Every parliamentary written question tabled by Al Pinkerton this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 41–60 of 137 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of funding for new unitary authorities in Surrey, including in (a) statutory services and (b) wider local infrastructure and housing provision.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 99016 on 19 December 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with (a) Surrey County Council and (b) borough councils in west Surrey on the financial arrangements for a proposed unitary authority.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 99016 on 19 December 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of (a) homelessness and (b) temporary accommodation on (i) families and (ii) children in Surrey Heath constituency.
Homelessness is one of the deepest forms of poverty. A stay in temporary accommodation is linked to worse outcomes for children’s education, health and future.Through our Child Poverty Strategy and National Plan to End Homelessness, this government is focussing on delivering long-term solutions to tackle poverty, boost living standards, and address the lack of affordable housing supply, whilst also taking immediate action to end the unlawful use of Bed and Breakfasts for families, improve the quality of temporary accommodation and reduce the costs for councils.
Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to support leaseholders who are affected by building works in Surrey Heath constituency.
My Department has had no discussions with local authorities regarding specific issues affecting leaseholders in the Surrey Heath constituency.On 4 July, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. The consultation included proposals to reform the section 20 ‘major works’ procedure, increase transparency over service charges and enhance access to redress through the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. It can be found on gov.uk here. The consultation closed on 26 September and we are analysing responses.
Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with local authorities on issues affecting leaseholders in Surrey Heath constituency.
My Department has had no discussions with local authorities regarding specific issues affecting leaseholders in the Surrey Heath constituency.On 4 July, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. The consultation included proposals to reform the section 20 ‘major works’ procedure, increase transparency over service charges and enhance access to redress through the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. It can be found on gov.uk here. The consultation closed on 26 September and we are analysing responses.
Communities and Local Government, what recent estimate his Department has of the number of council homes in Surrey Heath constituency.
My Department does not collect data on the number of council homes at a constituency level.Information on the number of council homes owned by local authorities is available in Live Table 116 which can be found on gov.uk here.
Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with Surrey Heath Borough Council on brownfield site development in Surrey Heath constituency.
The Surrey Heath constituency has so far received a total funding of £1,480,300 from the Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 to release land for 132 homes. Our delivery partner OPE monitor progress and provide practical and technical support to deliver new homes on derelict and underused brownfield land in the Surrey Heath constituency and is responsible for continued engagement with Surrey Heath Borough Council on brownfield site development. The government has also announced £5bn of capital grant funding for infrastructure and land through the new National Housing Delivery Fund. This Fund will be fully operational from 1 April 2026 and will complement investment from the new National Housing Bank.
Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to provide additional funding to support brownfield site development in Surrey Heath constituency.
The Surrey Heath constituency has so far received a total funding of £1,480,300 from the Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 to release land for 132 homes. Our delivery partner OPE monitor progress and provide practical and technical support to deliver new homes on derelict and underused brownfield land in the Surrey Heath constituency and is responsible for continued engagement with Surrey Heath Borough Council on brownfield site development. The government has also announced £5bn of capital grant funding for infrastructure and land through the new National Housing Delivery Fund. This Fund will be fully operational from 1 April 2026 and will complement investment from the new National Housing Bank.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the requirement for new safety documentation where existing reports are not accepted on leaseholders.
Under the Building Assessment Certificate (BACs) process, Accountable Persons (APs) for higher-risk buildings must provide information about their building that demonstrates how they are managing building safety risks related to the spread of fire and structural failure. This is to ensure that accountable persons hold the information and documentation they need in order to be able to manage a building safely. In many cases, APs will already hold and have access to documentation that shows how they are meeting these requirements. If existing reports demonstrate that the AP is managing safety risks effectively, they will be accepted as part of the BACs process. Only where necessary information is missing will APs have to take reasonable steps to collect it, which may include undertaking surveys and commissioning further reports. To assist APs in understanding the requirements of the BACs regime, the Building Safety Regulator has produced online resources covering the BAC application and assessment process here.
Communities and Local Government, if he will make an estimate of the potential impact of local government reorganisation in Surrey on savings to local authorities.
As set out to the House on 28 October, we considered the two proposals for unitary local government received from Surrey councils on 9 May together with the responses to the consultation, representations and all other relevant information. In our judgement the proposal for East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council better meets the criteria set out in the invitation of 5 February 2025. In accordance with the guidance provided to two-tier areas, it is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. Councils are responsible for working through the implications relating to local government reorganisation, including costs and merits. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector as we work together to deliver this ambitious agenda and has put in place measures to support and advise areas. The Department will continue to meet with councils in Surrey regularly on a range of policy matters.
Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions his Department has had with local authorities in Surrey that are due to form the west unitary authority under local government reorganisation.
As set out to the House on 28 October, we considered the two proposals for unitary local government received from Surrey councils on 9 May together with the responses to the consultation, representations and all other relevant information. In our judgement the proposal for East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council better meets the criteria set out in the invitation of 5 February 2025. In accordance with the guidance provided to two-tier areas, it is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. Councils are responsible for working through the implications relating to local government reorganisation, including costs and merits. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector as we work together to deliver this ambitious agenda and has put in place measures to support and advise areas. The Department will continue to meet with councils in Surrey regularly on a range of policy matters.
Communities and Local Government, whether his Department will assess the potential impact of local government reorganisation in Surrey on the economy of (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency.
As set out to the House on 28 October, we considered the two proposals for unitary local government received from Surrey councils on 9 May together with the responses to the consultation, representations and all other relevant information. In our judgement the proposal for East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council better meets the criteria set out in the invitation of 5 February 2025. In accordance with the guidance provided to two-tier areas, it is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. Councils are responsible for working through the implications relating to local government reorganisation, including costs and merits. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector as we work together to deliver this ambitious agenda and has put in place measures to support and advise areas. The Department will continue to meet with councils in Surrey regularly on a range of policy matters.
Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of service charges on retirement home (a) residents and (b) sales in Surrey Heath constituency.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 68820 on 2 September 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment his Department has made of the financial sustainability of the proposed West Surrey unitary authority.
As set out to the House on 28 October, we considered the two proposals for unitary local government received from Surrey councils on 9 May together with the responses to the consultation, representations and all other relevant information. In our judgement the proposal for East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council better meets the criteria set out in the invitation of 5 February 2025. In particular, we believe it performs better against the second criterion, as it is more likely to be financially sustainable. West Surrey Council will, subject to Parliament, comprise the current districts of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking. On 28 October, we also announced our commitment to repay in-principle £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27. This is a significant and unprecedented commitment given historic capital practices at the Council and the value for money case for acting to protect local and national taxpayers. This is a first tranche of repayment support, and we will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point. The Government remains committed to achieving the best value for money for the taxpayer in the rationalisation of Woking’s assets, and this process is likely to continue past vesting day in West Surrey. We are committed to supporting the new council with the rationalisation of Woking’s assets, whether through the provision of interim financial support and/or commercial support and expertise until this process is complete.
Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to encourage newly eligible young voters to participate in elections in Surrey Heath constituency.
The Electoral Commission’s 2023 report on electoral registers found that young people are among the least likely groups to be registered to vote. As set out in our Strategy for modern and secure elections, the Government is committed to improving voter registration, which includes work to support groups who are less likely to be registered.A comprehensive programme of work is underway, involving collaboration with the Electoral Commission, local authorities, think tanks, academics, and civil society organisations. This programme is focused on identifying the attitudinal and knowledge barriers that prevent those with historically low participation, including young people, from becoming democratically active, and on exploring effective interventions to overcome these challenges. Over the coming years, we will work to create a new automated registration system, removing key barriers to eligible citizens participating in our democracy. We want young people to find their voice and exercise their right to vote – registering to vote is a vital first step towards doing that. We also want to build and encourage long-lasting engagement of young people with our democracy. Evidence from places that have lowered the voting age shows that doing so can increase turnout when implemented in a supportive environment. That is why the Government is committed to extending the right to vote to 16-and-17-year-olds and working alongside the Electoral Commission and civil society organisations to ensure that young people are both prepared and motivated to exercise their democratic rights. We hope that this early engagement will build the foundations for lifetime participation in our electoral processes. While we are making these changes, we want to talk to young people to ensure we’re putting their needs at the centre of our policy making. We will work with other key actors to consider what additional measures can support schools, colleges, and youth groups to roll out practical voter/civic education. We know that it is imperative that citizenship education is fit for purpose in order to support this change. Following the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review and its recommendations to the Government, we have committed to make citizenship compulsory in primary schools and to publish revised programmes of study to ensure that all pupils receive an essential grounding in a range of topics including democracy, government and law. The Department for Education will consult on programmes of study next year and the new national curriculum will be published in 2027 for first teaching in 2028. Altogether, we will create an environment in which young people understand their rights and responsibilities, and where they are equipped and empowered to participate in our democracy.
Communities and Local Government, what steps he has taken to raise awareness of voter registration requirements among young people in Surrey Heath constituency.
The Electoral Commission’s 2023 report on electoral registers found that young people are among the least likely groups to be registered to vote. As set out in our Strategy for modern and secure elections, the Government is committed to improving voter registration, which includes work to support groups who are less likely to be registered.A comprehensive programme of work is underway, involving collaboration with the Electoral Commission, local authorities, think tanks, academics, and civil society organisations. This programme is focused on identifying the attitudinal and knowledge barriers that prevent those with historically low participation, including young people, from becoming democratically active, and on exploring effective interventions to overcome these challenges. Over the coming years, we will work to create a new automated registration system, removing key barriers to eligible citizens participating in our democracy. We want young people to find their voice and exercise their right to vote – registering to vote is a vital first step towards doing that. We also want to build and encourage long-lasting engagement of young people with our democracy. Evidence from places that have lowered the voting age shows that doing so can increase turnout when implemented in a supportive environment. That is why the Government is committed to extending the right to vote to 16-and-17-year-olds and working alongside the Electoral Commission and civil society organisations to ensure that young people are both prepared and motivated to exercise their democratic rights. We hope that this early engagement will build the foundations for lifetime participation in our electoral processes. While we are making these changes, we want to talk to young people to ensure we’re putting their needs at the centre of our policy making. We will work with other key actors to consider what additional measures can support schools, colleges, and youth groups to roll out practical voter/civic education. We know that it is imperative that citizenship education is fit for purpose in order to support this change. Following the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review and its recommendations to the Government, we have committed to make citizenship compulsory in primary schools and to publish revised programmes of study to ensure that all pupils receive an essential grounding in a range of topics including democracy, government and law. The Department for Education will consult on programmes of study next year and the new national curriculum will be published in 2027 for first teaching in 2028. Altogether, we will create an environment in which young people understand their rights and responsibilities, and where they are equipped and empowered to participate in our democracy.
Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to help improve voter participation in Surrey Heath constituency.
The Department is taking forward a comprehensive programme of work to improve voter participation. This work is being designed in close collaboration with the Electoral Commission, local authorities, think tanks, academics and civil society organisations.It is focused on identifying the attitudinal and knowledge barriers that prevent groups with historically low participation from engaging fully in the democratic process, and on considering the most effective interventions to address these challenges. This work will continue to inform targeted actions to support greater participation in constituencies.
Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of voter registration among young people in Surrey Heath constituency.
The Electoral Commission’s 2023 report on electoral registers found that young people are among the least likely groups to be registered to vote. As set out in our Strategy for modern and secure elections, the Government is committed to improving voter registration, which includes work to support groups who are less likely to be registered.A comprehensive programme of work is underway, involving collaboration with the Electoral Commission, local authorities, think tanks, academics, and civil society organisations. This programme is focused on identifying the attitudinal and knowledge barriers that prevent those with historically low participation, including young people, from becoming democratically active, and on exploring effective interventions to overcome these challenges. Over the coming years, we will work to create a new automated registration system, removing key barriers to eligible citizens participating in our democracy. We want young people to find their voice and exercise their right to vote – registering to vote is a vital first step towards doing that. We also want to build and encourage long-lasting engagement of young people with our democracy. Evidence from places that have lowered the voting age shows that doing so can increase turnout when implemented in a supportive environment. That is why the Government is committed to extending the right to vote to 16-and-17-year-olds and working alongside the Electoral Commission and civil society organisations to ensure that young people are both prepared and motivated to exercise their democratic rights. We hope that this early engagement will build the foundations for lifetime participation in our electoral processes. While we are making these changes, we want to talk to young people to ensure we’re putting their needs at the centre of our policy making. We will work with other key actors to consider what additional measures can support schools, colleges, and youth groups to roll out practical voter/civic education. We know that it is imperative that citizenship education is fit for purpose in order to support this change. Following the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review and its recommendations to the Government, we have committed to make citizenship compulsory in primary schools and to publish revised programmes of study to ensure that all pupils receive an essential grounding in a range of topics including democracy, government and law. The Department for Education will consult on programmes of study next year and the new national curriculum will be published in 2027 for first teaching in 2028. Altogether, we will create an environment in which young people understand their rights and responsibilities, and where they are equipped and empowered to participate in our democracy.
Communities and Local Government, what funding has been allocated to homelessness services in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency for winter 2025-26.
The Government is investing more than £1 billion in homelessness services in 2025/26. This includes £255.5 million for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant so that local authorities can support people sleeping rough in their areas, including a £69.9 million top up announced in October to tackle additional pressures. Allocations are published on GOV.UK here. It is for each local authority to determine what service provision is appropriate for the needs of their areas.
Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the support available to people sleeping rough in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency during winter 2025-26.
The Government is investing more than £1 billion in homelessness services in 2025/26. This includes £255.5 million for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant so that local authorities can support people sleeping rough in their areas, including a £69.9 million top up announced in October to tackle additional pressures. Allocations are published on GOV.UK here. It is for each local authority to determine what service provision is appropriate for the needs of their areas.