Written questions by Snowden.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of information provided to prospective homebuyers regarding the (a) terms and (b) implications of leasehold ownership at the point of sale.

Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, property listings must not omit information that the average consumer needs to make an informed transactional decision.On 9 February, the government announced action to improve the availability of property information. This will help transactions run more smoothly by ensuring all parties are able to access the information they need at the right time.In addition, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 contains measures to protect leasehold homeowners, including specific measures to improve the home buying and selling process by ensuring information required to sell a leasehold home is accessible at a reasonable cost. We will be consulting on the secondary legislation that is required to switch on these measures in due course.We continue to work with stakeholders across industry, government, and the public sector to understand the most effective way of supporting buyers to make the right decisions.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022, what steps her Department has taken to introduce (a) clearer and (b) fairer leasehold practices.

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 puts an end to ground rents for most new long residential leasehold properties in England and Wales. Ground rents have already been banned for most new residential long leases. This prevents landlords requiring a leaseholder to pay a financial ground rent. From 30 June 2022, if any ground rent is demanded as part of a new residential long lease it is regulated by that Act and cannot be for more than one peppercorn per year.  This limit for ground rent also applies to retirement homes for which the provisions came into force on 1 April 2023. The government remains firmly committed to its manifesto commitment to tackle unregulated and unaffordable ground rents, and we will deliver this in legislation.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of removing the requirement for leaseholders to require a landlord certificate from freeholders when (a) remortgaging and (b) selling a property.

A landlord certificate demonstrates, among other things, whether a leaseholder is exempt from paying for all costs associated with non-cladding defects. As such, the majority of leaseholders (defined as qualifying under the Building Safety Act) and potential purchasers will benefit from the provision of a landlord certificate. If a mortgage lender requests a copy of the landlord certificate for a mortgage or remortgage, whether they do so is their commercial decision and subject to their individual lending criteria. A certificate should be produced within four weeks of a leaseholder request, and this should not hold up a mortgage transaction.

Communities and Local Government, what support is available for leaseholders that are unable to obtain a landlord certificate from freeholders due to the freehold owners becoming insolvent.

When a landlord has gone into administration, it is normally the case that an Insolvency Practitioner/Administrator is appointed to handle their affairs and may provide leaseholders with a landlord's certificate when it is requested. If the appointed insolvency practitioner does not provide a valid landlord’s certificate which complies with the requirements outlined in the guidance, they will be unable to pass on the costs of remediating a relevant defect to the leaseholder who has requested the certificate.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to help tackle fraud in car parks.

The government is aware of concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of some parking operators and is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector. The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 requires the Secretary of State to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. My department is currently consulting on standards within the new Code and its compliance framework. The Private Parking Code of Practice Consultation is available on gov.uk here. The consultation closing date has recently been extended to 26 September 2025. Fraud investigations, however, are matter for the police.

Communities and Local Government, whether the new homes accelerator will prioritise (a) specific geographical areas and (b) types of housing need.

The New Homes Accelerator (NHA) is a collaboration between the government, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, local authorities, developers, and other key stakeholders. It aims to unblock and accelerate the delivery of housing developments that have for various reasons become delayed, or which are not progressing as quickly as they could be.The NHA is helping to progress large development sites across the country by providing site-specific support and also addressing system-wide constraints. To date, NHA has announced 16 sites for site-specific support, amounting to c.48,600 homes. Through addressing system-wide constraints, the NHA has helped overcome blockages on sites with capacity for c.63,000 homes.The NHA does not have a focus on particular geographical areas, although the programme will keep in mind wider government policy priorities when deciding on which sites will receive targeted support, such as the percentage of affordable housing a site is expected to deliver.The NHA targets support on development sites in England that are over 500 homes, with a particular focus on sites over 1,500 homes that are a) already in the planning system b) can be delivered this parliament and c) are viable without requiring substantial additional government funding or infrastructure investment.In FY25/26, the NHA is providing £2 million of funding to the Building Safety Regulator’s Fast Track Innovation Plan; £1 million of funding to statutory consultees to bolster resources and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where necessary; and £3.01 million of funding to local authorities for site-specific support. Future funding is subject to the outcome of business planning, following the Spending Review.

Communities and Local Government, what the objectives are of the new homes accelerator programme; and how success will be measured against those objectives.

The New Homes Accelerator (NHA) is a collaboration between the government, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, local authorities, developers, and other key stakeholders. It aims to unblock and accelerate the delivery of housing developments that have for various reasons become delayed, or which are not progressing as quickly as they could be.The NHA is helping to progress large development sites across the country by providing site-specific support and also addressing system-wide constraints. To date, NHA has announced 16 sites for site-specific support, amounting to c.48,600 homes. Through addressing system-wide constraints, the NHA has helped overcome blockages on sites with capacity for c.63,000 homes.The NHA does not have a focus on particular geographical areas, although the programme will keep in mind wider government policy priorities when deciding on which sites will receive targeted support, such as the percentage of affordable housing a site is expected to deliver.The NHA targets support on development sites in England that are over 500 homes, with a particular focus on sites over 1,500 homes that are a) already in the planning system b) can be delivered this parliament and c) are viable without requiring substantial additional government funding or infrastructure investment.In FY25/26, the NHA is providing £2 million of funding to the Building Safety Regulator’s Fast Track Innovation Plan; £1 million of funding to statutory consultees to bolster resources and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where necessary; and £3.01 million of funding to local authorities for site-specific support. Future funding is subject to the outcome of business planning, following the Spending Review.

Communities and Local Government, what funding has been allocated to the new homes accelerator during the Spending Review period.

The New Homes Accelerator (NHA) is a collaboration between the government, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, local authorities, developers, and other key stakeholders. It aims to unblock and accelerate the delivery of housing developments that have for various reasons become delayed, or which are not progressing as quickly as they could be.The NHA is helping to progress large development sites across the country by providing site-specific support and also addressing system-wide constraints. To date, NHA has announced 16 sites for site-specific support, amounting to c.48,600 homes. Through addressing system-wide constraints, the NHA has helped overcome blockages on sites with capacity for c.63,000 homes.The NHA does not have a focus on particular geographical areas, although the programme will keep in mind wider government policy priorities when deciding on which sites will receive targeted support, such as the percentage of affordable housing a site is expected to deliver.The NHA targets support on development sites in England that are over 500 homes, with a particular focus on sites over 1,500 homes that are a) already in the planning system b) can be delivered this parliament and c) are viable without requiring substantial additional government funding or infrastructure investment.In FY25/26, the NHA is providing £2 million of funding to the Building Safety Regulator’s Fast Track Innovation Plan; £1 million of funding to statutory consultees to bolster resources and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where necessary; and £3.01 million of funding to local authorities for site-specific support. Future funding is subject to the outcome of business planning, following the Spending Review.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment she has made of the (a) quality and (b) efficiency of radiator systems installed in new-build homes.

Statutory guidance on the design of radiator systems in new-build homes is set out in Approved Document L Volume 1, which accompanies Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations. This is intended to ensure that radiator systems in new homes are correctly sized, energy efficient, and equipped with appropriate controls. The most recent update to this guidance was made through the 2021 uplift to Part L, which came into effect in June 2022. The Future Homes and Buildings Standards (FHBS) consultation, which closed in March 2024, proposed further changes to Part L and the accompanying Approved Documents to improve the energy efficiency of heating systems in new-build homes. The Government intends to publish its response to the FHBS consultation in autumn this year.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the licensing regime for Houses in multiple occupation in (a) identifying and (b) addressing potential conflicts of interest involving public contract holders.

It is important that private rented properties are safe, well-maintained, and properly managed. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing schemes play a crucial role in achieving this. Local authorities have robust powers to ensure landlords of HMOs comply with all relevant regulations.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment she has made of compliance with EPC regulations in the private rented sector.

The government published a consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime via gov.uk here, which included an impact assessment containing assessment of EPC compliance. ONS analysis suggests around 60-80% of PRS dwellings in England and Wales are covered by an EPC since records began. Further details can be found here.The enforcement of the EPC regulations is the responsibility of local weights and measures authorities. The government does not keep records on the levels of compliance with the EPC regulations in the private rented sector.

Communities and Local Government, what recent estimate she has made of the number of properties currently being let in (i) Fylde constituency and (ii) Lancashire without a valid EPC.

The government published a consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime via gov.uk here, which included an impact assessment containing assessment of EPC compliance. ONS analysis suggests around 60-80% of PRS dwellings in England and Wales are covered by an EPC since records began. Further details can be found here.The enforcement of the EPC regulations is the responsibility of local weights and measures authorities. The government does not keep records on the levels of compliance with the EPC regulations in the private rented sector.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment she has made of the [potential impact of ground rents on the affordability of leasehold homes.

The government is committed to addressing unregulated and unaffordable ground rents and we will do this in legislation. We will set out further details on our detailed plans for existing ground rents in due course. Data on ground rents is collected as part of the English Housing Survey and published in the leasehold experience fact sheet. The latest publication found that 77% of leaseholders currently pay a ground rent with an average ground rent of £304. This publication includes information on ground rents by region. High ground rents which escalate rapidly create affordability issues both directly through the increased cost leaseholders face by also by making it harder for leaseholders to mortgage or sell their properties. In a 2023 survey undertaken by Propertymark, a leading membership body for property agents, 78 per cent of their members reported that a leasehold property with an escalating ground rent will struggle to sell, even if priced correctly.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the National Planning Policy Framework in delivering sustainable drainage.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 44742 on 22 April 2025.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to strengthen statutory requirements on developers to (a) deliver and (b) maintain sustainable drainage systems.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 44742 on 22 April 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the number of leaseholders currently paying ground rents above £250 per year.

The government is committed to addressing unregulated and unaffordable ground rents and we will do this in legislation. We will set out further details on our detailed plans for existing ground rents in due course. Data on ground rents is collected as part of the English Housing Survey and published in the leasehold experience fact sheet. The latest publication found that 77% of leaseholders currently pay a ground rent with an average ground rent of £304. This publication includes information on ground rents by region. High ground rents which escalate rapidly create affordability issues both directly through the increased cost leaseholders face by also by making it harder for leaseholders to mortgage or sell their properties. In a 2023 survey undertaken by Propertymark, a leading membership body for property agents, 78 per cent of their members reported that a leasehold property with an escalating ground rent will struggle to sell, even if priced correctly.

Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the level of demand for skilled carpenters in the housebuilding sector over the next five years.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 32067 on 3 March 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to regulate second home ownership in coastal communities with housing shortages.

The government recognise that excessive concentrations of second homes impact on the availability and affordability of homes for local residents to buy and rent, as well as local services.Local authorities are now able to apply a premium of up to 100% extra on the council tax bills of second homes. The premium will provide additional funding for councils and help local leaders to address the impacts of second homes and improve the sustainability of communities where they consider it necessary.From 31 October 2024, the higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on additional dwellings were increased from three percentage points above standard rates to five percentage points above standard rates. This is to ensure that those looking to move home, or purchase their first property, have a greater advantage over second home buyers, landlords, and businesses purchasing residential property.We are considering what additional powers we might give local authorities to enable them to respond to the pressures created by second homes and short-term lets.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of introducing votes for 16 and 17 year olds on the size of parliamentary constituencies.

As outlined in the recently published ‘Restoring trust in our democracy: Our strategy for modern and secure elections’, the Government believes that enabling 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in all UK elections will foster early and sustained participation in civic life and enhance engagement in our democratic processes. By delivering this manifesto commitment, we want young people to find their voice and exercise their right to vote.In June 2025, the House of Commons Library published constituency-level estimates of the number of 16- and 17-year-olds across the UK, based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from 2022 for Great Britain and 2023 for Northern Ireland. These figures provide indicative estimates of the population and should be treated as approximations rather than precise counts.The government recognises the importance of understanding the implications of this policy change. Accordingly, an Impact Assessment will be published alongside forthcoming legislation in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she had with the Secretary of State for Education on the adequacy of political education in schools ahead of announcing that the franchise would be expanded to 16 and 17 year olds.

Empowering and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to participate in our democracy is central to the Government’s plans for extending the franchise. We want to break down barriers and drive participation. To support this, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is already working closely with the Department for Education. We will continue this engagement to ensure the change is implemented successfully.Teaching about democracy and elections already forms a central part of the national curriculum for citizenship at key stages 3 and 4 and can be taught as a non-statutory topic in primary schools. The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review is considering citizenship education as part of its work and the Government will consider any recommendations when they are published later this Autumn.We will also work with the Electoral Commission, the devolved governments, civil society organisations - and importantly, with young people themselves - to consider what additional measures can ensure the successful implementation of votes at 16.