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1235921

registered interest
date	21/09/2020
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	Refuges: Domestic Abuse
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 number of specialist BME refuges for victims of domestic violence that have closed in the last 12 months as a result of local authorities switching contracts to larger generic charities.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL8314
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/10/2020 answer text <p>The Government does not hold this data centrally. Local authorities often make commissioning decisions based on their specific local needs.</p><p>The Government recognises the support that BAME specialist refuges provide for victims of domestic abuse and their children. During 2020/21 we have funded and supported specialist refuges, including BAME specialist services, through our £10 million domestic abuse COVID-19 emergency funding.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 05/10/2020 13:28:07 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1235922

registered interest
date	21/09/2020
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: Procurement
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they intend to have with local authorities about the case for changing procurement policies to ensure that local specialist services including BME refuges for victims of domestic violence continue to receive contracts.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL8315
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/10/2020 answer text <p>Depending on the value of any specific contracting opportunity, local authorities will need to comply with the general principles of procurement outlined in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. This includes a regulatory responsibility to apply equal treatment to bidding organisations. Local authorities are also required to consider the Social Value Act as part of their contracting processes.</p><p>My officials have held workshops with local authorities from across the country to support them in preparing for the implementation of the new duty, including discussions on the importance of assessing the needs of all victims and providing specialist domestic abuse services as required. We will continue to work closely with local authorities and the sector.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 05/10/2020 13:28:39 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1195233

registered interest
date	12/05/2020
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	Voluntary Organisations: Coronavirus
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they have given to local resilience forums about engagement with voluntary organisations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL4236
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/05/2020 answer text <p>The role of the voluntary sector in supporting the preparation, response and recovery from emergencies is set out in Chapter 14 of the Cabinet Office’s publication on Emergency Preparedness. Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) have well established structures in place to work with voluntary sector organisations and we expect them to do so.</p><p>To support their work, Government published advice on how the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector can safely and effectively support the country through Covid-19. Furthermore, we announced a £750 million package of support for charities to ensure they can continue their vital work during the Covid-19 outbreak.</p> answering member printed Lord Greenhalgh question first answered 20/05/2020 15:06:36 answering member 4877 label Biography information for Lord Greenhalgh
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1178127

registered interest
date	12/02/2020
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	Carbon Monoxide: Alarms
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government wat assessment they have made of the research conducted by Which? into the effectiveness of carbon monoxide alarms, published in June 2018.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL1582
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/02/2020 answer text <p>In 2019, the Office for Product Safety and Standards examined a small sample of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms for compliance with safety requirements. It found that nine out of ten were compliant and the remaining carbon monoxide product was over-sensitive which did not give rise to safety concerns.</p><p>UK product safety legislation requires products, including carbon monoxide alarms, to be safe before they can be sold to consumers. Where the installation of carbon monoxide alarms is required by law or recommended, Government advice is that they should comply with British Standard BS EN 50291.</p> answering member printed Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist question first answered 25/02/2020 14:18:07 answering member 4582 label Biography information for Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1174075

registered interest
date	28/01/2020
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	Mobility Scooters
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 capacity of planning legislation to allow for the assessment of (1) the potential increase of mobility scooter use, and (2) any increase in risk to users of mobility scooters and others arising out of that increase, due to the building of care properties.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL846
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/02/2020 answer text <p>The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that applications for development should address the needs of people with disabilities and reduced mobility in relation to all modes of transport, and that developments should create places that are safe, inclusive and accessible. These policies should ensure that when considering planning applications, such as the building of care properties, local authorities take account of the needs of all users, including users of mobility scooters, and satisfy their obligations under the equalities legislation.</p><p>The department's officials have been working closely with officials at DfT to produce planning practice guidance on sustainable transport and accessibility which will be published shortly, and will sit alongside the National Design Guide which provides guidance on designing movement networks that are safe and accessible for all.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 11/02/2020 16:05:02 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1174077

registered interest
date	28/01/2020
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	Care Homes: Fire Regulations
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 case for a statutory maximum height for care homes to enable reasonable escape provisions in the event of fires, particularly taking into account the prevalence of (1) reduced mobility, and (2) dementia, of such residents.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL848
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/02/2020 answer text <p>On 18 December, the Government published, a call for evidence to form the basis for a technical review of Approved Document B (Fire Safety). Paragraphs 35 to 36 address the issue of means of escape for disabled people. The call for evidence closed on 15 March 2019 and the Department published in September 2019 an analysis of the responses to the call for evidence which is available (attached) at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/technical-review-of-approved-document-b-of-the-building-regulations-a-call-for-evidence" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/technical-review-of-approved-document-b-of-the-building-regulations-a-call-for-evidence</a></p><p>The Secretary of State announced in his letter to the House on 20 January 2020 that he will set out detailed plans for the full technical review of fire safety guidance in February, including a review of means of escape for disabled people.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 11/02/2020 17:08:58 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie attachment 1 file name 200211 Analysis of responses to the call for Evidence - HL848.pdf title Call for evidence
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1170166

registered interest
date	13/01/2020
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	Leasehold: Older People
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 finding by The Times, published on 23 November 2019, of the loss in value of new build retirement homes as a result of ground rent and service charges levied by management companies.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL313
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>Unfair leasehold practices have no place in a modern housing market. The Government is taking forward a comprehensive programme to reform leasehold. This includes reducing ground rents on future leases to a zero and banning new leasehold houses.</p><p>The Government’s response to the technical consultation <em>Implementing reforms to the leasehold system in England</em>, published on 27 June 2019, set out that in future, purchasers of retirement homes must be offered the choice between paying ground rents on their new home or purchasing the property with zero ground rents (but with a higher sales price). In addition, ground rents cannot be used where event (exit) fees apply.</p><p>The law is clear that service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to work or services, the work or services must be of a reasonable standard. Leaseholders may make an application to the First-tier Tribunal to make a determination on the reasonableness of their service charges.</p><p>In October 2018 my Department established an independent Regulation of Property Agents working group, chaired by Lord Best, to raise standards across the property sector, which also considered how fees such as service charges should be presented to consumers, and whether they should be capped or banned. The working group reported in July 2019 and we are considering their recommendations.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 27/01/2020 17:55:19 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1170167

registered interest
date	13/01/2020
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	Leasehold: Older People
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the findings, published by The Times on 23 November 2019, of the loss in value of new build retirement homes, whether they intend to hold discussions with the Solicitors Regulation Authority about housebuilders suggesting to prospective buyers that they use solicitors proposed by the house builder.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL314
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>Home buyers are under no obligation to use the solicitor recommended by their developer and the Government makes this point clearly in its How to Buy a Home guide (attached). <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/829864/6.5492_-_MHCLG_-_How_to_Buy_Guide_WEB.PDF" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/829864/6.5492_-_MHCLG_-_How_to_Buy_Guide_WEB.PDF</a></p><p>There can be beneficial reasons for a property buyer to use a solicitor proposed by the house builder, such as greater familiarity with the processes of the house builder leading to fewer delays in the conveyancing process. The Solicitors Regulation Authority, however, is clear in setting standards of conduct and behaviour and provides a framework for ethical and competent practice.</p><p>If a homebuyer has a complaint against a conveyancer or solicitor, an estate agent, property developer, landlord or freeholder or management agent, they do have a right of redress. Trading Standards have published guidance for leaseholders seeking redress, which is available (attached) here: <a href="https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/7263/Guidance-for-consumers-seeking-redress-for-leasehold-matters" target="_blank">https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/7263/Guidance-for-consumers-seeking-redress-for-leasehold-matters</a>.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie attachment 1 file name 200121 How to Buy Home guide HL314.PDF title Home Guide 2 file name 200121 Leasehold a guide to redress HL314.pdf title Leasehold redress grouped question UIN HL315 question first answered 27/01/2020 17:54:09 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1170168

registered interest
date	13/01/2020
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	Leasehold: Older People
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the investigation by The Times of the loss in value of new build retirement homes as a result of ground rent and service charges levied by management companies where house builders suggest to prospective buyers that they use solicitors proposed by the house builder, published on 23 November 2019, what plans they have to ensure that independent advice is made available to such buyers.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL315
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>Home buyers are under no obligation to use the solicitor recommended by their developer and the Government makes this point clearly in its How to Buy a Home guide (attached). <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/829864/6.5492_-_MHCLG_-_How_to_Buy_Guide_WEB.PDF" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/829864/6.5492_-_MHCLG_-_How_to_Buy_Guide_WEB.PDF</a></p><p>There can be beneficial reasons for a property buyer to use a solicitor proposed by the house builder, such as greater familiarity with the processes of the house builder leading to fewer delays in the conveyancing process. The Solicitors Regulation Authority, however, is clear in setting standards of conduct and behaviour and provides a framework for ethical and competent practice.</p><p>If a homebuyer has a complaint against a conveyancer or solicitor, an estate agent, property developer, landlord or freeholder or management agent, they do have a right of redress. Trading Standards have published guidance for leaseholders seeking redress, which is available (attached) here: <a href="https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/7263/Guidance-for-consumers-seeking-redress-for-leasehold-matters" target="_blank">https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/7263/Guidance-for-consumers-seeking-redress-for-leasehold-matters</a>.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie attachment 1 file name 200121 How to Buy Home guide HL314.PDF title Home Guide 2 file name 200121 Leasehold a guide to redress HL314.pdf title Leasehold redress grouped question UIN HL314 question first answered 27/01/2020 17:54:09 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

1170169

registered interest
date	13/01/2020
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	Leasehold: Older People
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that new proposals to reform leasehold law should include new retirement homes.
tabling member printed	Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
uin	HL316
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/01/2020 answer text <p>In developing and taking forward leasehold reforms, the Government is taking into consideration all relevant sectors of the UK housing market, including new retirement homes.</p> answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie question first answered 27/01/2020 17:55:33 answering member 4169 label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie
tabling member	2024 label Biography information for Lord Hunt of Kings Heath