Written questions by Gelderd.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Tamar Crossing tolls on economic growth in (a) South East Cornwall constituency and (b) Plymouth.

The government recognises the importance of the Tamar crossings to South East Cornwall, Plymouth and also to the wider area, providing a vital link between Cornwall and Devon for local residents and businesses. The tolls for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry are set locally by the Tamar Joint Committee, a local government committee made up of elected representatives from Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council. It is for this local committee to determine the right level of toll to meet the day-to-day running costs and ongoing maintenance of the Torpoint Ferry and Tamar Bridge. The government has not carried out an assessment of the potential impact of the Tamar crossing tolls on economic growth but does recognise the importance of the crossings and that is why the Cornwall Level 2 devolution deal, that this government committed to progressing in September 2024, committed to work together with Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council to consider options for future legislation to enable a more efficient toll revision process. Looking ahead, the government recommends local authorities from both sides of the Tamar consider the opportunities that devolution would bring for increased transport powers and supporting local growth.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to introduce a statutory requirement for swift bricks in future building regulations.

The focus of building regulations is health, safety and wellbeing. In general, where wildlife is referenced in building regulations, it is because there is a direct relevance to ensuring structural integrity.Expanding the scope of building regulations would place an additional burden on the people and processes of a regulatory regime which is already dealing with the increased demands of the Building Safety Act whilst supporting a housebuilding target of 1.5 million homes. We therefore consider that measures for nature conservation are better promoted and encouraged, rather than mandated through building regulations.The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of mandating the use of swift bricks in national development management policies.

The focus of building regulations is health, safety and wellbeing. In general, where wildlife is referenced in building regulations, it is because there is a direct relevance to ensuring structural integrity.Expanding the scope of building regulations would place an additional burden on the people and processes of a regulatory regime which is already dealing with the increased demands of the Building Safety Act whilst supporting a housebuilding target of 1.5 million homes. We therefore consider that measures for nature conservation are better promoted and encouraged, rather than mandated through building regulations.The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.