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1121591

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
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
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what specific legislative measures they have taken since the publication of Fixing our broken housing market (Cm 9352) on 7 February 2017.
tabling member printed	Lord Kennedy of Southwark
uin	HL15242
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>In February 2017 we published our Housing White Paper setting out our strategy for fixing our broken housing market. We have taken forward or sponsored four major pieces of relevant legislation since then, as part of our comprehensive package of reform which implements the White Paper and builds on it further. These reforms will make our housing market work better and support our ambition to raise housing supply to 300,000 per year by the mid-2020s.</p><p>The legislative measures we have implemented include the Neighbourhood Planning Act, which received Royal Assent on 27 April 2017. It introduced wide ranging changes to neighbourhood planning, planning conditions and compulsory purchase.</p><p>In 2017, we backed the Homelessness Reduction Act, which transforms the culture of homelessness service delivery. From April 2018, the Act has ensured that, for the first time, local authorities, public services and the third sector will work together to actively prevent homelessness for people at risk.</p><p>We also backed the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, which came into force in March and empowers tenants to hold their landlords to account if they fail to keep the property fit for human habitation.</p><p>Most recently, we brought forward the Tenant Fees Act 2019, which bans unfair letting fees paid by tenants in the private rented sector and caps tenancy deposits in England. This is part of a wider package of measures aimed at rebalancing the relationship between tenants and landlords to deliver a fairer, good quality and more affordable private rented sector. The ban on unfair letting fees will come into force on 1 June 2019.</p><p>More widely, the Government has bought forward at least £44 billion of financial support to 2022/23 to increase housing supply and diversify the housing market, as well as reforms such as the revision of the National Planning Policy Framework to ensure more land is available for housing whilst protecting the Green Belt.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth question first answered 29/04/2019 15:29:17 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	4153 label Biography information for Lord Kennedy of Southwark

1121593

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
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	Council Housing: 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 need for additional council house provision for older people in rural areas.
tabling member printed	Lord Kennedy of Southwark
uin	HL15244
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>It is for local authorities in rural areas to determine the need for additional council housing provision for older people. We are giving local authorities the tools they need to build. We have abolished the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap, so that local authorities have the freedom to borrow to build in line with the Prudential Code. Additionally, local authorities can bid alongside housing associations for the £9 billion Affordable Homes Programme to build affordable homes; and we are providing a longer term rent deal for 5 years from 2020 so that councils have a stable investment environment to deliver new homes.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth question first answered 29/04/2019 15:40:55 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	4153 label Biography information for Lord Kennedy of Southwark

1121595

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
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: Property Transfer
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, when a local authority acts, for a fee, as a guarantor for a property transaction in which it has no other interest in a distant local authority the details of this transaction should be (1) available to the public, (2) reported in that authority's accounts, and (3) subject to permission from central government; and if so, how.
tabling member printed	Lord Lucas
uin	HL15246
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>The general power of competence is provided for in section 1 of the Localism Act 2011. It gives councils confidence in their legal capacity to act for communities and is designed to allow local authorities to innovate. Prior to the 2011 Act, local authorities could only do what Parliament had provided they could do – local authorities were given discrete, often narrowly defined powers. The general power of competence was provided on the basis that local authorities would be able to do anything that an individual with full capacity might do, other than that which is specifically prohibited, with some limitations. Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 also builds on existing powers to charge and to trade. If a local authority wishes to trade for a commercial purpose, this must be carried out through a company. Anyone has a right to request information from a public authority, including a company that is wholly owned by a public authority.</p><p>If a local authority receives a fee for services that it provides it will need to ensure that those transactions are accurately reflected in the annual financial accounts, which it is required to complete. The annual accounts should reflect requirements of the relevant accounting and reporting framework. Proper accounting practices for local authorities are set by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). Local authorities also need to comply with legislative requirements set out in statute. One specific requirement that local authorities are required to include in their accounts concerns related party transactions. These items should be shown as a disclosure note which supplements the core financial statements. However, it will only be disclosed where the transactions are material. In addition, local authorities complete annual statistical returns of their expenditure which are submitted to MHCLG. These returns should include all income that a local authority receives throughout the year including fees and charges. The RO forms for 2017/18 can be found at the following link: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/local-authority-revenue-expenditure-and-financing-england-2017-to-2018-individual-local-authority-data-outturn" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/local-authority-revenue-expenditure-and-financing-england-2017-to-2018-individual-local-authority-data-outturn</a>.</p><p>If a local authority provides a service using their general power of competence, they are not required to seek permission from central Government. The Secretary of State has powers to limit local authorities use of the general power of competence, subject to Parliamentary approval of an Order.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth question first answered 29/04/2019 15:35:59 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth attachment 1 file name 190429 RS2017-18 data by LA revised - HL15246.xlsx title The RO forms 2017/18
tabling member	1879 label Biography information for Lord Lucas

1121596

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
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: Borrowing
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government when a local authority borrows via the Public Works Loan Board to invest in commercial property principally in order to make a margin to help finance expenditure, what rules set out how this should be disclosed in their accounts; and what permissions they require from central government to borrow such money for such an investment.
tabling member printed	Lord Lucas
uin	HL15247
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>The Prudential Framework allows local authorities to borrow without Government consent, subject to being satisfied they can afford to service the costs of borrowing through available resources.The decision making process for capital investment and borrowing decisions is devolved to the local authority. Central Government’s responsibility in this area is to set the framework which local authorities operate within.</p><p>Whilst local authorities determine their own capital programmes, legislation states that local authorities have to have regard to The Prudential Code which is issued and updated by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). The prudential framework is designed to ensure that the capital expenditure plans of a local authority, including commercial property investments, are affordable, prudent and sustainable. This will include the setting of a number of prudential indicators relating to affordable borrowing levels which have to be approved by full council every year.</p><p>To further support the Prudential Framework, last year we updated The Statutory Guidance on Local Authority Investments. It was updated with the intention of ensuring that local authorities take investment decisions after careful consideration of risk and proportionality, including the potential benefits. The Guidance can be viewed using the link (attached) below: <br><a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/678866/Guidance_on_local_government_investments.pdf" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/678866/Guidance_on_local_government_investments.pdf</a></p><p>When accounting for investments in commercial property, local authorities are required to comply with proper accounting practices, which are updated annually by CIPFA through their Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting. The Code interprets international financial reporting standards for application by local authorities in a way that is consistent with the specific legislative requirements of the sector.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth question first answered 29/04/2019 15:40:24 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth attachment 1 file name 190429 Guidance_on_local_government_investments - HL15247.pdf title Guidance
tabling member	1879 label Biography information for Lord Lucas

1121597

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
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: Audit
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what rules apply to the setting of a level of materiality in local authority audits; who enforces those rules; and whether a level of materiality in excess of ten per cent of a council’s annual turnover is unusual.
tabling member printed	Lord Lucas
uin	HL15248
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/04/2019 answer text <p>Local authority auditors are required to comply with International Auditing Standards (IAS) when they set materiality thresholds for local authority audits. IAS 320 states that the auditor's determination of materiality is a matter of professional judgement and it explains that misstatements, including omissions, are considered to be material if they, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements</p><p><br> It is not our role to make a judgement on whether the materiality level set by an auditor is unusual or not. However, when setting the materiality level, the auditor should ensure their judgement is justified transparently including a demonstration of how they have designed their audit work to suit the structure and operations of local authorities</p><p><br> If a person wants to make a complaint about the work of an auditor, in the first instance they should complain directly to the senior audit partner using the firm's complaint processes. Auditors are obligated to consider all complaints. Following that, if the complaint is not resolved, further escalation can be made to the auditor's Responsible Supervisory Body (RSB).</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth question first answered 24/04/2019 12:43:29 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	1879 label Biography information for Lord Lucas

1110681

registered interest
date	09/04/2019
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	To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish guidance for local authorities under the Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017 on the provision of specialist housing for older people.
tabling member printed	Baroness Greengross
uin	HL15145
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/04/2019 answer text <p>In the revised National Planning Policy Framework, published in July 2018, we strengthened policy to create a clear expectation that all local authorities have policies in place for addressing the housing needs of older people. We will publish further planning guidance, to assist councils to put these policies in place, in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning Act commitment. We have undertaken extensive engagement in relation to the guidance. This includes discussions with a range of local authorities, charities, house builder representatives, and providers of specialist housing for older people, to identify and discuss the key issues. We will publish the guidance in due course.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth grouped question UIN HL15146 question first answered 15/04/2019 15:53:45 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	2518 label Biography information for Baroness Greengross

1110682

registered interest
date	09/04/2019
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	To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultation they have carried out with (1) local authorities, and (2) others, including providers of specialist housing for older people, about guidance to local authorities under the Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017 on the provision of specialist housing for older people.
tabling member printed	Baroness Greengross
uin	HL15146
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/04/2019 answer text <p>In the revised National Planning Policy Framework, published in July 2018, we strengthened policy to create a clear expectation that all local authorities have policies in place for addressing the housing needs of older people. We will publish further planning guidance, to assist councils to put these policies in place, in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning Act commitment. We have undertaken extensive engagement in relation to the guidance. This includes discussions with a range of local authorities, charities, house builder representatives, and providers of specialist housing for older people, to identify and discuss the key issues. We will publish the guidance in due course.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth grouped question UIN HL15145 question first answered 15/04/2019 15:53:45 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	2518 label Biography information for Baroness Greengross

1110696

registered interest
date	09/04/2019
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	Planning
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 28 January (HL12849), when they expect the revised planning practice guidance, which follows from the National Planning Policy Framework 2018, to be introduced.
tabling member printed	Baroness Randerson
uin	HL15160
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2019 answer text <p>The Government is committed to updating the planning practice guidance in line with the recently published National Planning Policy Framework. My Written Answer sets out what progress the Government has made towards developing new national planning practice guidance, which covers the development of new road schemes that offer shared space between pedestrians, motorists and other road users.</p><p>The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is continuing to work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT), on guidance relating to sustainable transport and accessibility which will address shared space schemes and inclusive spaces. DfT are also working with Transport Scotland undertaking research on the issue of inclusive street design. To align the planning practice guidance with the work that DfT are doing, MHCLG anticipates being able to publish the sustainable transport and accessibility guidance in Autumn, depending on the timescales of the work feeding into this.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth question first answered 25/04/2019 12:10:30 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	4230 label Biography information for Baroness Randerson

1109891

registered interest
date	04/04/2019
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 whether their proposed Future Homes Standard to mandate the end of fossil-fuelled heating systems in all new houses after 2025 will also cover fossil-fuelled cookers and hobs; and what assessment they have made of what alternative technologies or fuels will be used in in their place.
tabling member printed	Lord Turnbull
uin	HL15083
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/04/2019 answer text <p>The Future Homes Standard will require all new build homes to have low carbon heating. Cooking appliances are not controlled under the Building Regulations, however, we expect that many developers will choose not to install new gas connections in developments adopting the Future Homes Standard. There are a range of alternatives, including modern electric and induction hobs, which are cleaner and safer to use than gas, cheaper to install and maintain, and better for the environment.</p><p>The Future Homes Standard is about building homes that are affordable to buy, affordable to run, and help to meet our climate change commitments. We will set out further details as part of our 2019 consultation on the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth grouped question UIN HL15084 question first answered 15/04/2019 15:49:35 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	3758 label Biography information for Lord Turnbull

1109892

registered interest
date	04/04/2019
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 impact that their proposed Future Homes Standard will have on (1) the cost of building new homes, and (2) people’s fuel bills.
tabling member printed	Lord Turnbull
uin	HL15084
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/04/2019 answer text <p>The Future Homes Standard will require all new build homes to have low carbon heating. Cooking appliances are not controlled under the Building Regulations, however, we expect that many developers will choose not to install new gas connections in developments adopting the Future Homes Standard. There are a range of alternatives, including modern electric and induction hobs, which are cleaner and safer to use than gas, cheaper to install and maintain, and better for the environment.</p><p>The Future Homes Standard is about building homes that are affordable to buy, affordable to run, and help to meet our climate change commitments. We will set out further details as part of our 2019 consultation on the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations.</p> answering member printed Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth grouped question UIN HL15083 question first answered 15/04/2019 15:49:35 answering member 4282 label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
tabling member	3758 label Biography information for Lord Turnbull