Committee publication · Correspondence · 19 November 2025
Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State dated 19 November 2025 following up his appearance before the Committee on 11 November
From: Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Inquiry: The Work of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Summary
Chair Florence Eshalomi's follow-up letter to Housing Secretary Steve Reed after his 11 November evidence session. The Committee seeks written clarification on eight areas: timing of homelessness and housing strategies; Building Safety Regulator performance; New Towns site selection and methodology; leasehold reform action; Electoral Commission policy statement; private rented sector impact analysis; Devolution Priority Programme delays; and Grenfell inquiry oversight. Responses requested by 3 December 2025.
Key findings
- Committee seeks confirmation on publication dates for homelessness strategy and long-term housing strategy, both reportedly delayed due to ministerial changeover
- Building Safety Regulator identified as 'one of the biggest problems' for new housing delivery; Committee wants timeline for 12-week deadline compliance
- Government identified three 'most promising' New Towns sites (Tempsford, Crews Hill, Leeds South Bank) from 12 potential locations, but Committee requests clarification on selection methodology and protections for all 12 sites
- Secretary of State committed to action on 'fleecehold' estates charges; Committee seeks details and confirmation whether draft Leasehold and Commonhold Bill will address this
- Committee expresses concern about new Strategy and Policy Statement for Electoral Commission potentially affecting independence, despite predecessor committee and Electoral Commission Chair recommending repeal of the primary legislation
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Steve Reed MP, Florence Eshalomi MP, Matthew Pennycook MP, Samantha Dixon MP, Dame Sarah Healey, Grenfell United, Electoral Commission
Notable line
“"one of the biggest problems we have had so far " in getting new homes built.”
Key Quotes
“… with a new Secretary of State and new Ministers coming into post, we need to take time to look at where we are and make sure that we are happy”
“We will do it as quickly as we can”
“"one of the biggest problems we have had so far " in getting new homes built.”
“The [New Towns] Taskforce completed its work and identified 12 potential sites to proceed as locations for New Towns. Of those that the Taskforce identified, there were three that looked the most promising”
“… it does not sound right”
“… we intend to designate a new Strategy and Policy Statement for the Electoral Commission to reflect this Government's priorities for elections and the Commission's increased roles and responsibilities”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗