Written questions by Snell.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of security deposit requirements on the cash flow of new start-up businesses.

Security deposits are common in commercial leases. Contractual terms, such as security deposits, are a private matter to be negotiated between parties. However, we would always advise that, where possible, parties seek advice before agreeing to any terms. The Government has commissioned the Law Commission to review key aspects of commercial leasing to ensure they are fit for a modern day context. This work is underway and further detail will be provided in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in his Department is made by a British manufacturer.

Catering facilities across the property portfolio are managed and operated by either Government Property Agency, landlords and/or their respective contractors, who supply all necessary tableware and crockery. The Government is committed to supporting British businesses and ensuring they have the best chance to win public contracts. The new Procurement Act creates a simpler and more transparent system that will support British businesses bidding for work. The Act also allows contracting authorities to set standards that recognise the quality and standard of UK businesses and products. Alongside this, the National Procurement Policy Statement encourages contracting authorities to consider this government’s Industrial strategy and the sectors vital to our economic growth.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to identify young people at risk of homelessness and provide them with appropriate support.

Homelessness levels are far too high and this can have a devastating impact on those affected, including young people. We will look at these issues carefully and will consider youth homelessness as we develop our long-term, cross-government strategy working with Mayors and councils across the country, to get us back on track to ending homelessness.As announced at the Budget in October, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25). This brings total spend to nearly £1 billion in 2025/26.The £200 million Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) is delivering up to 2,000 homes and accompanying support services for people with long or cyclical histories of sleeping rough.  Of these, up to 650 homes will be specifically for young people sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough, alongside accompanying support services.Local authorities are expected to have regard to the homelessness code of guidance when exercising their functions relating to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, which includes young people.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help young people move on from supported housing.

Supported housing can play an important role for young people transitioning into independent living, particularly where they have no or limited family support, including those leaving care. It can help them to build emotional wellbeing, skills and confidence and to develop their independence ready for move on.The Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme supports young people who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness into longer term supported accommodation. Once in their new home, support is provided by specialist staff to access the help they need, such as support for mental health and substance abuse problems, and support to help them into independent living as appropriate.The Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant, a consolidated rough sleeping fund aimed at tackling rough sleeping, is providing a total of £185.6 million to local authorities across England in 2025-26. Local and combined authorities have the flexibility to use the funding to provide rough sleeping services driven by local need, including to support move on.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to include provisions in the English Devolution Bill on improving the provision of support to low-income households to access public services.

The English Devolution Bill will deliver on the vision set out in the English Devolution White Paper, published in December 2024. This included a role for Strategic Authorities in convening partners and driving cross-cutting public service reform, including looking at areas such as multiple disadvantage. The Bill will be introduced to Parliament in this session, when parliamentary time allows.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6378 on Multiple Occupation, what assessment her Department has made of the potential effectiveness of Article 4 directions for the purposes of regulating C3 to C4 conversions.

National permitted development rights allow a C3 dwellinghouse to change use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with up to 6 occupants (C4) without the need for a planning application.Local authorities have planning powers to limit any proliferation of HMOs by introducing an ‘Article 4’ direction. There is no need for a local authority to seek permission from the Secretary of State before doing so.As set out in the response to Question 6378 on 14 October, we will keep permitted development rights under review.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that landlords of houses in multiple occupancy comply with all relevant regulations.

Local authorities have robust powers to ensure landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) comply with all relevant regulations. This includes powers to issue civil penalties, prosecute landlords and obtain banning orders.The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces reforms to improve the regulation of private rented sector properties, including HMOs, and drive-up standards within the sector. This includes a Decent Homes Standard and new enforcement powers for local authorities.We will keep the regulation of HMOs under review.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6378 on Multiple Occupation, what plans her Department has for the future regulation of housing in multiple occupation.

Local authorities have robust powers to ensure landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) comply with all relevant regulations. This includes powers to issue civil penalties, prosecute landlords and obtain banning orders.The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces reforms to improve the regulation of private rented sector properties, including HMOs, and drive-up standards within the sector. This includes a Decent Homes Standard and new enforcement powers for local authorities.We will keep the regulation of HMOs under review.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6378 on Multiple Occupation, what steps her Department is taking to review those rights.

National permitted development rights allow a C3 dwellinghouse to change use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with up to 6 occupants (C4) without the need for a planning application.Local authorities have planning powers to limit any proliferation of HMOs by introducing an ‘Article 4’ direction. There is no need for a local authority to seek permission from the Secretary of State before doing so.As set out in the response to Question 6378 on 14 October, we will keep permitted development rights under review.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6378 on Multiple Occupation, whether her Department has received recent representations from local authorities on the permitted development rights for home owners seeking to covert their properties from C3 to C4 usage.

National permitted development rights allow a C3 dwellinghouse to change use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with up to 6 occupants (C4) without the need for a planning application.Local authorities have planning powers to limit any proliferation of HMOs by introducing an ‘Article 4’ direction. There is no need for a local authority to seek permission from the Secretary of State before doing so.As set out in the response to Question 6378 on 14 October, we will keep permitted development rights under review.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to remove permitted development rights for property owners seeking to convert properties from use class c3 to c4.

The Government will keep changes to permitted development rights under review.