Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to clear Thurrock council's debt following the proposed merger of councils in Essex.

The Government has a framework to support councils in financial difficulty. In addition, the previous Secretary of State used statutory powers to intervene in a small number of councils failing their Best Value Duty partly associated with high levels of unsustainable debt. In the case of Thurrock, the Government will continue to work with the Best Value Commissioners and the Council to support Thurrock in its financial recovery.The English Devolution White Paper published on 16 December announced that the Government will facilitate local government reorganisation for two-tier areas and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure, or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to tackle (a) homelessness (b) rough sleeping in (i) Essex (ii) the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This government recognises the devastating impact this can have on those affected.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 Government is also tackling the root causes of homelessness, including the delivery of the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.There is £1.2 billion committed through the Homelessness Prevention Grant from 2022 to 2025, of which Chesire East, Cheshire West and Chester received a combined total of £6,442,462.48. Basildon received £3,743,552.85 and Thurrock £3,340,472.94. And, as announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25). This increased spending will help to prevent rises in the number of families in temporary accommodation and help to prevent rough sleeping.The budget committed nearly £1 billion total spend on homelessness services in 2025/26 and is the first step to getting us back on track to ending homelessness. We expect to publish allocations for funding for 2025/26 alongside the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to encourage investment in high streets in (a) Essex and (b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

This Government is fully committed to rejuvenating our high streets and supporting the businesses and communities that make our town centres successful. This means addressing anti-social behaviour and crime, working with the banking industry to roll out 350 banking hubs, stamping out late payments, empowering communities to make the most of the vacant properties, strengthening the Post Office network, reforming the apprenticeship levy, and business rates.Furthermore, the Government is investing in local growth with local allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2025-26 now announced, which places may choose to invest in rejuvenating high streets. Basildon has been allocated £419,361; and Thurrock £402,853. The Long Term Plan for Towns has funded several towns in Essex, including Canvey Island, Harlow and Clacton-on-Sea, which will also support local growth.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the support available to families living with children in temporary accommodation.

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.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. 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 recent estimate her Department has made of the number of children living in temporary accommodation in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) Essex.

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.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. 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 her Department is taking with local authorities to help ensure the suitability of temporary accommodation.

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.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. 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 the average length of time was that families stayed in temporary accommodation in (a) England and (b) Essex in (i) 2023 and (ii) 2024.

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.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. 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 her Department is taking to help support the (a) mental and (b) physical health of families in temporary accommodation.

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.All temporary accommodation must be safe and suitable in relation to the applicant and to all members of their household who normally reside with them, or who might reasonably be expected to reside with them. Chapter 17 of the homelessness code of guidance sets out the factors to be taken into account, which includes consideration for households with particular medical and/or physical needs.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/chapter-17-suitability-of-accommodation.Housing authorities are required to assess whether accommodation is suitable for each household individually, and case records should demonstrate that they have taken the statutory requirements into account. Housing authorities have a continuing obligation to keep the suitability of accommodation under review, and to respond to any relevant change in circumstances which may affect suitability. Applicants may ask for a review on request of the housing authority’s decision that the accommodation offered to them is suitable.A full breakdown of length of stay in temporary accommodation can be found in figure 15 of the annual statistics release for statutory homelessness assessments and activities in England, below: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-financial-year-2023-24/statutory-homelessness-in-england-infographic-2023-24.Local authorities are required to report homelessness data each quarter, including the numbers of children in temporary accommodation. 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 care homes were referred to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) Essex in each of the last five years; and how many were (i) privately-owned and (ii) local authority-owned.

The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) records complaints by the individual local authority or care provider, and not by geographical area. The LGSCO received 93 complaints about Essex County Council’s adult social care services in the 2019-20 financial year, 44 in 2020-21, 45 in 2021-22, 58 in 2022-23 and 36 in 2023-24.

Communities and Local Government, how many affordable homes were (a) started and (b) completed in Essex in 2023-24.

Data on new affordable housing starts and completions by upper tier local authority, including Essex, is available on the affordable housing supply open data published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-affordable-housing-supply.The number of completions is available since 1991-92. The department started publishing the number of starts in 2015-16. However, starts not reported via Homes England or the Greater London Authority only started being collected in 2016-17 and are collected on a voluntary basis. This means 2015-16 data does not include these data and subsequent years may still be under reporting it. The published open data file includes the figures for 2023-24.

Communities and Local Government, if she will review the distribution criteria for the Recovery Grant to ensure access to that funding for (a) Essex and (b) other areas with pockets of severe deprivation.

We have announced £1.3 billion of new grant funding in 2025/26 for local government to deliver core services and will provide a real-terms increase in total core spending power of around 3.2%.The Recovery Grant will be allocated to places where, weighted by population, deprivation outweighs council tax raising ability. The grant is intended to be highly targeted, meaning that not all authorities will receive an allocation. We understand this decision will feel hard for some local councils which fall outside the line, but this grant must be considered in the wider context.The government will set out the provisional allocations at the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2025-26 in the usual way towards the end of the calendar year. The government is clear that the Recovery Grant is not full reform and is committed to pursuing a comprehensive set of reforms for public services through a multi-year settlement from 2026-27.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to support people who do not qualify for council funding and are (a) homeless and (b) at risk of homelessness.

Homelessness legislation includes eligibility criteria, consideration of vulnerability and whether someone is intentionally homeless to ensure that resources, including temporary accommodation and access to settled housing, are prioritised effectively and accommodation is there for people who need it most. Some individuals will be ineligible for statutory homelessness assistance due to their immigration status and we recognise that supporting this cohort can present unique challenges. The rules regarding eligibility relating to immigration status, including for those with restricted eligibility, have not changed.The expectation is that migrants coming into the UK should be able to maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds. This reflects the need to maintain the confidence of the general public that immigration brings benefits to our country, rather than costs to the public purse.However, this does not mean support cannot be offered to this group. Any funding we have provided can be used to help anyone, as long as local areas are acting within the law in doing so.The Home Office Homelessness Escalation Service is a dedicated service to help local authorities and service providers to swiftly clarify and resolve the immigration status of individuals if they are rough sleeping or at risk of doing so.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of levels of local authority compliance with her Department's Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities, published on 22 February 2018, in each of the last five years.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is responsible for setting the national framework for housing, including the legislation and Homelessness Code of Guidance to which councils must have regard.Compliance with legislation, guidance, and the statutory homelessness duties rests with local councils. It is the responsibility of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to investigate individual complaints and take action where they consider councils have not applied their duties correctly.The Government recognises that homelessness levels are far too high and we will develop a long-term, cross government strategy to put us on track to end homelessness for good.

Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for changes to the exceptional financial support framework for local authorities.

On Monday 21 October, I wrote to all MPs to confirm that we will continue to operate a process to support councils in the most difficult positions. As I set out in that letter, while Government expects councils to make sure they are doing all they can locally to deliver for residents, this process will be collaborative and supportive of councils. We will treat all discussions in confidence, with respect and determination to find a solution together.My letter also confirmed that we would not look to replicate conditions under the previous government’s framework, that make borrowing more expensive where councils have no other choice.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of freeports on the economy.

As part of the monitoring and evaluation of the Freeports programme, MHCLG commissioned an initial analysis of the expected economic impact of Freeports based on the Full Business Cases submitted by Freeports and approved by the UK Government.The analysis projected that the eight English Freeports would create around 60,000 new and additional jobs (net direct jobs) and support a further 42,000 jobs across the supply chain. This would support a total of around £6.6 billion additional GVA per year. Scottish Green Freeports and Welsh Freeports will be incorporated into this analysis once they have completed the business case process, and the initial analysis is being refined through more detailed modelling carried out by Cambridge Econometrics.To date, Freeports have attracted £6.4 billion in private investment, which will create over 7,200 jobs. The impact of Freeports will be closely monitored and evaluated as set out in the Freeports monitoring and evaluation strategy.

Communities and Local Government, how many social housing places are accommodating asylum seekers in South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave to Question UIN 8700 on 21 October 2024.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to help build more affordable homes in Basildon.

The Government is committed to the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. Our aspiration is to ensure that, in the first full financial year of this Parliament (2025-26), the number of Social Rent homes is rising rather than falling.Our proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework include setting a clear expectation that housing needs assessments must consider the needs of those requiring Social Rent homes, and that local authorities should specify their expectations on Social Rent delivery as part of broader affordable housing policies.We have asked Homes England and the Greater London Authority to maximise the number of Social Rent homes in allocating the remaining Affordable Homes Programme funding. The Government has started to review the increased Right to Buy discounts introduced in 2012, on which we will bring forward more details and secondary legislation to implement changes in the autumn. We have also announced new flexibilities for how councils can use their Right to Buy receipts to deliver replacement homes; these flexibilities will be in place for an initial 24 months, subject to review.We are committed to setting out details of future Government investment in social and affordable housing at the Spending Review.

Communities and Local Government, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to prevent local authorities from bidding for housing stock outside of their own areas.

The government has no current plans to bring forward legislative proposals to prevent local authorities from bidding for housing stock outside of their own areas.Local authorities are best placed to consider ways in which they can increase their stock and make decisions about the types of homes needed in their communities.When delivering new social housing, councils are encouraged to achieve a good balance between acquisitions and new builds.When placing households in temporary accommodation, homelessness legislation sets out that 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. The Government is clear that local authorities should, as far as possible, avoid placing households out of their borough.