Every parliamentary written question tabled by James McMurdock this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 501–520 of 534 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with local authority (a) officers and (b) elected representatives on the cancellation of the local elections in Thurrock, and if she will publish the record of those discussions.
The Secretary of State has not had discussions with this local authority on the cancellation of the local elections.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Devolution Priority Programme on levels of (a) voter engagement and (b) democratic participation in future elections.
On 5 February, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that the Government will be taking Greater Essex (Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council) forward on the Devolution Priority Programme. The government also agreed that, for Essex County Council and Thurrock Council, postponing local elections from May 2025 to May 2026 is essential for the delivery of the Devolution Priority Programme and complementary local government reorganisation ahead of Mayoral elections.The Government has also set out in its manifesto several commitments to increase participation in democracy, including introducing votes at 16 for all elections, improving registration, reviewing and amending the voter ID rules, and strengthening the political finance framework.A Government consultation entitled “Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England” is currently seeking views on proposed measures to strengthen the standards framework, including the introduction of the sanction of suspension. The proposed reforms aim to deliver greater accountability and public confidence that local authorities will uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the system of elected mayors in managing of local issues across large geographical areas.
Mayors have become vital local leaders, delivering on the promise of change in their area to drive growth, more joined-up delivery, and earning trust. We want to see all of England benefit from devolution and it is the government’s strong preference that in filling the map, places do so with a Mayor over a strategic geography.To deliver devolution successfully, it is vital that we build evidence of how best to implement our policies over time. In the English Devolution White Paper, we committed to exploring a public evaluation on the outcomes of devolution to date, a feasibility study on the impact of different devolution commitments and ongoing process and impact evaluation to capture evidence on devolution as it becomes available.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that local councils remain accountable to residents under the Devolution Priority Programme.
On 5 February, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that the Government will be taking Greater Essex (Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council) forward on the Devolution Priority Programme. The government also agreed that, for Essex County Council and Thurrock Council, postponing local elections from May 2025 to May 2026 is essential for the delivery of the Devolution Priority Programme and complementary local government reorganisation ahead of Mayoral elections.The Government has also set out in its manifesto several commitments to increase participation in democracy, including introducing votes at 16 for all elections, improving registration, reviewing and amending the voter ID rules, and strengthening the political finance framework.A Government consultation entitled “Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England” is currently seeking views on proposed measures to strengthen the standards framework, including the introduction of the sanction of suspension. The proposed reforms aim to deliver greater accountability and public confidence that local authorities will uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with Thurrock Council on the services it provides for asylum seekers.
For Thurrock, the final Settlement represents an increase in Core Spending Power of up to 6.9% - making available a total of up to £178.2 million in 2025-26. For Basildon, Core Spending Power is increasing by up to 1.5%, making available a total of up to £27.9 million in 2025-26. The majority of funding in the Local Government Finance Settlement is unringfenced, recognising that local leaders are best placed to identify local priorities.
Communities and Local Government, what information her Department holds on the services provided to irregular migrants by (a) Thurrock Council and (b) Basildon Council in the last two years.
For Thurrock, the final Settlement represents an increase in Core Spending Power of up to 6.9% - making available a total of up to £178.2 million in 2025-26. For Basildon, Core Spending Power is increasing by up to 1.5%, making available a total of up to £27.9 million in 2025-26. The majority of funding in the Local Government Finance Settlement is unringfenced, recognising that local leaders are best placed to identify local priorities.
Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of not having an official definition of Islamophobia on the effectiveness of the policing of non-crime hate incidents.
We are actively considering our approach to Islamophobia including any potential new definition. A new definition of Islamophobia must be given careful consideration, so it comprehensively covers multiple perspectives and considers potential implications for different communities and how it may affect the policing of non-crime hate incidents.The Home Office has agreed that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), supported by the College of Policing, will conduct a review on the use and effectiveness of NCHIs. The review will cover when the police should record information that has not reached the criminal threshold, but which is still deemed necessary to monitor community tensions and keep the public safe, It will also take into account the fundamental right of freedom of expression and recent court ruling in this area. The Government welcomes this review and will work closely with the NPCC and the College as they develop their findings and any proposals on this issue.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to improve fire safety in (a) new and (b) existing high-rise buildings in Essex.
The Building Safety Act 2022 established a comprehensive regulatory framework for fire and structural safety to ensure homes are safe now and in the years to come. A key part of this included the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to oversee new and existing higher-risk buildings, as well as the introduction of new legal duties to ensure there is someone clearly responsibly for safety during the design, build and occupation of these buildings across England. For occupied higher-risk buildings, those responsible must report safety issues, maintain a 'golden thread' of information, produce a safety case report to demonstrate safety risks are being effectively managed, and engage residents to support ongoing risk management. BSR uses the building assessment certificate process to determine whether dutyholders are meeting specific legal duties, and whether they are taking all reasonable steps to manage building safety risks. The BSR began directing applications for building assessments in April 2024. Since the Grenfell Tower fire, significant updates have been made to fire safety regulations and guidance within Approved Document B to improve safety standards for new buildings. New Measures for residents include a ban on combustible materials in and on the external wall of buildings over 18m, provisions for sprinklers in buildings over 11m, second staircases in high-rise buildings over 18m.
Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 22 January 2025 to Question 23915 on Islamophobia, what her planned timetable is for providing further detail on the Government’s approach to tackling Islamophobia.
Ensuring that British Muslims are safe, and feel safe, and standing up to Islamophobia is a top priority for this Government. Careful thought and continued community engagement is required to achieve this.We will set out further plans in due course.
Communities and Local Government, what discussions her Department has had with Basildon Council on (a) their management of homelessness services and (b) the breaches recorded by that Council of the requirement to avoid placing (i) families with children, (ii) pregnant women and (iii) care leavers in temporary accommodation.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is responsible for setting the national framework for housing, including the legislation and Homelessness Code of Guidance to which councils must have regard.Compliance with legislation, guidance, and the statutory homelessness duties rests with local councils. It is the responsibility of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to investigate individual complaints and take action where they consider councils have not applied their duties correctly.MHCLG’s homelessness advice and support team (HAST) continue to work closely with local authorities, such as Basildon Council, to develop B&B elimination plans to reduce families and vulnerable people being placed in bed and breakfast accommodation for longer than six weeks.The Government recognises that homelessness levels are far too high and we will develop a long-term, cross government strategy, to put us on track to end homelessness.
Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department takes to hold to account councils that fail to comply with the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003.
Too many children are spending years in temporary accommodation, at a point in their lives when they need space to play and develop, nutritious food to thrive and access to education. We must build more homes so we can reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.MHCLG’s dedicated team of homelessness advisers continue to work closely with local authorities under the highest bed and breakfast (B&B) pressures, including to develop B&B elimination plans, to reduce families being placed in this accommodation for longer than six weeks.The Government will also work with 20 local authorities with the highest levels of B&B use for temporary accommodation through a new programme of Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots, backed by £5 million to test innovative approaches and kickstart new initiatives.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable for households with babies and children, and we are taking action to improve standards across the housing sector. The death of any child is devastating, and we must do all we can to prevent avoidable deaths. The Homelessness Code of Guidance is therefore clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under 2 if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed.Housing authorities must, as a minimum, ensure that all temporary accommodation is free of Category 1 hazards as identified by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Households may request a review of their accommodation if they feel it is unsuitable.
Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to review the (a) effectiveness of the means testing process for and (b) maximum level of grant available through the Disabled Facilities Grant.
Government recognises how important home adaptations are in enabling disabled people to live as independently as possible in a safe and suitable environment. Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding helps adapt around 55,000 homes annually, helping disabled people and their families to live independently and well in their own homes for longer.Local authorities already have powers to waive the means test in line with a locally agreed Housing Assistance Policy. To ensure the DFG is as effective as possible, we will continue to keep different aspects of the grant under consideration, including the effectiveness of the means test process.This Government is reviewing the suitability of the current grant upper limit. We expect the review to conclude later in 2025. Given that any rise in the upper limit will require additional funding, the Government will say more about its future approach after the Spending Review. In the meanwhile, local authorities have considerable discretion and may fund adaptations above the current £30,000 upper limit in line with a local policy or in exceptional circumstances.
Communities and Local Government, what progress her Department has made on setting up the Inter-Ministerial Group on ending homelessness.
The Government is committed to deliver long term solutions to end homelessness and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country.The Deputy Prime Minister chaired the first Inter-Ministerial Group on Homelessness in November to bring together ministerial colleagues across government to help get us back on track to ending homelessness.The Group will continue to meet as required.
Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to protect areas of natural beauty from (a) new infrastructure and (b) housing projects.
The government is committed to ensuring that our most important and cherished landscapes are appropriately protected so they can be enjoyed by future generations.Planning policy is clear that planning policies and decisions should recognise the character and beauty of the countryside, and local authorities are expected to protect heritage assets which can include landscape and setting of listed buildings.The National Planning Policy Framework states that great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Landscapes, and that the scale and extent of any development in these areas should be limited.Relevant authorities must also make sure that any proposals seek to further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the National Landscape.
Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to clear Thurrock council's debt following the proposed merger of councils in Essex.
The Government has a framework to support councils in financial difficulty. In addition, the previous Secretary of State used statutory powers to intervene in a small number of councils failing their Best Value Duty partly associated with high levels of unsustainable debt. In the case of Thurrock, the Government will continue to work with the Best Value Commissioners and the Council to support Thurrock in its financial recovery.The English Devolution White Paper published on 16 December announced that the Government will facilitate local government reorganisation for two-tier areas and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure, or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services.
Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to tackle (a) homelessness (b) rough sleeping in (i) Essex (ii) the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.
Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.The Government is also tackling the root causes of homelessness, including the delivery of the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.There is £1.2 billion committed through the Homelessness Prevention Grant from 2022 to 2025, of which Chesire East, Cheshire West and Chester received a combined total of £6,442,462.48. Basildon received £3,743,552.85 and Thurrock £3,340,472.94. And, as announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping.The budget committed nearly £1 billion total spend on homelessness services in 2025/26 and is the first step to getting us back on track to ending homelessness. We expect to publish allocations for funding for 2025/26 alongside the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement.
Communities and Local Government, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of children living in temporary accommodation in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) Essex.
Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.
Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the support available to families living with children in temporary accommodation.
Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to encourage investment in high streets in (a) Essex and (b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.
This Government is fully committed to rejuvenating our high streets and supporting the businesses and communities that make our town centres successful. This means addressing anti-social behaviour and crime, working with the banking industry to roll out 350 banking hubs, stamping out late payments, empowering communities to make the most of the vacant properties, strengthening the Post Office network, reforming the apprenticeship levy, and business rates.Furthermore, the Government is investing in local growth with local allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2025-26 now announced, which places may choose to invest in rejuvenating high streets. Basildon has been allocated £419,361; and Thurrock £402,853. The Long Term Plan for Towns has funded several towns in Essex, including Canvey Island, Harlow and Clacton-on-Sea, which will also support local growth.
Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) mental and (b) physical health of families in temporary accommodation.
Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.