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1314956

registered interest
date	17/05/2021
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Housing: Construction
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the analysis by the Local Government Association, published on 20 February 2020, which found that more than a million homes granted planning permission in the past decade have not yet been built; and what plans they have empower local authorities to incentivise developers to expedite the building of housing already granted planning permission.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL248
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/06/2021 answer text <p>As the Local Government Association have themselves stated, in some cases there are legitimate reasons as to why development stalls. Perhaps, for example, the landowner cannot get the price for the site they want, or the development approved is not viable, or supply chain constraints hinder starting. Sir Oliver Letwin highlighted in his 2018 review on the topic, building on the work of Dame Kate Barker and many others before them, that, as such, the often-repeated idea of housebuilders ‘sitting on’ land is overstated.</p><p>Nevertheless, this Government is clear that new homes should be built out as soon as possible. Where build-out is delayed, it is for councils and developers to work closely together to overcome any barriers. To ensure this happens, we are exploring further options to support faster build-out as part of our proposed planning reforms.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 01/06/2021 12:13:05 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1306676

registered interest
date	25/03/2021
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Liverpool City Council: Criminal Investigation
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether tax payers in Liverpool will fund the cost of (1) the investigation led by Max Caller into activities at Liverpool City Council, and (2) commissioners for the investigation; how much the investigation is expected to cost; and how much money is alleged to have been overspent as a result of an alleged lack of oversight by that Council.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL14614
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/04/2021 answer text <p>Liverpool City Council funded the cost of the Best Value Inspection, in line with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1999. In the past, where Commissioners have been appointed under Best Value powers, the relevant Directions required the local authority to meet all reasonable fees and expenses associated with the Commissioners. This expectation is set out in section 5.6.2 of the Statutory intervention and inspection: a guide for local authorities (May 2020). The Secretary of State will take a final decision, following consideration of any representation received from the Council, after 24 May.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 09/04/2021 10:50:36 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1305822

registered interest
date	24/03/2021
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Liverpool City Council
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what role they envisage for the commissioners overseeing elements of the (1) planning, (2) highways, and (3) regeneration departments of Liverpool City Council; what is their (a) purpose, and (b) objectives; and how long they expect the commissioners will be involved in the running of these departments of Liverpool City Council.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL14551
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/04/2021 answer text <p>The proposed intervention package for Liverpool City Council presented by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to Parliament on Wednesday 24 March includes the appointment of Commissioners for a minimum of three years and the transfer of all executive functions associated with regeneration, highways and property management at the Council to those Commissioners. The Secretary of State will take a final decision, following consideration of any representation received from the Council, after 24 May</p><p><br> The Secretary of State has expressed the hope that it will not be necessary for the Commissioners to exercise these powers, but instead that their main role would centre on supporting the Council itself in making changes. It is proposed that most decisions continue to be made by the Authority and the intention is that these powers should only be used as a last resort, should the Authority not satisfy the Commissioners in their improvement processes.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 09/04/2021 10:59:01 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1305823

registered interest
date	24/03/2021
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Liverpool City Council: Standards
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government to provide details of (1) the "pervasive and rotten culture", and (2) the "culture of intimidation", within Liverpool City Council, described by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in a statement on 24 March.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL14552
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/04/2021 answer text <p>The Government fully accepts the findings of the independent Best Value Inspection Report subject to any representations Liverpool City Council may wish to make about the report. The report, produced by Max Caller CBE, is based on the documentation and personal testimony provided by councillors, officers, and members of the public to the independent inspectors. The full report can be viewed (attached) at <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fliverpool-city-council-best-value-inspection-report&amp;data=04%7C01%7CSangeeta.Sofat%40communities.gov.uk%7Cfd1b136418624a73effa08d8f45c6fec%7Cbf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8%7C0%7C0%7C637528025136889438%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=wMJS64irJ5xipe84NXswXCBZILTN05T6YDxcjC1dzPk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/liverpool-city-council-best-value-inspection-report</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh grouped question UIN HL14553 question first answered 09/04/2021 10:57:11 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh attachment 1 file name 210329 Liverpool_Best_Value_inspection_report HL14552 and HL14553.pdf title Liverpool best value inspection report
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1305824

registered interest
date	24/03/2021
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Liverpool City Council: Standards
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government to provide details of what the report of the findings of the Best Value inspection into Liverpool City Council, published on 24 March, identified as a "secret cabal" operating within Liverpool City Council; what assessment they have made of which documents, if any, have been destroyed in any of the Council’s departments; and to provide details of the "serious breakdown of governance at the council" described by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 24 March.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL14553
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/04/2021 answer text <p>The Government fully accepts the findings of the independent Best Value Inspection Report subject to any representations Liverpool City Council may wish to make about the report. The report, produced by Max Caller CBE, is based on the documentation and personal testimony provided by councillors, officers, and members of the public to the independent inspectors. The full report can be viewed (attached) at <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fliverpool-city-council-best-value-inspection-report&amp;data=04%7C01%7CSangeeta.Sofat%40communities.gov.uk%7Cfd1b136418624a73effa08d8f45c6fec%7Cbf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8%7C0%7C0%7C637528025136889438%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=wMJS64irJ5xipe84NXswXCBZILTN05T6YDxcjC1dzPk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/liverpool-city-council-best-value-inspection-report</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh grouped question UIN HL14552 question first answered 09/04/2021 10:57:11 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh attachment 1 file name 210329 Liverpool_Best_Value_inspection_report HL14552 and HL14553.pdf title Liverpool best value inspection report
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1284563

registered interest
date	08/02/2021
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Travellers: Caravan Sites
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups Moving for Change: local authority approaches to roadside camps in a time of COVID-19, published on 4 February, in particular its finding that there was a 333 per cent increase in evictions from roadside camps in the 45 days following the Government guidance issued on 10 May 2020 to "stay alert"; what steps they are taking to ensure that local authorities are protecting Gypsies, Travellers, Roma and others at risk of roadside eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what discussions they intend to have with local authorities about the use of negotiated settlements in place of evictions of such groups.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL13037
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/02/2021 answer text <p>The Government is supporting people across the country respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including those in the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.</p><p>I have met with the National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups to discuss the impact of the pandemic and the Government has provided guidance to all local authority Chief Executives about the support some Gypsy and Traveller families may need during the national restrictions to find a safe place to stop and access basic amenities, including water, sanitation and waste disposal facilities.</p><p>Whilst it is for local authorities to determine how best to support vulnerable groups, in line with their public health responsibilities, the Government will continue to work closely with them to ensure that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities’ needs are met.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 15/02/2021 14:34:32 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1249806

registered interest
date	09/11/2020
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Churches: Community Development
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the calculations of the economic contribution made by churches used for community purposes in the report by the National Churches Trust House of Good, published on 18 October; and what social value they attach to the provision in churches of (1) food banks, (2) youth services, (3) mental health services, (4) addiction support services and (5) other community services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national restrictions.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL10035
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/11/2020 answer text <p>I am aware of the ‘House of Good’ report published recently by the National Churches Trust, on the contribution made by churches.</p><p>Churches are a vital community asset as referenced in the Localism Act 2011. Churches and all our places of worship are vital to people’s health and wellbeing. Their role in providing pastoral as well as spiritual support is widely recognised, and the part they play in supporting the most vulnerable in our communities has been brought into sharp focus during the pandemic.</p><p>I am grateful for all the support they have given to those who are most vulnerable during these difficult times.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 23/11/2020 12:01:51 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1248027

registered interest
date	02/11/2020
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Religious Buildings: Coronavirus
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they consulted the Places of Worship Taskforce before announcing the closure of places of worship as part of the national COVID-19 restrictions in England planned from 5 November; what assessment they have made of any issues resulting from churches’ COVID-19 safety measures; and what assessment they have made of whether places of worship are more likely to facilitate the spread of COVID-19 than schools and universities.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL9811
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/11/2020 answer text <p>The Places of Taskforce met on 2 November. In addition, roundtables have been held with the country’s major faith groups to discuss the guidance.</p><p>Discussions with our faith groups at these meetings, as they have been throughout the pandemic, have been extremely helpful. They have provided us with an opportunity to share information with our faith groups, as well as hearing of their concerns. We will continue to draw on the expertise of the Taskforce in the coming days.</p><p>I am very grateful to our faith communities for their efforts to ensure their places of worship are as Covid-secure as possible. However, the evidence from the scientific community, and from SAGE, points to an increasing rate of infection overall. We therefore need to reduce the level of interaction and the number of gatherings that take place, and with regret, places of worship are closed for communal prayer.</p><p>The regulations now in force will expire on 2 December, at which point we hope to be able to be able to ease restrictions.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 16/11/2020 15:00:20 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1200316

registered interest
date	03/06/2020
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Housing: Older People
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Cass Business School, the Association of Retirement Community Operators, and the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation Too Little, Too Late? Housing for an ageing population, published on 3 June.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL5154
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/06/2020 answer text <p>This Government is committed to ensuring that more people than ever before can access a safe, secure, affordable place to call home. That is why, in the revised National Planning Policy Framework, we strengthened policy to create a clear expectation that all councils have policies in place for addressing the housing needs of older people. We also widened the definition of older people in the Framework to include those approaching retirement and have published further planning guidance to assist councils to get the right policies in place. Many older people are already benefiting from the more than 460,000 affordable homes we have delivered since 2010.</p><p>Building on the current £9bn Affordable Homes Programme, the Chancellor announced in the last budget that we are investing £12bn to build affordable homes between 2021/22 and 2025/26. This will be the biggest cash investment in affordable housing for a decade. Since 2012-13 we have also provided over £2.7bn, delivering around 280,000 adaptations by the end of 2018-2019 to ensure older and disabled people can live independently and safely in their own home.</p><p>The cross-government initiative 'Home of 2030' aims to inspire and reward the ambition of housing providers, designers, the supply chain and others through a design and delivery competition which addresses the major challenges of future housing needs: an ageing society and climate change. The competition's aim is to normalise new homes which are low-carbon, deliver low energy bills and are age-friendly, enabling all generations to live independently in housing which adapts to their needs as they age.</p><p>The Government is working hard to ensure our economy is protected in the long term and is committed to building more homes. We will continue our progress towards our target of 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s. This will see us build at least a million more homes, of all tenures, over the next Parliament – in the areas that really need them. This includes reform of the planning system, including ensuring that planning permissions are built out more quickly, and more than £44bn of financial support over five years to 2022/2023.</p><p>We are continuing to work with providers and others to ensure we can provide a range of housing options to meet the needs of everyone including older people and welcome this report as a contribution to the debate about how we can encourage the provision of a range of high-quality housing options for older people.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 16/06/2020 15:00:14 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1191857

registered interest
date	29/04/2020
answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept id	7
answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
hansard heading	Local Government: Devolution
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to (1) restore the position of Directors of Public Health as executive board members of local authorities, (2) review local authority staffing levels and budgets, (3) give responsibility for testing and contact tracing to local authorities, and (4) decentralise such operations from Whitehall.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL3675
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/05/2020 answer text <p>MHCLG continues to work closely with local authorities to ensure they can respond to the Covid-19 crisis.</p><p>It is not for government to review local authority staffing levels and budgets. As democratically elected organisations local authorities are independent from central government. This means that they are responsible for managing their financial budgets and ensuring that they have a capable workforce in order to deliver a quality service to residents. Councils, rather than central government, are best placed to make independent decisions on staffing so that they can deliver within the resources available and with an understanding of what is best value for local taxpayers.</p><p>To support local authorities in the fight against coronavirus, government is giving the sector an unprecedented £3.2 billion in additional funding</p><p>As part of our efforts to increase testing, the Department for Health and Social Care has contacted each of the Local Resilience Forums to outline how they can work effectively in responding to local demand. Part of this will include coordinating the deployment of Mobile Testing Units (MTUs), which have been designed to clinical requirements by Army engineers and can be easily set up in under 20 minutes.</p><p>With regard to contact tracing, we recognise that there needs to be a strong and complementary localised element to the national track and trace model. Developing a truly integrated approach will ensure that the national offer is well linked with local community support for those who may need to self-isolate. That is why my Department is working closely with DHSC and local bodies to understand how we can best do this.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 14/05/2020 13:49:25 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool