue. I am not
0:07:19 > 0:07:22aware of the details but I would happily meet with her to discuss it
0:07:22 > 0:07:30further.Can he tell us what progress he has made in introducing
0:07:30 > 0:07:39compulsory electrical safety checks? The honourable lady will know that
0:07:39 > 0:07:42firstly the Department's on responsibilities in this area are
0:07:42 > 0:07:48shared with other departments, such as bays, and I am working with my
0:07:48 > 0:07:51colleague the Secretary of State there to look into this further, but
0:07:51 > 0:07:55also the building regulations fire safety review is a broader fire
0:07:55 > 0:08:00safety review and I certainly expect to look at those issues as well.Is
0:08:00 > 0:08:04it not an irony actually that it wasn't that enough money was not
0:08:04 > 0:08:09spent on Grenfell Tower, but that £10 million was spent on Grenfell
0:08:09 > 0:08:14Tower to provide cladding to stop water ingress, which cost the whole
0:08:14 > 0:08:17problem? And is my right honourable friend aware that experts have told
0:08:17 > 0:08:21me that sprinklers are not the sole solution to this issue? Sprinklers
0:08:21 > 0:08:26alone without sound fire doors will not work, and there are other
0:08:26 > 0:08:32provisions that can be made.Mr Speaker, if my honourable friend
0:08:32 > 0:08:35will allow me, I will not speculate on Grenfell Tower and the causes of
0:08:35 > 0:08:40the terrible tragedy. I'm sure my friend and a stand that. In terms of
0:08:40 > 0:08:45his broader point about -- understands that. About measures
0:08:45 > 0:08:48which are also important, such as fire doors, something we found in
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Camden for example when fire safety checks are done. There were hundreds
0:08:52 > 0:08:57of fire doors that were not there, in place. So there are other
0:08:57 > 0:08:59measures alongside the drinkers that certainly could and should be taken
0:08:59 > 0:09:06where necessary.What readers will be available to private leaseholders
0:09:06 > 0:09:09in a private residential block -- what recourse will be available.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Where the company has failed the test and neither does not have money
0:09:12 > 0:09:17to carry out that works or goes into dissolution?The honourable lady,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20firstly, she will know there are ugly dress mechanisms available at
0:09:20 > 0:09:26the moment. Many of them actually do depend -- there are redress measures
0:09:26 > 0:09:30are available at the moment. Many depend on whether the freeholders or
0:09:30 > 0:09:34management agents are members of redress scheme, and this is one of
0:09:34 > 0:09:39the reasons we've easily and edge they need to regulate all agents
0:09:39 > 0:09:41which look after these type of buildings to see what more we can
0:09:41 > 0:09:48do.How is an association which operates residential blocks in my
0:09:48 > 0:09:51constituency and also has an important role to play in fire
0:09:51 > 0:09:54safety, Willie got an to improve that to make sure the residents are
0:09:54 > 0:10:00safe?-- will Keane join me in calling for them to improve that. I
0:10:00 > 0:10:03will join him in calling for that. He is right to point at the
0:10:03 > 0:10:07critically important for housing associations play and I must say
0:10:07 > 0:10:11ever since that terrible tragedy that took place at Grenfell Tower I
0:10:11 > 0:10:14have seen a great response on housing associations and certainly
0:10:14 > 0:10:17the National Housing Federation and I will continue to work with them.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22The Scottish Parliament's local Government and communities committee
0:10:22 > 0:10:26issued this morning report on building regulations and fire safety
0:10:26 > 0:10:29in Scotland. Amongst the recommendations and support it has
0:10:29 > 0:10:34given to the ministerial working in Scotland, there are unannounced
0:10:34 > 0:10:38inspections by the fire and safety service and the National inventory
0:10:38 > 0:10:41of all high-rise domestic buildings in Scotland. Would the Minister
0:10:41 > 0:10:45support such regulations for England as well?I can tell the honourable
0:10:45 > 0:10:50lady that firstly I listened carefully to what she has said and I
0:10:50 > 0:10:53follow developments closely and Scotland. We are working closely
0:10:53 > 0:10:56with our Scottish colleagues to make sure we can share information and
0:10:56 > 0:10:58knowledge on this very important issue. As to whether we would follow
0:10:58 > 0:11:06similar steps in England, I think it is important I leave the first
0:11:06 > 0:11:11decision-making for the independent building regulations review.Number
0:11:11 > 0:11:18four, Mr Speaker.With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will
0:11:18 > 0:11:23answer this question together with questions 13 and 17. Temporary
0:11:23 > 0:11:27accommodation insurers no child is left without a roof over their head.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Homelessness prevention is at the centre of our approach to protecting
0:11:30 > 0:11:36the most vulnerable. We are spending over £950 million until 2020 to
0:11:36 > 0:11:39prevent homelessness and rough sleeping, as well as implement in
0:11:39 > 0:11:42the most ambitious set of legislative reforms in decades in
0:11:42 > 0:11:46the Homelessness Reduction Act.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49I asked the Minister what recent estimate he had made of the number
0:11:49 > 0:11:53of children in temporary accommodation, the answer is more
0:11:53 > 0:11:59than 120,000 in this country. Up 66% since his Government came to power.
0:11:59 > 0:12:06Why?Well, I would say to the honourable gentleman that the number
0:12:06 > 0:12:11of children in temporary accommodation is below its peak
0:12:11 > 0:12:15which was in 2006 but we are certainly not complacent and that's
0:12:15 > 0:12:19why we put in £402 million to the flexible homelessness support grant
0:12:19 > 0:12:23over the next two years so that local areas can plan strategically
0:12:23 > 0:12:28to reduce the number of people in temporary accommodation.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Three-and-a-half billion has been spent on temporary accommodation in
0:12:31 > 0:12:35the private sector in the last five years. Most of the costs of this is
0:12:35 > 0:12:40found from the DWP even for households that work. Wouldn't this
0:12:40 > 0:12:44money be better spent building and letting council homes whose rent
0:12:44 > 0:12:48would be less than half that of expensive poor quality temporary
0:12:48 > 0:12:55accommodation?Well, this is the exact reason why we have introduced
0:12:55 > 0:12:59the flexible homelessness support grant and are devolving £402 million
0:12:59 > 0:13:03to local authorities over the next two years so they can plan more
0:13:03 > 0:13:06strategically as I said to the honourable gentleman. The honourable
0:13:06 > 0:13:12lady will be pleased to know the use of temporary accommodation in her
0:13:12 > 0:13:18area is actually reducing.The number of families in temporary
0:13:18 > 0:13:24accommodation in Croydon has doubled in seven years. Two-thirds of
0:13:24 > 0:13:29families right now in Croydon in local authority housing are in debt
0:13:29 > 0:13:31and at risk of eviction directly because of universal credit. How
0:13:31 > 0:13:35will the Minister stop more families in Croydon on universal credit
0:13:35 > 0:13:39becoming homeless and spending the winter months in temporary
0:13:39 > 0:13:46accommodation?Well, the latest available figures show that the
0:13:46 > 0:13:51number of people in temporary accommodation in Croydon is actually
0:13:51 > 0:13:58reducing. This Government has actually given £1 million to Croydon
0:13:58 > 0:14:02for the prevention - homelessness prevention trailblazer that they put
0:14:02 > 0:14:10in for. I would say to the honourable lady that this Government
0:14:10 > 0:14:15has given 870 million in discretionary payments to help those
0:14:15 > 0:14:19in difficulty.Willesden council has provided a stellar service
0:14:19 > 0:14:22supporting vulnerable children and homeless children. However, pressure
0:14:22 > 0:14:27at East Sussex County Council may lead to a change in service
0:14:27 > 0:14:33provision in rural areas like Wealden. Will my right honourable
0:14:33 > 0:14:35friend agree to me with me and councillors to help them deliver
0:14:35 > 0:14:40services.I hear what my honourable friend says and I will certainly be
0:14:40 > 0:14:50willing to meet with her and get that meeting into the diary.Child
0:14:50 > 0:14:54victims of human trafficking are the responsibility of local Government.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59Adult victims of human trafficking are dealt with nationally. Would it
0:14:59 > 0:15:04not be a good idea to make children victims of human trafficking looked
0:15:04 > 0:15:10after nationally, which would also free up the money for local
0:15:10 > 0:15:16Government to look after other children?My honourable friend
0:15:16 > 0:15:23raises an important point. This is an issue which is very important and
0:15:23 > 0:15:27we are considering very carefully, particularly as we come up to the
0:15:27 > 0:15:30local Government finance settlement, and certainly I hear what my
0:15:30 > 0:15:35honourable friend says and no doubt his views will be considered as we
0:15:35 > 0:15:40take this area of policy forward. Northamptonshire has a
0:15:40 > 0:15:42disproportionately large number of unaccompanied asylum seeker children
0:15:42 > 0:15:45which are very expensive for the local authority to look after. Will
0:15:45 > 0:15:49my honourable friend look at the local Government funding formula to
0:15:49 > 0:15:53make sure Northamptonshire is getting its fair share of resources?
0:15:53 > 0:16:01I am aware of the issues that my honourable friend puts to the House,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04particularly based on many issues late into the motorway network that
0:16:04 > 0:16:08runs through Northamptonshire. My honourable friend will know that we
0:16:08 > 0:16:13have undertaken to do a fair funding review to see how local Government
0:16:13 > 0:16:18resources are distributed and we are still committed to that and will
0:16:18 > 0:16:24take work forward shortly.Despite the shocking increases in
0:16:24 > 0:16:28homelessness overseen by this Government the recent National Audit
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Office report found the Minister's department has not produced a
0:16:30 > 0:16:34strategy to tackle homelessness. When are they going to come up with
0:16:34 > 0:16:38a plan and publish it so we can finally see some action for the
0:16:38 > 0:16:41120,000 homeless children in Britain today?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44As the honourable friend lady knows this Government is doing a
0:16:44 > 0:16:49significant amount to change the culture across the country and make
0:16:49 > 0:16:55sure that we do far more in relation to prevention, through the
0:16:55 > 0:16:58homelessness reduction act we are confident that we are going to see
0:16:58 > 0:17:05significant progress and as I said, right at the start of this question
0:17:05 > 0:17:14section, we are putting £950 million into this, up to 2020.Number five,
0:17:14 > 0:17:19Mr Speaker.Thank you. With your permission, Pr Speaker I would like
0:17:19 > 0:17:24to group this question with eight and 14. I have met or
0:17:24 > 0:17:28correspondented with every met remayor in England during the last
0:17:28 > 0:17:32month and my right honourable friend the Secretary of State as Midlands
0:17:32 > 0:17:36engine champion chairs an inter-Ministerial grup to drive
0:17:36 > 0:17:41forward its growth. -- group.Would the Minister agree that one of the
0:17:41 > 0:17:48vital roles to be played by elected mayors like Andy Street in the West
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Midlands is to focus on skills, particularly in areas like the Black
0:17:51 > 0:17:56Country where we have a lot of young people without basic skills to make
0:17:56 > 0:17:59sure that they can take the opportunities that are out there and
0:17:59 > 0:18:02jobs out there and to drive economic growth in areas like the Black
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Country?Well, as my honourable friend is aware, that Andy Street is
0:18:06 > 0:18:10already play ago vital role in tackling the skills gap. As he will
0:18:10 > 0:18:15also be aware, we are devolving the adult education skills budget from
0:18:15 > 0:18:202019 to support all our metro mayors as they drive forward skills in
0:18:20 > 0:18:24their area.The Government's devolution to city region mayors has
0:18:24 > 0:18:28been a real success in the West Midlands and last month Andy Street
0:18:28 > 0:18:32announced £2. 1 million for the region's creative and technology
0:18:32 > 0:18:37industries. Does my honourable friend agree that devolution can
0:18:37 > 0:18:43only bring prosperity, jobs and a bright future to the people of my
0:18:43 > 0:18:51constituency and the constituency across Walsall.I agree with my
0:18:51 > 0:18:55honourable friend that Andy Street is a prime example of how leadership
0:18:55 > 0:18:58and accountability of metro mayors can drive forward our country's
0:18:58 > 0:19:06economy. Only this month he approved a bike-sharing scheme in the West
0:19:06 > 0:19:16Midlands, so it's move over Boris Bikes and time for Street Cycles.
0:19:16 > 0:19:23Does the Minister support the innovative work of andy Street to
0:19:23 > 0:19:28boost the number of houses in the West Midlands, absolutely key to
0:19:28 > 0:19:32economic growth, intensifying the use of urban areas to take pressure
0:19:32 > 0:19:36off our green belt, particularly around Solihull?
0:19:36 > 0:19:43Thank you. The mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Srooet is determined
0:19:43 > 0:19:48to build the houses we need. We are supporting development across our
0:19:48 > 0:19:52country through the £2. 3 billion housing infrastructure fund. The
0:19:52 > 0:20:00outcome of the bidding process will be available shortly.CBI, the FSB,
0:20:00 > 0:20:04TUC and many of the ministers colleagues in local Government all
0:20:04 > 0:20:10believe there is a strong economic case for a devolved settlement for
0:20:10 > 0:20:13One Yorkshire. When the Minister works through the Ministerial box,
0:20:13 > 0:20:18does he ever just think that he might be on the wrong side of this
0:20:18 > 0:20:23argument?The Government has been absolutely clear, not least in the
0:20:23 > 0:20:26letter from my right honourable friend the Secretary of State on the
0:20:26 > 0:20:3015th September, that we will not undermine or unpick the South
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Yorkshire devolution deal which, after all, was legislated for by
0:20:34 > 0:20:37this House of Commons. However, I would acknowledge that the
0:20:37 > 0:20:40honourable gentleman and I have held recent discussions which have been
0:20:40 > 0:20:44extremely helpful and we have also been clear that completion of the
0:20:44 > 0:20:49South Yorkshire deal does not preclude any other devolution deals
0:20:49 > 0:20:53across Yorkshire.The responsibility for the health and work programme
0:20:53 > 0:20:59has been devolved in Greater Manchester to the Metropolitan mayor
0:20:59 > 0:21:07Andy Burnham. But can I ask the Minister if the funding which has
0:21:07 > 0:21:13been made available, £52 million, including European structural fund
0:21:13 > 0:21:17money, will be continued beyond the period of the FS funding that that
0:21:17 > 0:21:19money will be continue to be made good by the Government and continue
0:21:19 > 0:21:26to be devolved to the Manchester stir?The mayor of Greater
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Manchester, Andy Burnham, you have to give them something to cheer
0:21:30 > 0:21:32about, MrSpeaker, is doing an exceptional job driving forward
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Manchester and the economy. The honourable lady will be aware that
0:21:35 > 0:21:38recent guarantee was put in place for all European funding. What
0:21:38 > 0:21:47happens after that guarantee is ultimately a matter for this House.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Far from being devolution street, it's more like a devolution
0:21:50 > 0:21:57cul-de-sac. Isn't the truth that devolution has - isn't the truth
0:21:57 > 0:22:00that devolution has stalled. That's bad news for those with devolved
0:22:00 > 0:22:05settlements but it's worse news for 32 million people in England who
0:22:05 > 0:22:10don't have any devolution settlement whatsoever. When can we expect to
0:22:10 > 0:22:18see the framework for devolution in England?33% of England now has an
0:22:18 > 0:22:21elected mayor and it is the Conservative Party that is returning
0:22:21 > 0:22:25power back from London to our regions and unlike the Labour Party
0:22:25 > 0:22:29that wants to nationalise and centralise everything, like Citizen
0:22:29 > 0:22:35Smith, I can say power to the people.It's clear from what the
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Minister says that Andy Sreet is doing a grand job in the West
0:22:38 > 0:22:46Midlands. But what about those areas that have not got elected mayors.
0:22:46 > 0:22:52Can the Minister assure me that they will be considered when the
0:22:52 > 0:22:57Government look at further devolution projects? We urgently
0:22:57 > 0:23:02need one in northern Lincolnshire. The Government's manifesto committed
0:23:02 > 0:23:06to provide clarity across England, for what devolution means for
0:23:06 > 0:23:07different administrations, by setting out a clear devolution
0:23:07 > 0:23:12framework. As we set out the next steps in our industrial strategy,
0:23:12 > 0:23:19this is exactly what we intend to do as well as clarify things like town
0:23:19 > 0:23:23deals for places like Grimsby. Bristol is the only city outside
0:23:23 > 0:23:26London to make a net contribution to GDP but we do need money to invest
0:23:26 > 0:23:31in infrastructure if we are to make the most of that economic
0:23:31 > 0:23:35contribution. We now have a bid in for £250 million for the housing
0:23:35 > 0:23:38infrastructure fund. Can I urge the Minister and the Secretary of State
0:23:38 > 0:23:41who is very familiar with Bristol and the needs of the city to look at
0:23:41 > 0:23:46that seriously because the only way we can unlock the investment is to
0:23:46 > 0:23:53have that money.The mayor of the west of England worked closely with
0:23:53 > 0:23:56the Government bringing forward his housing infrastructure bid. As I
0:23:56 > 0:24:01said in answer to a previous question, the decisions about that
0:24:01 > 0:24:13fund will be made shortly.Question number six, please.It is for
0:24:13 > 0:24:17Magistrates courts to decide whether a custodial sentence should be
0:24:17 > 0:24:21imposed for non-payment of council tax, taking account of the
0:24:21 > 0:24:24particular circumstances in each case. There has been a slight
0:24:24 > 0:24:36reduction in the number of such cases since 2009-10.Isn't it time
0:24:36 > 0:24:40that non-payment of council tax ceased to be an offence punishable
0:24:40 > 0:24:46by jail time. How can it be right that anyone should do time for
0:24:46 > 0:24:53falling into debt?I certainly agree with the honourable gentleman that
0:24:53 > 0:24:58people who are in genuine hardship should be supported. That's why
0:24:58 > 0:25:03there are over four million people on local council tax support schemes
0:25:03 > 0:25:08payments throughout the country. But I think we also need to recognise
0:25:08 > 0:25:13that every payment of council tax that is not collected means high
0:25:13 > 0:25:16council tax bills law abiding citizens that do pay and there needs
0:25:16 > 0:25:20to a be form of enforcement and sanction but that needs to be used
0:25:20 > 0:25:22proportionately and as the honourable gentleman can see the
0:25:22 > 0:25:30number of people getting a custodial sentence is actually reducing.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34Guidance to local authorities advice us to be sympathetic to those in
0:25:34 > 0:25:37genuine hardship. Does the Minister believe that a custodial sentence
0:25:37 > 0:25:43with no right of appeal, no remission for good behaviour and no
0:25:43 > 0:25:46requirement for a presentencing report shows sympathy for those
0:25:46 > 0:25:51struggling to pay their council tax and will it lead to more or less
0:25:51 > 0:25:57families being in genuine hardship? Well, I would just say to the
0:25:57 > 0:26:03honourable lady that council tax is in real terms 9. 1% lower than it
0:26:03 > 0:26:09was in 2010 and during the period of the Labour Government from 1997 to
0:26:09 > 0:26:132010 the cost of council tax doubled. Now as I said to the
0:26:13 > 0:26:18honourable gentleman in my response, four million people receive local
0:26:18 > 0:26:22council tax support. We are absolutely clear and publish
0:26:22 > 0:26:27guidance in 2013 on good practice and we want to make sure that those
0:26:27 > 0:26:31in genuine hardship are supported and enforcement is proportionate.
0:26:31 > 0:26:39Number seven. I welcome the development of family
0:26:39 > 0:26:43hubs and indeed we know a lot of areas that are already moving
0:26:43 > 0:26:46towards this model of supporting children and families. Local
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Government and their partners understand the needs of communities
0:26:48 > 0:26:51best. They should be the ones to determine how they provide services
0:26:51 > 0:26:56for families.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00As we know, the wheels can follow off any family wagon at any point
0:27:00 > 0:27:05yet family pubs can be a central part of the solution to improve the
0:27:05 > 0:27:10lives of children right up to the age of 18. Does the Minister agree
0:27:10 > 0:27:13more local areas should upgrade their children centres to family
0:27:13 > 0:27:18hubs so we can do this essential work?I welcome my honourable
0:27:18 > 0:27:22friend's commitment to excellent services for children and families.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Ultimately it is up to the council to decide on the best solution for
0:27:26 > 0:27:29their area, but I would say it is important that the whole of the
0:27:29 > 0:27:34family do have access to the right services to meet their needs.On
0:27:34 > 0:27:46that very point, of the 120,000 children in temporary accommodation
0:27:46 > 0:27:49across 77,240 families, 28% are housed in Boro 's other than their
0:27:49 > 0:27:55own. Very often the receiving borough has no idea that those
0:27:55 > 0:28:00children, many vulnerable, are entering their area -- they are
0:28:00 > 0:28:04housed in boroughs other than their own. Would you look at the prospect
0:28:04 > 0:28:11of providing family hubs outside home borrowers? -- home borough?We
0:28:11 > 0:28:15are absolutely clear that when people are placed in temporary
0:28:15 > 0:28:19accommodation access to things such as schooling is taken into account.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24We are also absolutely clear that were people are moved outside or to
0:28:24 > 0:28:28a different borough that they should be informing the receiving borough
0:28:28 > 0:28:33and support should be being given to those families. I can tell the
0:28:33 > 0:28:37honourable lady, though, that I am working to support London
0:28:37 > 0:28:41authorities working with the GLA to actually improve the situation
0:28:41 > 0:28:43around temporary accommodation across London and the procurement of
0:28:43 > 0:28:50it.It is good to hear members from across the's talking of the value of
0:28:50 > 0:28:55early intervention at family hubs, and I would ask the Minister to come
0:28:55 > 0:28:59to Manchester to see the early years delivery model which is now
0:28:59 > 0:29:04transforming lives in those areas -- across the House. But critical to
0:29:04 > 0:29:09those family hubs is the support of the local authority and does he
0:29:09 > 0:29:13agree with me that the slash and burn approach of early intervention
0:29:13 > 0:29:21monies is putting children's lives at risk?Well, I'm aware that under
0:29:21 > 0:29:28the northern powerhouse initiative we are putting in £3.2 million to
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Manchester for early intervention, and I would certainly say to the
0:29:31 > 0:29:35honourable lady that the next time I'm up in that neck of the woods I
0:29:35 > 0:29:39would certainly be keen to come and see what is working in Manchester,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43but I can reassure her that this Government is absolutely committed
0:29:43 > 0:29:47to early intervention, both through children's sectors and through the
0:29:47 > 0:29:54Troubled Families Programme.Thank you, Mr Speaker. Across swathes of
0:29:54 > 0:29:58England children's services are now in crisis. Seven years of Government
0:29:58 > 0:30:02funding cuts to services supporting families is failing children and
0:30:02 > 0:30:08driving councils to the financial brink. Only last week, a poll showed
0:30:08 > 0:30:12the majority of councillors in the Minister's on party did not back
0:30:12 > 0:30:17their cuts. When will the Minister finally admit that there is a
0:30:17 > 0:30:21growing emergency in children's social care, and finally take some
0:30:21 > 0:30:26action, head of the budget, to deal with this major crisis for council
0:30:26 > 0:30:36is now?I can say to the honourable gentleman that over £200 billion is
0:30:36 > 0:30:43being given to local authorities up to 2020 to support local services.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47Children's services and early intervention are amongst that
0:30:47 > 0:30:53funding stream. What I would also say to him, we are absolutely aware
0:30:53 > 0:30:59of the challenges in many areas with providing children's services and
0:30:59 > 0:31:03safeguarding and this Government continually looks at ways in which
0:31:03 > 0:31:09we can support local Government in this regard.Number nine, Mr
0:31:09 > 0:31:14Speaker.On the 14th of September we published a consultation that
0:31:14 > 0:31:17proposes a new standard approach to assessing housing need which will
0:31:17 > 0:31:20play a crucial role in helping to meet our housing ambitions and the
0:31:20 > 0:31:23proposed approach will reduce complexity and cost and increase
0:31:23 > 0:31:30transparency.I thank the Minister for that answer. Understandably,
0:31:30 > 0:31:33more people are wanting to move to Cornwall to live, after all it is
0:31:33 > 0:31:38the best place in the UK to work, raise a family, or indeed retire,
0:31:38 > 0:31:41but that is putting unprecedented levels of demand on our housing
0:31:41 > 0:31:46stock. We currently have over 20,000 people on the housing register, and
0:31:46 > 0:31:50young people are being priced out of ever owning their own home, so can
0:31:50 > 0:31:53the Minister tell me if he believes the approach he has outlined will
0:31:53 > 0:31:59help to deliver more housing for local people in Cornwall?My
0:31:59 > 0:32:03honourable friend is absolutely right. The starting point has to be
0:32:03 > 0:32:06an honest and open and consistent approach in assessing the number of
0:32:06 > 0:32:09homes and area needs, and that is precisely what this new approach to
0:32:09 > 0:32:18housing needs and will deliver.My constituency is also a beautiful
0:32:18 > 0:32:21place to live. But we have homes that are not being sold because they
0:32:21 > 0:32:26are being sold under leasehold arrangements. I wonder if the
0:32:26 > 0:32:31Minister will let us know when his excellent consultation on the
0:32:31 > 0:32:34crackdown on unfair leasehold practices will announce its results
0:32:34 > 0:32:40so that our housing market can again get moving?The honourable lady
0:32:40 > 0:32:43makes a very important point. We need to make sure there is fairness
0:32:43 > 0:32:50in the system and that is precisely why we launched the consultation. A
0:32:50 > 0:32:52significant number of people responded and we will respond in due
0:32:52 > 0:33:01course.The housing needs white Paper also covers viability
0:33:01 > 0:33:07assessments, and the use of these by developers in the consultation, it
0:33:07 > 0:33:11refers to developers gaming the system to avoid section 106
0:33:11 > 0:33:16contributions such as affordable housing. Would my honourable
0:33:16 > 0:33:20friend... Does he agree we need to look at these assessments, whether
0:33:20 > 0:33:23they are appropriate for the market today, whether they should be
0:33:23 > 0:33:30completely?As my honourable friend will know, we are actually
0:33:30 > 0:33:33consulting on those changes when it comes to viability assessments as
0:33:33 > 0:33:37part of the local housing needs assessment, and what we have said in
0:33:37 > 0:33:42the housing White Paper, under our proposals we would expect
0:33:42 > 0:33:44assessments of housing to be constructed at the plan making stage
0:33:44 > 0:33:52which will ensure more certainty.My constituents in the villages find
0:33:52 > 0:33:56themselves in a perverse situation. The District Council are proposing
0:33:56 > 0:34:01to build 4400 homes in the green belt between the villages to meet
0:34:01 > 0:34:06Oxford city's I met housing needs, but according to the plans that are
0:34:06 > 0:34:10unmet need is no propose to go under the new assessment, so in short the
0:34:10 > 0:34:13district are putting the cart before the horse. With the Minister agree
0:34:13 > 0:34:17to meet with me so I can explain the situation more fully and reassure my
0:34:17 > 0:34:23constituents there are grave concerns about this plan can be
0:34:23 > 0:34:26sorted.I will meet with the honourable lady but I should point
0:34:26 > 0:34:28out when it comes to green belt we are committed to retaining the
0:34:28 > 0:34:35current protections. However, there will be exceptional circumstances we
0:34:35 > 0:34:38are places majors to amend their green belt but they will have to
0:34:38 > 0:34:45take the local community with it.Mr Speaker, number ten.A strong
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Midlands engine is vital to Britain's economy. We have provided
0:34:49 > 0:34:53the Midlands with £1.9 million of local crop funding and in March we
0:34:53 > 0:34:55launched their strategy to drive economic growth and improved quality
0:34:55 > 0:35:01of life.Afamasaga curiosity for that answer. Does my right
0:35:01 > 0:35:06honourable friend agree with me that -- I thank the Secretary for that
0:35:06 > 0:35:13answer. In my constituency, a direct link into the new airport and the
0:35:13 > 0:35:20new East Midlands Gateway is needed, does he agree?I agree with my
0:35:20 > 0:35:23honourable friend that transport is critical to the success of the
0:35:23 > 0:35:28Midlands engine. A £1 billion year boost could be achieved for the
0:35:28 > 0:35:33economy creating jobs. The recent commission on the Gateway
0:35:33 > 0:35:36connectivity study will study how to achieve this and will be looking at
0:35:36 > 0:35:42the East Midlands Airport.The Secretary of State has just said
0:35:42 > 0:35:46transport links are essential if the Midlands engine is to drive economic
0:35:46 > 0:35:51growth we all want. Can the Minister is plain why his colleagues will not
0:35:51 > 0:35:55allow the full electrification of the Midland mainline? .Honourable
0:35:55 > 0:36:00gentleman will know that under this Government since 2010 we have seen a
0:36:00 > 0:36:02record investment in transport infrastructure in this country
0:36:02 > 0:36:07including in the Midlands. That includes the recent announcement and
0:36:07 > 0:36:10the help the Government will provide in creating the Midlands rail hub
0:36:10 > 0:36:24concept.My constituency it has some of the most beautiful places in the
0:36:24 > 0:36:27Midlands, and dare I say it, in the country? Does my right honourable
0:36:27 > 0:36:32friend share my view that the Midlands engine should travel as far
0:36:32 > 0:36:36as the Lincolnshire coast line to deliver the vital infrastructure we
0:36:36 > 0:36:41need for our oral and coastal economies they are?I do agree --
0:36:41 > 0:36:46our rural and coastal commies. I do agree, and the Midlands engine does
0:36:46 > 0:36:49travel that far, and she is right to raise some of the issues and
0:36:49 > 0:36:53particular challenges faced by our coastal communities. That is why we
0:36:53 > 0:36:56are having a fifth round of our coastal communities fund to be
0:36:56 > 0:37:00launched early next year and I would urge her to get in her application.
0:37:00 > 0:37:06Of course the Midlands engine sits as a sister organisation to the
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Northern powerhouse, and I wondered in light of the comments made
0:37:09 > 0:37:12earlier whether the Secretary of State, in order to drive economic
0:37:12 > 0:37:15growth in Yorkshire and the Humber, would be willing to meet with
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Yorkshire and Humber MPs to discuss the future of devolution in
0:37:18 > 0:37:24Yorkshire and the Humber?I did recently actually received a request
0:37:24 > 0:37:28to meet with Yorkshire and Humber MPs and also local council leaders
0:37:28 > 0:37:31and I have accepted that request and am very much looking forward to the
0:37:31 > 0:37:40meeting.The Government is investing over £9 billion between 2016 and
0:37:40 > 0:37:432021 to deliver a wide range of affordable housing to meet the needs
0:37:43 > 0:37:47of the broad range of people including homes for social rent. We
0:37:47 > 0:37:50have also confirmed a long-term rent certainty for social landlords
0:37:50 > 0:37:55creating a stable investment environment for support for councils
0:37:55 > 0:37:58and housing associations.Local housing associations in my
0:37:58 > 0:38:02constituency have welcomed the recent Government announcements.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06What is the Government doing to assist them build more affordable
0:38:06 > 0:38:10homes?As I just noted, part of the £9 billion of course is that £2
0:38:10 > 0:38:15billion my honourable friend announced in terms of additional
0:38:15 > 0:38:23funding for housing, including the clarity on rent, and housing
0:38:23 > 0:38:25association leader i have spoken with a very positive about these
0:38:25 > 0:38:28measures, allowing them to build additional affordable homes as well
0:38:28 > 0:38:35as improved current stock.will the minister read something in the
0:38:35 > 0:38:39history of harold macmillan? He was a Prime Minister who actually built
0:38:39 > 0:38:42houses, and this Government isn't building houses and certainly not
0:38:42 > 0:38:46building affordable houses. When will there be an imaginative plan to
0:38:46 > 0:38:55build houses?There have been almost a million homes built since 2010,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58and since he talks about the record I can tell him in terms of
0:38:58 > 0:39:00affordable homes over the past six years more have been built van in
0:39:00 > 0:39:04the first six years and the last six years of the last Labour Government.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10We will not take any lectures from Labour on building affordable homes.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13With the secretary tell me if he has had any further talks with lenders?
0:39:13 > 0:39:21The housing is unaffordable in the country and trying to get mortgages
0:39:21 > 0:39:24or extended lending terms is very difficult for those struggling to
0:39:24 > 0:39:31get on the housing ladder?As my honourable friend will know, we
0:39:31 > 0:39:33announced an extra £10 million for they help to buy scheme and there
0:39:33 > 0:39:36are a number of other schemes on the market but ultimately this is about
0:39:36 > 0:39:39making sure more homes are built and that is what will drive
0:39:39 > 0:39:44affordability.The city of York consultation on the local plant
0:39:44 > 0:39:48closes tonight and the city have failed massively on the tenure
0:39:48 > 0:39:54needed in the city of York and by 5800 sort of statutory guidance, so
0:39:54 > 0:40:00will the Minister insurer if guidance is that it is followed?--
0:40:00 > 0:40:04will the Minister insurer that if guidance is set, it is followed. We
0:40:04 > 0:40:07want to ensure the plans are put on the right places and of course it
0:40:07 > 0:40:15will be checked by the inspector. Question 15.Mr Speaker, our housing
0:40:15 > 0:40:18White Paper, fixing our broken housing market, was published in
0:40:18 > 0:40:21February this year and sets out how to build the homes are country
0:40:21 > 0:40:24needs. We want to do this by diversifying the number of those
0:40:24 > 0:40:27building homes, increasing build-out rates, supporting home-buyers, and
0:40:27 > 0:40:35releasing more land.4500 homes have been built at Beaulieu Park and
0:40:35 > 0:40:40chums would add another 5000 plus are planned but the roads are at
0:40:40 > 0:40:45capacity and we need a new railway station and a bypass. This is
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Essex's number one priority for the infrastructure fund. Will the
0:40:48 > 0:40:53Minister meet with me to discuss this important infrastructure to
0:40:53 > 0:41:02unlock housing? -- and Chelmsford. This is very welcome for
0:41:02 > 0:41:05constituents. I will of course meet with her. As she knows I cannot
0:41:05 > 0:41:09comment on these particular bids, but I can tell her there has been a
0:41:09 > 0:41:14lot of interest in the £2.3 billion for the housing infrastructure fund.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18As we embark on a major housing programme does the Minister agree we
0:41:18 > 0:41:24should be building the houses of the future, such as zero energy bill
0:41:24 > 0:41:26homes, particularly helpful to people on low incomes or they don't
0:41:26 > 0:41:31have to pay gas and villages the bills?Yes, of course, we should be
0:41:31 > 0:41:38doing precisely that. -- don't have to pay gas and electricity bills. We
0:41:38 > 0:41:43have strengthened the requirement of new homes by 31 present and that has
0:41:43 > 0:41:48reduced -- by 30% and that has reduced average.Can the Minister
0:41:48 > 0:41:49clarify the Government policy regarding building on the green
0:41:49 > 0:41:53belt?
0:41:53 > 0:41:58I thought I had already clarified. Let me make it clear, we believe in
0:41:58 > 0:42:01protecting the green belt but there will be exceptional circumstances
0:42:01 > 0:42:09local authorities can look at but they need to take them with me.We
0:42:09 > 0:42:16welcome back to his place the member for Grantham and Stamford. MrNick
0:42:16 > 0:42:20loss Bowles.Thank you very much, it is going to be back. The Government
0:42:20 > 0:42:25has made remarkable progress in cutting the deficit from the 10 and
0:42:25 > 0:42:31a half peace processes of expected we inherited in 2010 to 2.5% now.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36Can I therefore urge everyone to back the Secretary of State in his
0:42:36 > 0:42:40call for special borrowing to put in place the infrastructure to unlock
0:42:40 > 0:42:45the hundreds of thoufs of extra houses that we need. That is the
0:42:45 > 0:42:50kind of borrowing we should all be able to support.Of course in this
0:42:50 > 0:42:54House we all support the ambition to build more homes. I would say that
0:42:54 > 0:42:59he should wait for the budget announcement in terms of any
0:42:59 > 0:43:09specifics.Has my honourable friend made an assessment of the need for
0:43:09 > 0:43:12social housing, particularly in Newtowns such as mine in Harlow and
0:43:12 > 0:43:18will he look at tax incentives to ensure housing associations can
0:43:18 > 0:43:22build more social housing?I can tell him that the announcements we
0:43:22 > 0:43:27have made in terms of rent certainty, up to CPI plus 1% from
0:43:27 > 0:43:312020 as as well as the extra billion has been hugely welcome by housing
0:43:31 > 0:43:36associations and we are in a constant dialogue with them.
0:43:36 > 0:43:41Question 16, Mr Speaker.Thank you. I recently met with my honourable
0:43:41 > 0:43:45friend the member for Chichester. The right honourable member for
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Barking and the falset society to discuss this important issue. As a
0:43:48 > 0:43:53start I will be holding a round table with local Government
0:43:53 > 0:43:55organisations, cross-party councillors and officers in November
0:43:55 > 0:44:00on how we break down the barriers preventing women engaging with local
0:44:00 > 0:44:07politics and standing to be a councillor.Women are
0:44:07 > 0:44:09disproportionately affected by services under local Government
0:44:09 > 0:44:15control and yet just one in four directly elected mayors and 17% of
0:44:15 > 0:44:20local authority leaders are women. In order to address this imbalance
0:44:20 > 0:44:26will the Government now ledge late for all women shortlists in local
0:44:26 > 0:44:30Government elections?As I have said this is a situation that we take
0:44:30 > 0:44:35very seriously in this Government. We want to see more women
0:44:35 > 0:44:39representation on councils, we want to see more women representation on
0:44:39 > 0:44:44Cabinets. I think the political parties have very much a part to
0:44:44 > 0:44:47play in that and I think members in this House have a part to play in
0:44:47 > 0:44:52terms of encouraging people to stand for election. We are going to look
0:44:52 > 0:44:56at this far more carefully, though. Can I thank the Minister for meeting
0:44:56 > 0:45:01with myself and the right honourable member for Barking. Could I ask the
0:45:01 > 0:45:05Minister to consider introducing consistent maternity and paternity
0:45:05 > 0:45:09leave plus adequate child care policies across councils to
0:45:09 > 0:45:13encourage more women candidates to come forward?Well, I thank my
0:45:13 > 0:45:19honourable friend for the meeting and the work she's done in this area
0:45:19 > 0:45:23with the falset society. As I said in the response to the previous
0:45:23 > 0:45:26question, this is an area that we are going to look at very carefully
0:45:26 > 0:45:31and I am sure my honourable friend will bring these ideas to the table
0:45:31 > 0:45:38when we meet in November.Order. Topical question. Dan Carden.Number
0:45:38 > 0:45:43one, Mr Speaker.The Secretary of State.Since the last departmental
0:45:43 > 0:45:47questions I have announced plans to require all private landlords to
0:45:47 > 0:45:51join the redress scheme, for all engagements to be regulated, a
0:45:51 > 0:45:55clampdown on rouge agent and plans to improve the process of buying and
0:45:55 > 0:45:58selling homes. Anyone who works hard should be able to afford a place
0:45:58 > 0:46:01they call their hone and we will continue to do everything possible
0:46:01 > 0:46:07to make this vision a reality.Does the Secretary of State not
0:46:07 > 0:46:12understand that people outside of this place simply cannot grasp his
0:46:12 > 0:46:17reluctance to accept that sprinklers in tower blocks are necessary fire
0:46:17 > 0:46:22safety works. Coroners for lack House and Shirley House towers
0:46:22 > 0:46:26recommended them and his department is turning down requests from
0:46:26 > 0:46:32councils and housing associations to pay for them. We don't need another
0:46:32 > 0:46:38review, we need common sense.Well, first of all, the honourable
0:46:38 > 0:46:42gentleman says that coroners recommend, it's worth reminding him
0:46:42 > 0:46:46the then housing Minister, sitting opposite me now, when he was asked
0:46:46 > 0:46:50about the Government paying for sprinklers, he responded that the
0:46:50 > 0:46:54resources local authorities receive for management and main tannance and
0:46:54 > 0:46:57repairs should enable them to implement measures. There was no new
0:46:57 > 0:47:02money. This Government has said is that we will help every local
0:47:02 > 0:47:09Government can any essential fire safety measures.Can I declare my
0:47:09 > 0:47:16interest as a member of Kettering Borough council. Precious on the
0:47:16 > 0:47:20council in Northamptonshire could be addressed by reform of local
0:47:20 > 0:47:22Government structures in the County including perhaps the establishment
0:47:22 > 0:47:26of a combined social care and health commissioner. Would my right
0:47:26 > 0:47:32honourable friend confirm he is open minded to such suggestions?My
0:47:32 > 0:47:36honourable friend is quite right to raise this. There are councils
0:47:36 > 0:47:39already that have come together and put forward restructuring proposals.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42We are considering each one of those carefully and if Northamptonshire
0:47:42 > 0:47:50was to come forward I would look at it very carefully.Three-and-a-half
0:47:50 > 0:47:54million families with a variable rate mortgage face higher costs if
0:47:54 > 0:47:58the Bank of England put up interest rates this week. Can I ask the
0:47:58 > 0:48:03Secretary of State why is the Government at this time of all times
0:48:03 > 0:48:10scrapping support for mortgage interest payments?This Government
0:48:10 > 0:48:14has made it very clear, in our ambition to have more people own
0:48:14 > 0:48:18their homes. There is a area of areas of intervention. One of the
0:48:18 > 0:48:21most prominent is the help-to-buy scheme which is helping hundreds of
0:48:21 > 0:48:26thousands of people which otherwise may not have been able to buy a
0:48:26 > 0:48:31home, get on the housing ladder for the first time but ultimately if he,
0:48:31 > 0:48:34like me, wants to help more people own their own homes he should
0:48:34 > 0:48:38support this Government can the housing White Paper and other
0:48:38 > 0:48:42measures we take.The Secretary of State's flanneling, home ownership
0:48:42 > 0:48:51is at a 30-year low and he doesn't appreciate 126,000 households,
0:48:51 > 0:48:52including 60,000 pensioner households, get help from the
0:48:52 > 0:48:58current scheme. From April, they, and anyone else struggling with
0:48:58 > 0:49:01their mortgage costs, will be offered a loan. A loan is no good if
0:49:01 > 0:49:06you are already struggling with the cost of the loan you have got. So,
0:49:06 > 0:49:11under Labour, with our mortgage rescue scheme, help was there when
0:49:11 > 0:49:17it was needed from families facing repossession. Honourable gentlemen
0:49:17 > 0:49:20laugh from the other side. Can I say to the Secretary of State who takes
0:49:20 > 0:49:25this more seriously, will he use the budget to scrap the Government's
0:49:25 > 0:49:30current changes and back instead a new home ownership guarantee scheme
0:49:30 > 0:49:35as Labour proposed at the election? The right honourable friend talks
0:49:35 > 0:49:38about what happened under Labour when it came to housing. Let me
0:49:38 > 0:49:43remind him. When he was the housing Minister, house-building fell to
0:49:43 > 0:49:49almost its lowest level for almost 100 years. The number of social
0:49:49 > 0:49:54units available for rent declined by 410,000 units. So we won't be taking
0:49:54 > 0:49:58any lectures from the right honourable friend.Will the
0:49:58 > 0:50:02Secretary of State look at what can be done to lift restrictive planning
0:50:02 > 0:50:08conditions that are holding back long-term economic growth?Planning
0:50:08 > 0:50:12conditions should of course only be imposed where they are necessary and
0:50:12 > 0:50:16meet the other requirements of national policy. What I can say more
0:50:16 > 0:50:20widely is that we are making changes in terms of the system, planning
0:50:20 > 0:50:26fees are being increased which will ensure there is more money being
0:50:26 > 0:50:32planning authorities and we are also looking at requiring increase in
0:50:32 > 0:50:36build out rates.In Bristol University expansion means
0:50:36 > 0:50:40significant increase in student numbers putting pressure right now
0:50:40 > 0:50:44on stretched local services yet student accommodation providers
0:50:44 > 0:50:46provide almost - contribute almost nothing to the costs. Will the
0:50:46 > 0:50:50Secretary of State meet with me to discuss bringing student
0:50:50 > 0:50:54accommodation within the soap of business rates like other businesses
0:50:54 > 0:51:03to help ease this strain on Bristol and other councils.I can confirm to
0:51:03 > 0:51:08the honourable lady that we have no plans to change business rates to
0:51:08 > 0:51:17bring into the scope student accommodation as she advocates.
0:51:17 > 0:51:21People are depending on local action to help secure affordable housing.
0:51:21 > 0:51:26What lessons can the Government learn from the Mayor of London's
0:51:26 > 0:51:31poor record on housing?My honourable friend raises an
0:51:31 > 0:51:34important point because what's now become apparent despite all the talk
0:51:34 > 0:51:37from the Mayor of London that in the year that he has been in office,
0:51:37 > 0:51:42first year in office, not a single home, not one for social rent, has
0:51:42 > 0:51:47started by this Labour mayor of Government and housing starts are
0:51:47 > 0:51:51down by a third in the last quarter. That's his track record, he needs to
0:51:51 > 0:51:59live up to his word and build more homes for Londoners.In 2016, DCLG
0:51:59 > 0:52:03provided a transition grant to some local authorities, calculations and
0:52:03 > 0:52:08assumption for this were not personed and 80% went to gof
0:52:08 > 0:52:13councils. Will Minister pledge to make sure come clagss available and
0:52:13 > 0:52:16will they confirm future funding will be paced on need rather than
0:52:16 > 0:52:23anything else?Well, this was part of a four-year settlement which was
0:52:23 > 0:52:27an historic four-year settlement. 97% of local authorities signed up
0:52:27 > 0:52:32to that four-year settlement. Yes, there were some challenges in terms
0:52:32 > 0:52:37of the transition that certain places would have to make as a
0:52:37 > 0:52:40result of the formula at that time. And it's been widely recognised that
0:52:40 > 0:52:45the way in which that was dealt with was the right thing to do and Labour
0:52:45 > 0:52:50authorities at the time such as Lancashire did benefit.Last year
0:52:50 > 0:52:57the FSB reported on the untapped potential of women in enterprise.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00However, analysis legal in my constituency was set up by a group
0:53:00 > 0:53:03of female lawyers and is going from strength to strength. Does the
0:53:03 > 0:53:06Minister agree with me that encouraging more women into business
0:53:06 > 0:53:14and supporting female enter preners is key to the success of the
0:53:14 > 0:53:16northern powerhouse -- entrepreneurs?I absolutely agree
0:53:16 > 0:53:21and that's why I am in active conversation with groups like the
0:53:21 > 0:53:26northern power women, they have sought to find ways to champion
0:53:26 > 0:53:32diverse role models of leadership. After all we shouldn't ignore 51% of
0:53:32 > 0:53:41the talent pool.It was stated the introduction of family hubs should
0:53:41 > 0:53:44be accelerated earlier. This was implicitly welcomed by the Minister
0:53:44 > 0:53:48for local Government stating it was down to councils to use budgets as
0:53:48 > 0:53:52they appropriate. However does he agree that the 60% real term cut in
0:53:52 > 0:53:56Warwickshire to children centres budget and the planned reduction
0:53:56 > 0:54:00from 39 children centres to 12 family hubs should be stopped and
0:54:00 > 0:54:03council reserves which are significant used to the maintain...
0:54:03 > 0:54:07Sorry. I should - to be fair, new members often are not as aware of
0:54:07 > 0:54:12this as they will become and need to be, but topical questions are
0:54:12 > 0:54:16supposed to be shorter than substantives. Simple as that.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19Ministers are supposed to respond in kind. But thank you to the
0:54:19 > 0:54:22honourable gentleman.Thank you. I hear what the honourable gentleman
0:54:22 > 0:54:27says. Although I think he should look back to the record of
0:54:27 > 0:54:29Warwickshire County Council which clearly show a motion being put
0:54:29 > 0:54:34which was seconded by the Labour group leader who actually advocated
0:54:34 > 0:54:39the reduction in funding that the County Council is now making in this
0:54:39 > 0:54:48area.Can the Secretary of State confirm that his department is
0:54:48 > 0:54:52liaising with Defra to ensure ports have the infrastructure and supply
0:54:52 > 0:54:57chain to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the
0:54:57 > 0:55:00forthcoming fisheries bill.I can absolutely confirm that to my
0:55:00 > 0:55:04honourable friend. We are working very closely with Defra and the
0:55:04 > 0:55:12transport department to make sure of just that.Would the First Minister
0:55:12 > 0:55:15of Wales meeting the Prime Minister today, continuing lack of clarity
0:55:15 > 0:55:18over Brexit, can the Secretary of State reassure me that the
0:55:18 > 0:55:22Government will respect the devolved nations and regions of the UK and
0:55:22 > 0:55:27not use Brexit as an opportunity for power grab?
0:55:27 > 0:55:31I can tell the honourable gentleman of course we will respect the powers
0:55:31 > 0:55:36and responsibilities of the devolved nations and we will make a
0:55:36 > 0:55:42resounding success of Brexit.The proposed housing formula will add
0:55:42 > 0:55:48extra homes to the target of 30,000 which I believe is unsustainable and
0:55:48 > 0:55:50undeliverable without large investment in infrastructure. Will
0:55:50 > 0:55:55my honourable friend agree to meet with me and Medway colleagues to
0:55:55 > 0:55:59look at this disproportionate burden on Medway towns?
0:55:59 > 0:56:02Of course I will meet with my honourable friend. I should point
0:56:02 > 0:56:08out that Medway doesn't have an up to date plan in place at the moment.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11I would encourage them to respond to the consultation proposals that were
0:56:11 > 0:56:15set out. In light of the recent announcements
0:56:15 > 0:56:20of the Welsh Government to continue with its council tax reduction
0:56:20 > 0:56:23scheme, which incidentally has reduced council tax for almost
0:56:23 > 0:56:28300,000 low income and vulnerable families, and excluded 220,000
0:56:28 > 0:56:31completely, can the Minister seriously consider the excellent
0:56:31 > 0:56:35approach by the Welsh Labour Government and the situation in
0:56:35 > 0:56:42England where households are paying around £190 more?As I explained to
0:56:42 > 0:56:46the House earlier, the local council tax support scheme actually gives
0:56:46 > 0:56:50help to over four million people who are on low incomes and may struggle
0:56:50 > 0:56:57otherwise to pay their council tax. The Secretary of State will be aware
0:56:57 > 0:57:01of concerns expressed about the letter received about money going
0:57:01 > 0:57:04back to the NHS rather sthan sticking with the social care
0:57:04 > 0:57:08authority about delayed transfers of power. Could he comment and
0:57:08 > 0:57:14suggestion discussions.
0:57:14 > 0:57:22I can tell my honourable friend she is right to raise this. Delayed
0:57:22 > 0:57:25transfer care is shared between councils and there has been
0:57:25 > 0:57:29progress. It is in fact a good opportunity to improve
0:57:29 > 0:57:35Leicestershire on its improving position.-- commend Leicestershire
0:57:35 > 0:57:40on its improving position.Your question is potentially of greater
0:57:40 > 0:57:47importance. Clive Lewis, get there, man.Will the Government commit to
0:57:47 > 0:57:49fast tracking its Private consultation sessions all landlords
0:57:49 > 0:58:00are required to use their own funds up to band E by April next?It would
0:58:00 > 0:58:03have been done under the previous Government is Labour had taken their
0:58:03 > 0:58:08rented sector more seriously, so I am pleased he welcomes our
0:58:08 > 0:58:13consultation.Given the understandable postponement for a
0:58:13 > 0:58:17short time of the business rate retention scheme, will the secretary
0:58:17 > 0:58:27consider the particular funding that changing demography is placing an
0:58:27 > 0:58:33particular London boroughs?Yes. Scotland secured 941 million euros
0:58:33 > 0:58:41in the 2014 funding period. What plans does this Government have to
0:58:41 > 0:58:44ensure that these funds are replaced post Brexit and that the Scottish
0:58:44 > 0:58:49Government will be involved in discussions?The honourable
0:58:49 > 0:58:53gentleman will know that we have set out that there will be a UK Shared
0:58:53 > 0:58:59Prosperity Fund that will eventually replace the EU structural funds, and
0:58:59 > 0:59:03we will work together with the devolved nations in developing it.
0:59:03 > 0:59:08One thing that would help to drive further economic growth in Corby is
0:59:08 > 0:59:11a new enterprise zone, so in advance of the budget will my right
0:59:11 > 0:59:14honourable friend make the case to the Chancellor for another round of
0:59:14 > 0:59:19bidding opportunities?My honourable friend is right to raise the
0:59:19 > 0:59:22importance of enterprise zones. He will know in previous budgets often
0:59:22 > 0:59:27they have been announced, and I am sure he has made an excellent case
0:59:27 > 0:59:33himself, but if I can help I will happily do that.Is the Secretary of
0:59:33 > 0:59:37State aware of the increasing number of people illegally subletting in
0:59:37 > 0:59:43social housing? Isn't this a very dangerous tendency when we don't
0:59:43 > 0:59:48actually know who is living in a house?The honourable gentleman is
0:59:48 > 0:59:52right to raise this. Of course this is going on, and that is why we have
0:59:52 > 0:59:55given from April this year, we have given landlords more power to deal
0:59:55 > 1:00:00with this, more funding to look at these issues, and in the forthcoming
1:00:00 > 1:00:03reviews and consultation we set out we will be seen what further action
1:00:03 > 1:00:14we can take.Last week developers build-out of our plan to build
1:00:14 > 1:00:1710,000 homes in Enfield Haringey because of the interference by the
1:00:17 > 1:00:20Mayor of London. Will my right honourable friend undertake to look
1:00:20 > 1:00:25at this plan, because we desperately need new homes in London, and this
1:00:25 > 1:00:31plan seems to provide them?We have already just heard in this House the
1:00:31 > 1:00:36failure of the mayor of London to provide a single property for social
1:00:36 > 1:00:37rent