Every parliamentary written question tabled by Alison Bennett this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1–7 of 7 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Communities and Local Government, when he plans to publish the timetable for local government reorganisation in Sussex.
The Government remains committed to the indicative timeline published in July 2025, on GOV.UK under “Summary of the local government reorganisation process”. Sussex is now in line with the remaining 14 areas undergoing local government reorganisation, wit...
Communities and Local Government, what consideration is being given by his Department to improving guidance and standards for public toilet provision to better accommodate stoma users.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 70255 on 4 September 2025 and UIN 117465 on 11 March 2026. The Building Safety Regulator has a duty, under s.5 Building Safety Act 2022, to keep the standard of buildings under review. Governme...
Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to implement the legislative changes proposed in the 'Strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England' consultation.
The government published its response to the consultation “Strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England” in November 2025. We intend to legislate on local government standards reforms when parliamentary time allows.
Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the report entitled Saving Lives Is Not Enough, published by the British Burn Association in August 2019.
I note this report is from 2019, my officials will discuss this further with colleagues in the Department for Health and Social Care, and the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) new planning proposals and (b) increased house building do not (i) negatively impact wildlife and (ii) worsen environmental degradation.
The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services. Development is restricted in areas which are designated for their environmental value. The revised National Planning Policy Framework we published on 12 December 2024 included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats, and hedgehogs. Local Nature Recovery Strategies are being prepared across England to set out priorities for nature recovery, map important habitats and identify opportunities for improvements. The government recently updated its Planning Practice Guidance to explain the role of Local Nature Recovery Strategies in the planning system and made clear as part of that update that these strategies will form an evidence base which may be a material consideration when making planning decisions. When it comes to development and the environment, we know we can do better than the status quo, which too often sees both sustainable housebuilding and nature recovery stall. Instead of environmental protections being seen as a barrier to growth, we want to unlock a win-win for the economy and for nature. Proposals for a Nature Restoration Fund are under development for inclusion in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Further information will be set out when the Bill is introduced.
Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of a time limit for claiming Council Tax exemption under Class F.
This exemption will apply until probate is granted (or letters of administration are signed) and while the dwelling remains unoccupied. A further 6-month exemption may apply following probate, so long as the dwelling remains unoccupied and has not been so...
Communities and Local Government, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to make (a) the Environment Agency, (b) the Health and Safety Executive and (c) local fire and rescue services statutory consultee
The Government has no plans to make these bodies statutory consultees on applications for battery energy storage systems. I would encourage applicants to refer to the relevant Planning Practice Guidance, which details what applicants seeking planning perm...