Written questions by Sabine.

Communities and Local Government, if his Department will take legislative steps to enable proxy voting and remote attendance for councillors.

Awaiting answer.

Communities and Local Government, when he plans to bring England into line with Scotland by making the Agent of Change a statutory principle in planning.

The government is exploring how it can improve the implementation of the ‘agent of change’ principle in the planning system as part of the development of a new suite of national policies for decision-making that we will consult on before the end of this year.

Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to modify regulations to facilitate the installation of (a) energy efficiency measures and (b) double glazing in listed buildings.

The government will consider issues relating to installing energy efficiency measures and double glazing in listed building as part of ongoing reforms to the planning system.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure the UK’s housing stock of bungalows is adequate to meet the needs of an ageing population.

The government is committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market.The updated National Planning Policy Framework asks local planning authorities to assess the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in their areas, and reflect this in their Local Plan policies. This includes planning for a range of options to meet the differing needs of older people, including bungalows.As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People’s Housing Taskforce reportWe will continue to consider this issue as we develop our long-term housing strategy.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to progress strategic devolution in Somerset with (a) Wiltshire, (b) Dorset and (c) other neighbouring counties.

We are launching the Devolution Priority Programme, aiming to deliver new Strategic Authorities and see a new wave of Mayors elected in May 2026. Regions interested in joining the Devolution Priority Programme have written to government to express their interest. We are now reviewing proposals and expect to confirm places on the Programme shortly.However, I recognise that not all areas will be ready to move at such a pace towards mayoral devolution, and I look forward to working with such areas to help them to realise the benefits of devolution in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to progress strategic devolution in the South West.

We have already made progress on strategic devolution in the South West. Subject to parliamentary approval the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority will be established in early 2025, and the Cornwall non-mayoral Devolution Agreement is largely already implemented. We encourage the authorities to continue working together and with their neighbours to explore the next steps towards deeper and wider devolution for their area.We are launching the Devolution Priority Programme, aiming to deliver new Strategic Authorities and see a wave of Mayors elected in May 2026. Regions interested in joining the Devolution Priority Programme have written to Government to express their interest. We are now reviewing proposals, and expect to confirm places on the Programme shortly.However, I recognise that not all areas will be ready to move at such a pace towards mayoral devolution, and I look forward to working with such areas to help them to realise the benefits of devolution in due course.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to increase the minimum level of shared amenity space on new housing developments.

The National Planning Policy Framework states that planning policies and decisions should plan positively for the provision and use of shared spaces, community facilities and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments. This is supported by guidance in the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code. Local planning authorities are responsible for applying this policy and guidance through their local plans and decisions on planning applications.