Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to introduce additional protections for hedgehog habitats in planning and development policy.

Awaiting answer.

Communities and Local Government, how many households were placed in temporary accommodation outside their home local authority area in each of the last five years.

Awaiting answer.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of out-of-area homelessness placements on children’s a) school attendance and b) attainment.

Awaiting answer.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to reduce the use of out-of-area temporary accommodation placements for homeless households.

Awaiting answer.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that landlords comply with requirements to self-refer significant issues to the regulator.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that tenants of Basildon Borough Council are not exposed to risks arising from failures in meeting health and safety requirements.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what assessment she has made of the findings that Basildon Borough Council has failed to meet consumer standards and been assigned a C4 grading.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what oversight is her Department applying to ensure that all necessary safety checks and remedial actions in properties managed by Basildon Borough Council are completed within required timescales.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of tenant engagement and scrutiny arrangements at councils for maintaining suitable housing standards, including at Basildon Borough Council.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what steps are being taken to improve oversight of housing contractors in local authorities where serious failings have been identified.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what future steps she is considering taking regarding councils who fail to self-refer issues to the Regulator of Social Housing, as occurred with Basildon Council in March 2025.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what steps are being taken to strengthen transparency, tenant voice and accountability in local authority housing services.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what discussions she has had with Basildon Borough Council regarding its social housing provision and standards since the Regulator of Social Housing's decision.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Regulator of Social Housing's decision on the financial viability of the new South-West Essex council when it inherits Basildon's housing stock in 2028.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's decision entitled Basildon Borough Council (22UB) - Regulatory Judgement: 15 April 2026, published on 15 April 2026, what assessment she has made of the extent of unresolved health and safety issues identified in the housing stock managed by Basildon Borough Council.

All registered providers of social housing are required to deliver the outcomes of the regulatory standards set by the independent Regulator of Social Housing. Under the Safety and Quality Standard, landlords must take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of tenants in their homes and provide an effective and timely repairs service for the homes for which they are responsible. Under the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, registered providers are required to treat tenants with fairness and respect and take action to deliver fair and equitable outcomes for them as well as, where relevant, prospective tenants. Since the introduction of the proactive consumer regulation regime in April 2024, the Regulator has begun carrying out regular inspections of large providers to ensure they are delivering the outcomes of its standards. The Regulator has strong enforcement powers to take effective action when it identifies serious failings. Following its regulatory judgement, the Regulator will seek assurance that Basildon Borough Council understands the risks to tenants and is taking appropriate action to mitigate them. The Regulator operates a co-regulatory approach, under which landlords are responsible for ensuring they meet the outcomes of the standards and for addressing problems when they arise. Where a problem is material, the Regulator expects landlords to inform them through self-referral and failure to do so may be taken into account by the Regulator when deciding on any appropriate regulatory action.

Communities and Local Government, what information his Department holds on of the number of people currently in council tax debt in (a) England, (b) Thurrock, (c) Basildon and (d) Essex.

The government does not collect data on the number of households which have missed council tax payments or data on the actions councils take to recover these debts. The government expects councils to proportionate in the actions they take to recover debts and sympathetic to those in hardship.

Communities and Local Government, what information his Department holds on the number of referrals made by local authorities to enforcement agents for the collection of council tax debt in (a) England, (b) Thurrock, (c) Basildon and (d) Essex in the last 12 months.

The government does not collect data on the number of households which have missed council tax payments or data on the actions councils take to recover these debts. The government expects councils to proportionate in the actions they take to recover debts and sympathetic to those in hardship.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of council tax debt enforcement on the level of demand for local authority homelessness services in (a) England, (b) Thurrock, (c) Basildon and (d) Essex in the last 12 months.

The government expects councils to be proportionate in the actions they take to recover debts and sympathetic to those in hardship.The government has now published a response to its consultation on council tax administration setting out a package of reforms to the enforcement of council tax debts. These will deliver a fairer and more supportive system for taxpayers, reducing the number of households facing enforcement action. This consultation response can be found on gov.uk here.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, on what date the decision outlined in his letter was formally taken.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to Essex council leaders on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the local government model for Essex.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.