Every parliamentary written question tabled by Bradley Thomas this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 21–26 of 26 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Communities and Local Government, by what date her Department plans to commence structural reform in Worcestershire.
I wrote to all councils in Worcestershire on 5 February to formally invite unitary proposals. We have published these letters here. This letter set out the timelines and next steps for local government re-organisation.
Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential contribution of the greenbelt to adjacent urban communities to health and recreational opportunities.
Access to high quality open spaces, whether located inside or outside the Green Belt, is important for the health and well-being of communities. That is why local authorities are asked to base their planning policies on robust and up-to-date assessments of the need for open space, sport and recreation facilities, and opportunities for new provision.The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields and formal play spaces, should not be built on unless there is clear evidence they are no longer required; equivalent or better provision is secured in a suitable location; or development of the site is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use.Within the Green Belt, major development is required to provide new or improved green spaces accessible to the public. Authorities should also look for opportunities to enhance the beneficial use of Green Belt land, including outdoor recreation.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of mandatory design codes for local planning authorities.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 6867 on 15 October 2024 and to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 12 November 2024 (HCWS209).
Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the labour force to meet the Government's housing targets over the course of this Parliament.
The government recognises the need to expand and upskill the construction workforce to meet our ambitious Plan for Change milestone of delivering 1.5 million safe and decent homes in this Parliament.We are working with industry to ensure the housebuilding sector has access to the skilled workers needed. This includes a £140 million package of industry investment to deliver 5,000 more apprenticeship places through 32 new Homebuilding Skills Hubs.
Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that future housing is designed to a beautiful standard, following the closure of the Office for Place.
I refer the hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 12 November 2024 (HCWS209).
Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions her Department has had with Worcestershire County Council on (a) local government reorganisation and (b) devolution.
On Monday, this Government published a landmark English Devolution White Paper, setting out an ambitious plan for extending the benefits of devolution to more of England and unleashing further powers from Whitehall back into local communities that know their areas best. The White Paper sets out a new Devolution Priority Programme which is available to all places, including Worcestershire, who are ready to come together under sensible geographies and are ready to deliver on the Governments ambitions around mayoral devolution. This programme will aim to deliver institutions and have Mayors elected in the May 2026 elections. The Government will announce the places included in the Devolution Priority Programme in due course.Alongside this, Government will shortly invite unitary proposals from all councils in two-tier areas, including Worcestershire. Any new unitary councils must be the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks.Government looks forward to hearing from Worcestershire on English Devolution and Local Government Reform.