Written questions by McDonald.

Communities and Local Government, if she will publish the membership of the Freeports Security Forum.

Freeport areas are subject to the same laws and regulations safeguarding security as the rest of the UK. A Freeport customs site is a secure, enclosed zone within the wider Freeport geography. All Freeport customs sites are required to obtain AEO(S) or equivalent authorisation from HMRC, an international gold standard for safety and security, and remain subject to robust ongoing oversight from HMRC. In addition to this, Freeports are required to put in place arrangements for overseeing relevant security arrangements across their geographies, to ensure effective coordination between relevant bodies and provisions. Given Freeports are subject to the same security regime as the rest of the UK, the purpose of these arrangements is coordination, not duplication. In Spring 2024, these coordination arrangements in all English Freeports were audited by the Freeports Security Forum and recommendations were provided to relevant Freeports, to assist them in achieving best practice on security. The government departments represented on the Freeports Security Forum include Home Office, Border Force, HMRC, the Department for Transport, HMT, the National Crime Agency and Police. There are no plans to publish individual names of attendees on the Security Forum. On 5 March 2025, the government decided not to conduct a further security audit as no new security risks associated with Freeport status, requiring further mitigation above and beyond the application of UK-wide security laws and regulations, had been identified. Risks associated with customs sites continue to be managed directly by central government through HMRC’s robust oversight arrangements. Freeports must share information on local arrangements for coordinating security activity with government upon request and the government reserves the right to audit these as required.

Communities and Local Government, whether (a) the Freeports Security Forum and (b) any other government body has intervened where a Freeport has (i) underperformed, (ii) become non-compliant with regulations, (iii) presented a security risk and (iv) could not demonstrate robust stewardship of public money.

Freeport areas are subject to the same laws and regulations safeguarding security as the rest of the UK. A Freeport customs site is a secure, enclosed zone within the wider Freeport geography. All Freeport customs sites are required to obtain AEO(S) or equivalent authorisation from HMRC, an international gold standard for safety and security, and remain subject to robust ongoing oversight from HMRC. In addition to this, Freeports are required to put in place arrangements for overseeing relevant security arrangements across their geographies, to ensure effective coordination between relevant bodies and provisions. Given Freeports are subject to the same security regime as the rest of the UK, the purpose of these arrangements is coordination, not duplication. In Spring 2024, these coordination arrangements in all English Freeports were audited by the Freeports Security Forum and recommendations were provided to relevant Freeports, to assist them in achieving best practice on security. The government departments represented on the Freeports Security Forum include Home Office, Border Force, HMRC, the Department for Transport, HMT, the National Crime Agency and Police. There are no plans to publish individual names of attendees on the Security Forum. On 5 March 2025, the government decided not to conduct a further security audit as no new security risks associated with Freeport status, requiring further mitigation above and beyond the application of UK-wide security laws and regulations, had been identified. Risks associated with customs sites continue to be managed directly by central government through HMRC’s robust oversight arrangements. Freeports must share information on local arrangements for coordinating security activity with government upon request and the government reserves the right to audit these as required.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of improving protections for residential freeholders from unnecessary costs charged by estate management companies.

I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244).

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of prohibiting new embedded management arrangements in residential developments.

I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244).

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of implementing common adoptable standards for public amenities on new housing estates.

I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244).

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help prevent delays by relevant authorities in the adoption of public amenities on housing estates.

I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244).

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of (a) developing and (b) approving a single mandatory consumer code for all housebuilders.

The government is committed to improving upon existing means of redress for new build homebuyers for when things go wrong. The government responded to the CMA Housebuilding Study in October 2024 and committed to implementing recommendation 2.1, namely a single mandatory consumer code for housebuilders.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of local government (a) processes and (b) resources for identifying suitable accommodation for homeless people in the context of the (i) interim duty to accommodate and (ii) main housing duty in each year since 2010.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This Government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.The Homelessness Reduction Act places duties on local housing authorities to take reasonable steps to try to prevent and relieve a person’s homelessness. If homelessness cannot be prevented or relieved, the local authority may owe the applicant a duty to provide them with temporary accommodation until settled accommodation is secured.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable. The Homelessness Code of Guidance is clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under two if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed. In addition, the legislation and guidance set out that in the first instance, local authorities should try to place individuals within their own area, and when this is not possible, they should place the household as near as possible to the original local authority.On 11 November 2024 the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all local authority Chief Executives in England about out-of-area accommodation placements. This letter referred to section 208 of the Housing Act 1996 and reminded local authorities that they are required by law to notify the receiving local authority of any out-of-area placement and that this should be happening in every case. The placing authority should also seek to retain established links with schools, doctors, social workers and other key services and support wherever possible.We must build more homes in the areas where they are needed so we can reduce the need for out of area placements, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including information on children in TA and out-of-area placements. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking help support local authorities to access suitable accommodation for homeless people to meet their (a) interim duty to accommodate and (b) main housing duty.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This Government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.The Homelessness Reduction Act places duties on local housing authorities to take reasonable steps to try to prevent and relieve a person’s homelessness. If homelessness cannot be prevented or relieved, the local authority may owe the applicant a duty to provide them with temporary accommodation until settled accommodation is secured.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable. The Homelessness Code of Guidance is clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under two if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed. In addition, the legislation and guidance set out that in the first instance, local authorities should try to place individuals within their own area, and when this is not possible, they should place the household as near as possible to the original local authority.On 11 November 2024 the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all local authority Chief Executives in England about out-of-area accommodation placements. This letter referred to section 208 of the Housing Act 1996 and reminded local authorities that they are required by law to notify the receiving local authority of any out-of-area placement and that this should be happening in every case. The placing authority should also seek to retain established links with schools, doctors, social workers and other key services and support wherever possible.We must build more homes in the areas where they are needed so we can reduce the need for out of area placements, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including information on children in TA and out-of-area placements. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of local government capacity to provide suitable accommodation for homeless people within the same local authority boundaries.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This Government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.The Homelessness Reduction Act places duties on local housing authorities to take reasonable steps to try to prevent and relieve a person’s homelessness. If homelessness cannot be prevented or relieved, the local authority may owe the applicant a duty to provide them with temporary accommodation until settled accommodation is secured.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable. The Homelessness Code of Guidance is clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under two if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed. In addition, the legislation and guidance set out that in the first instance, local authorities should try to place individuals within their own area, and when this is not possible, they should place the household as near as possible to the original local authority.On 11 November 2024 the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all local authority Chief Executives in England about out-of-area accommodation placements. This letter referred to section 208 of the Housing Act 1996 and reminded local authorities that they are required by law to notify the receiving local authority of any out-of-area placement and that this should be happening in every case. The placing authority should also seek to retain established links with schools, doctors, social workers and other key services and support wherever possible.We must build more homes in the areas where they are needed so we can reduce the need for out of area placements, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including information on children in TA and out-of-area placements. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, how many children were housed in unsuitable temporary accommodation in each local authority in the North East in each year since 2010.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This Government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.The Homelessness Reduction Act places duties on local housing authorities to take reasonable steps to try to prevent and relieve a person’s homelessness. If homelessness cannot be prevented or relieved, the local authority may owe the applicant a duty to provide them with temporary accommodation until settled accommodation is secured.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable. The Homelessness Code of Guidance is clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under two if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed. In addition, the legislation and guidance set out that in the first instance, local authorities should try to place individuals within their own area, and when this is not possible, they should place the household as near as possible to the original local authority.On 11 November 2024 the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all local authority Chief Executives in England about out-of-area accommodation placements. This letter referred to section 208 of the Housing Act 1996 and reminded local authorities that they are required by law to notify the receiving local authority of any out-of-area placement and that this should be happening in every case. The placing authority should also seek to retain established links with schools, doctors, social workers and other key services and support wherever possible.We must build more homes in the areas where they are needed so we can reduce the need for out of area placements, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including information on children in TA and out-of-area placements. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, how many (a) in-area and (b) out-of-area awards for housing accommodation for homeless people were made under local authorities' (i) interim duty to accommodate and (ii) main housing duty by each local authority in the North East in each year since 2010.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This Government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected, especially children.We must address this and deliver long term solutions. The Government is looking at these issues carefully and will develop a new cross government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us back on track to ending homelessness once and for all. This includes a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together ministers from across government.The Homelessness Reduction Act places duties on local housing authorities to take reasonable steps to try to prevent and relieve a person’s homelessness. If homelessness cannot be prevented or relieved, the local authority may owe the applicant a duty to provide them with temporary accommodation until settled accommodation is secured.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable. The Homelessness Code of Guidance is clear that temporary accommodation should not be considered suitable for a family with children under two if there is not enough space for a cot and that housing authorities should support families to secure a cot where needed. In addition, the legislation and guidance set out that in the first instance, local authorities should try to place individuals within their own area, and when this is not possible, they should place the household as near as possible to the original local authority.On 11 November 2024 the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all local authority Chief Executives in England about out-of-area accommodation placements. This letter referred to section 208 of the Housing Act 1996 and reminded local authorities that they are required by law to notify the receiving local authority of any out-of-area placement and that this should be happening in every case. The placing authority should also seek to retain established links with schools, doctors, social workers and other key services and support wherever possible.We must build more homes in the areas where they are needed so we can reduce the need for out of area placements, which is why we will deliver the biggest increase to social and affordable housing in a generation.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including information on children in TA and out-of-area placements. The most recent figures for Q2 2024 can be accessed below using tab TA1: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024/statutory-homelessness-in-england-april-to-june-2024.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to publish (a) metrics and (b) outcomes for the spending performance of combined mayoral authorities.

Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) manage a number of different funds including adult skills funding, transport funding and the Mayoral Investment Fund. These are monitored according to the Local Assurance Framework in each place. Combined Authorities are also subject to internal and external audit.From 2025/26, we will introduce Integrated Settlements, starting in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Authorities will be monitored against a single outcomes framework that provides a structured approach to defining, measuring, and reporting on the MCAs’ performance on single settlement delivery during the SR period. The outcomes framework will be published by HMG and each of the MCAs. Government recognises the importance of evaluating devolution and we will set out more plans in White Paper.

Communities and Local Government, what data her Department holds on the outcomes of funding provided to combined mayoral authorities.

Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) manage a number of different funds including adult skills funding, transport funding and the Mayoral Investment Fund. These are monitored according to the Local Assurance Framework in each place. Combined Authorities are also subject to internal and external audit.From 2025/26, we will introduce Integrated Settlements, starting in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Authorities will be monitored against a single outcomes framework that provides a structured approach to defining, measuring, and reporting on the MCAs’ performance on single settlement delivery during the SR period. The outcomes framework will be published by HMG and each of the MCAs. Government recognises the importance of evaluating devolution and we will set out more plans in White Paper.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to require combined mayoral authorities to publish evaluation reports on individual funding programmes in a standardised format.

Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) manage a number of different funds including adult skills funding, transport funding and the Mayoral Investment Fund. These are monitored according to the Local Assurance Framework in each place. Combined Authorities are also subject to internal and external audit.From 2025/26, we will introduce Integrated Settlements, starting in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Authorities will be monitored against a single outcomes framework that provides a structured approach to defining, measuring, and reporting on the MCAs’ performance on single settlement delivery during the SR period. The outcomes framework will be published by HMG and each of the MCAs. Government recognises the importance of evaluating devolution and we will set out more plans in White Paper.

Communities and Local Government, what progress her Department has made on developing accountability processes for institutions that secure single funding settlements at the Spending Review.

Integrated Settlements will be supported by the establishment of a streamlined, overarching, single assurance framework coordinated by MHCLG rather than multiple frameworks administered by different departments. This will build on and will be incorporated into future editions of the English Devolution Accountability Framework.MHCLG’s Accounting Officer will act as the systems AO for the Integrated Settlement. Core accountability processes within the Authorities will be carried out by the Chief Executive, who will be responsible for agreeing outcomes with Government, local outcome delivery and value for money. Other government departments will sign off the outcomes and targets relevant to their functions. Further details on accountability arrangements are available at the following link.Authorities receiving Integrated Settlements at the start of the next financial year are undergoing a readiness check carried out by a body external to government for additional assurance.Further details of the Integrated Settlements for 2026-27 will be confirmed at the conclusion of Phase 2 of the Spending Review.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to publish outcomes of annual discussions with combined mayoral authorities.

Outcomes of conversations with Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) are not currently published by government.From 2025/26, we will introduce Integrated Settlements, starting in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Authorities will be monitored against a single outcomes framework that provides a structured approach to defining, measuring, and reporting on the MCAs’ performance on single settlement delivery during the SR period. The outcomes framework will be published by HMG and each of the MCAs.