Written questions by Voaden.

Communities and Local Government, what consideration he has made of the potential merits of extending the Adjustment Support Grant in 2027/28.

On 9 February, the government published the first multi-year Local Government Finance Settlement in a decade. Following consultation feedback, the final Settlement included an update to how pooling gains are estimated for transitional arrangements. This was the right approach in order to distribute gains more equitably, improving how representative the assumption is of local arrangements.To help councils adjust for this change, the government provided a one-off Adjustment Support Grant in 2026-27 to authorities who would otherwise see their Core Spending Power reduce in 2026-27, compared to indicative provisional Settlement allocations. The 2027-28 Settlement will be subject to consultation as is the usual process.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of removing the formula for flood defence and coastal protection in the Local Government Finance Settlement on local authorities.

As set out in the government’s response to the Fair Funding Review 2.0, the Foundation Formula is used to assess relative demand for flood defence and coastal protection, as the government does not consider having a bespoke formula to be proportionate. While expenditure on this service can pose significant revenue costs for a small number of local authorities, nationally this area accounts for less than 1% of total sector expenditure.We have provided support to local authorities acutely affected by flooding through other measures. In 2026-27, the government will continue to provide targeted support for the local authorities which have experienced the most significant increases in Internal Drainage Board special levies.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the reasons for trends in the number of long-term empty homes.

There are numerous reasons that homes are left empty, including probate and homes falling into disrepair. The government wants to see more empty homes brought back into use across the country. Local authorities have strong powers and incentives to tackle empty homes. They have the discretionary powers to charge additional council tax on properties which have been left unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for one or more years. The maximum premium that a council can apply increases, depending on the length of time that the property has been empty for, with a premium of up to 300% on homes left empty for over ten years. They can also access funding through the Affordable Homes Programme and Local Authority Housing Fund. Local authorities can also use powers to take over the management of long-term empty homes to bring them back into use in the private rented sector. Local authorities can apply for an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) when a property has been empty for more than two years, subject to the production of evidence that the property has been causing a nuisance to the community and evidence of community support for their proposal. More information can be found on gov.uk here. The government outlined its intent to strengthen local authorities’ ability to take over the management of vacant residential premises in the English Devolution White Paper published in December 2024. Further details will be set out in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to prevent speculative development on greenfield sites in coastal locations.

The government is consulting on a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which includes a revised presumption in favour of sustainable development and new policies on development inside and outside settlements. These changes aim to provide for a more certain and rules-based approach to managing development and to steer it towards the most appropriate locations. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here and will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026. In the absence of an up-to-date local plan, there is a high likelihood that development will come forward on a piecemeal and speculative basis, with reduced public engagement and fewer guarantees that it will make the most of an area’s potential. It is for these reasons that we have been clear that we intend to drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible with a view to achieving universal local plan coverage. In the new plan-making system that will come into force early next year, local plans will be expected to be prepared and adopted within a 30-month timeframe and be more frequently prepared so that plans are kept up-to-date.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to support park home residents.

The government provides park home residents with free independent advice about their rights through the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service. We are also supporting park home residents with their household bills. The government has extended the Household Support Fund in England until 31 March 2026 with an extra £742 million in support, with additional funding for the Devolved Governments. Park home residents are also eligible for a one-off £150 discount off electricity bills under the Warm Home Discount scheme. The payment is in addition to other payments such as the Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment. Any park home resident who is struggling with their energy bills contracts can contact their local authority to see what support they can receive. The park homes sector is an important part of the housing market. The government recognises that there are longstanding concerns about the requirement to pay site owners a commission upon sale of a park home. We will set out plans in due course to seek further evidence from the sector on the rationale for the commission.

Communities and Local Government, if she will have discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority on the potential impact of large estate management companies on (a) role of SMEs, (b) the ability of SMEs to expand in the estate management sector and (c) consumer choice for residents.

Managing agents are contracted by landlords to deliver services on their behalf. Details of services provided are usually set out in a management agreement between the agent and landlord.The government’s response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s market study into housebuilding, which included consideration of management on private estates and homeowner choice over their estate management company, was published on 22 October. It can be found on gov.uk here.As set out in my Written Ministerial Statement to parliament of 21 November 2024 (HCWS244), the government is clear that it is committed to bring the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ private estates and unfair costs to an end and we will consult next year on the best way to achieve this.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of competition in the (a) leasehold and (b) freehold estate management markets; and if she will take legislative steps to help increase competition in those sectors.

Managing agents are contracted by landlords to deliver services on their behalf. Details of services provided are usually set out in a management agreement between the agent and landlord.The government’s response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s market study into housebuilding, which included consideration of management on private estates and homeowner choice over their estate management company, was published on 22 October. It can be found on gov.uk here.As set out in my Written Ministerial Statement to parliament of 21 November 2024 (HCWS244), the government is clear that it is committed to bring the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ private estates and unfair costs to an end and we will consult next year on the best way to achieve this.