Written questions by Naish.

Communities and Local Government, whether an imminent minerals local plan renewal should wait for new local plan making regulations to be introduced.

Minerals and Waste Plans will be subject to new regulations under the new plan making system. The government re-confirmed in December 2025 that the deadline for submission of plans for examination under the current plan-making system is December 2026. While we have urged Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to progress plans as soon as possible, it is for individual LPAs to decide whether their next plan can be submitted under the current plan-making system, or whether it would be more appropriate to progress under the new system.

Communities and Local Government, whether minerals local plans will be subject to new local plan making regulations.

Minerals and Waste Plans will be subject to new regulations under the new plan making system. The government re-confirmed in December 2025 that the deadline for submission of plans for examination under the current plan-making system is December 2026. While we have urged Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to progress plans as soon as possible, it is for individual LPAs to decide whether their next plan can be submitted under the current plan-making system, or whether it would be more appropriate to progress under the new system.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Section 121 of the Law of Property Act 1925 powers on freehold homeowners' ability to sell properties subject to estate rent charges; and whether he has plans to restrict or remove such powers in relation to estate rent charges.

The use of Sections 121 and 122 of the Law of Property Act 1925 to enforce rent arrears is draconian and wholly inappropriate given alternative means for rentcharge arrears are available. We will publish an ambitious draft Leasehold and Commonhold reform Bill before the end of the year.

Communities and Local Government, whether the forthcoming Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill will include provisions to (a) regulate the use of estate rentcharges on freehold properties, (b) limit enforcement powers available to estate rentcharge holders under Section 121 of the Law of Property Act 1925 and (c) provide homeowners with a statutory right to vary estate rentcharge deeds to remove disproportionate enforcement mechanisms.

The use of Sections 121 and 122 of the Law of Property Act 1925 to enforce rent arrears is draconian and wholly inappropriate given alternative means for rentcharge arrears are available. We will publish an ambitious draft Leasehold and Commonhold reform Bill before the end of the year.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of changing planning laws to ensure developments with full planning permission are (a) completed on time and (b) not able to exist with minimal work on them.

Local planning authorities (LPAs) already have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use in instances where development has not taken place in accordance with the relevant planning consent. These enforcement powers include the power to issue a completion notice which requires a developer to complete their development if it is left uncompleted. It is for LPAs themselves to decide how and when they use their powers depending on the circumstances of each case. On 25 May, the government published a Planning Reform Working Paper: Speeding Up Build Out (which can be found on gov.uk here) inviting views on further action the government should take to speed up homes being built. On the same day, we launched a technical consultation on implementing measures to improve the transparency of build rates from new residential development, which includes proposals to implement provisions in Section 113 of the LURA on the power to decline to determine applications. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the government intends bring forward the regulations to implement these measures at the earliest practical opportunity with the new build out reporting framework coming into force from 2026. The consultations closed on 7 July and responses are currently being analysed.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to improve sanction processes for private parking companies that repeatedly (a) generate upheld complaints and (b) lose appeals.

The Government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance on the operation and management of private parking facilities.My department recently consulted on the new Code and an accompanying compliance framework for private parking companies. As part of this framework, we are developing an independent Certification Scheme to audit the parking industry’s compliance with the new Code. The scheme will operate as a third-party certification process, whereby only organisations accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service as Conformity Assessment Bodies will be able to certify private parking companies.Parking operators who fail to comply with the Code risk losing access to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data. This data includes information on vehicle keepers, so any company blocked from accessing it would be unable to pursue parking charges.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department holds information on the number of rogue builders prosecuted in England in each of the past three financial years.

My Department does not hold the data requested. Local Authorities are responsible for determining resourcing priorities in accordance with the needs of their local electorates, and the members of those electorates will differ according to the areas where they live. I otherwise refer the hon Member to UIN 18841 answered on 17 December 2024 and UIN 23175 answered on 16 January 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help (a) local authorities and (b) Trading Standards take action against rogue builders; and what steps her Department is taking to improve the (i) frequency and (ii) success of Trading Standards actions against rogue builders.

My Department does not hold the data requested. Local Authorities are responsible for determining resourcing priorities in accordance with the needs of their local electorates, and the members of those electorates will differ according to the areas where they live. I otherwise refer the hon Member to UIN 18841 answered on 17 December 2024 and UIN 23175 answered on 16 January 2025.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice on the potential impact of auditing car park operator records where recurring disputes over charges have been identified on County Court caseloads.

The Government is aware of the high volumes of small claims from the parking industry and is determined to drive up standards in the parking sector. The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking. Alongside the new Code, my department is also developing a Certification Scheme which will set out rules for auditing private parking operator compliance with the Code; this will include audits of notices of parking charges including those that progress to the County Court. The private parking industry is currently self-regulating and whilst the Secretary of State has not had discussions with the Justice Secretary on this issue, my officials have had meetings with their counterparts at the Ministry of Justice and are working together to develop a Justice Impact Test to assess the impact of introducing the Code and the Certification Scheme on the justice system.

Communities and Local Government, if she will set out a timetable for a council tax revaluation to replace the system based on 1991 property values.

The government has no current plans to conduct a council tax revaluation in England. The government is committed to keeping taxes on working people as low as possible.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has considered the potential merits of requiring billing authorities to offer up to 100% Council Tax Reduction for the lowest-income households.

The centrally prescribed Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme for pension-age households offers up to 100% reduction for those on the lowest incomes. The scheme is updated each year in line with pension-age benefits. Councils are also required to provide LCTS for low-income, working-age households. Support for working age households is designed by councils in consultation with their residents, taking into account the needs and circumstances of their local communities. Each year, councils must consider whether to revise or replace their scheme.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to require estate management companies to provide estate management agreements to residents when requested.

The government remains committed to protecting residential freeholders on private and mixed-tenure housing estates from unfair charges. We will consult this year on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act's consumer protection provisions for the up to 1.75 million homes that are subject to these charges, and bring these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter. These include ensuring that homeowners who pay an estate management charge have better access to information they need to understand what they are paying for, the right to challenge the reasonableness of such charges at the First-tier Tribunal (in England), and to go to the tribunal to appoint a substitute manager. The government is also determined to end the injustice of 'fleecehold' entirely and we will consult this year on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by many residential freeholders. Managing agents play a key role in the maintenance of freehold estates. On 4 July, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. The consultation includes proposals to strengthen the regulation of managing agents.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to introduce a statutory code of practice for private estate management in relation to (a) levels of transparency, (b) approaches to tendering and (c) service standards.

The government remains committed to protecting residential freeholders on private and mixed-tenure housing estates from unfair charges. We will consult this year on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act's consumer protection provisions for the up to 1.75 million homes that are subject to these charges, and bring these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter. These include ensuring that homeowners who pay an estate management charge have better access to information they need to understand what they are paying for, the right to challenge the reasonableness of such charges at the First-tier Tribunal (in England), and to go to the tribunal to appoint a substitute manager. The government is also determined to end the injustice of 'fleecehold' entirely and we will consult this year on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by many residential freeholders. Managing agents play a key role in the maintenance of freehold estates. On 4 July, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. The consultation includes proposals to strengthen the regulation of managing agents.

Communities and Local Government, whetehr he plans to take steps to mandate the disclosure of contracts between managing agents and maintenance contractors to residents.

The government remains committed to protecting residential freeholders on private and mixed-tenure housing estates from unfair charges. We will consult this year on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act's consumer protection provisions for the up to 1.75 million homes that are subject to these charges, and bring these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter. These include ensuring that homeowners who pay an estate management charge have better access to information they need to understand what they are paying for, the right to challenge the reasonableness of such charges at the First-tier Tribunal (in England), and to go to the tribunal to appoint a substitute manager. The government is also determined to end the injustice of 'fleecehold' entirely and we will consult this year on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by many residential freeholders. Managing agents play a key role in the maintenance of freehold estates. On 4 July, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. The consultation includes proposals to strengthen the regulation of managing agents.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to introduce a prescribed annual statement for estate management charges that itemises (a) contractor costs, (b) management fees and (c) procurement overheads.

The government remains committed to protecting residential freeholders on private and mixed-tenure housing estates from unfair charges. We will consult this year on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act's consumer protection provisions for the up to 1.75 million homes that are subject to these charges, and bring these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter. These include ensuring that homeowners who pay an estate management charge have better access to information they need to understand what they are paying for, the right to challenge the reasonableness of such charges at the First-tier Tribunal (in England), and to go to the tribunal to appoint a substitute manager. The government is also determined to end the injustice of 'fleecehold' entirely and we will consult this year on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by many residential freeholders. Managing agents play a key role in the maintenance of freehold estates. On 4 July, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. The consultation includes proposals to strengthen the regulation of managing agents.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a (a) single mandatory redress and (b) ombudsman scheme for freeholders on private estates who want to challenge management charges.

The government remains committed to protecting residential freeholders on private and mixed-tenure housing estates from unfair charges. We will consult this year on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act's consumer protection provisions for the up to 1.75 million homes that are subject to these charges, and bring these measures into force as quickly as possible thereafter. These include ensuring that homeowners who pay an estate management charge have better access to information they need to understand what they are paying for, the right to challenge the reasonableness of such charges at the First-tier Tribunal (in England), and to go to the tribunal to appoint a substitute manager. The government is also determined to end the injustice of 'fleecehold' entirely and we will consult this year on legislative and policy options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, which are the root cause of the problems experienced by many residential freeholders. Managing agents play a key role in the maintenance of freehold estates. On 4 July, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. The consultation includes proposals to strengthen the regulation of managing agents.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of steps that local authorities are taking to help improve the representation of people with (a) a working class background, (b) a minority ethnic background and (c) disabilities in local government.

Local authorities are independent employers responsible for the management and organisation of their own workforces, including recruitment practices. It is the duty of local authorities to comply with all relevant employment and equalities legislation and there is no role for central government intervening in this, except where specific provision has been made in legislation.

Communities and Local Government, what recent steps she has taken on the capital funding request from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The fiscal position means that there have been tough choices to get us back on the path to recovery. It is in this context that the department is considering the request made for funding by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.I was pleased to meet with Andy Lock to discuss the outstanding work done by the organisation across Britain’s coalfields. I recognise that addressing the acute challenges faced by our coalfield communities will require greater partnership working between government and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, and I am committed to working in partnership with them to explore opportunities for collaboration.This government remains committed to supporting our most disadvantaged communities. At Spending Review, we announced funding for up to 350 places. Of the 100 places announced, 15 are in coalfield areas. Details of the remaining places will be announced in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that local authorities offer adequate reasonable adjustments during recruitment assessments for candidates with declared disabilities.

Local authorities are independent employers responsible for the management and organisation of their own workforces, including recruitment practices. It is the duty of local authorities to comply with all relevant employment and equalities legislation and there is no role for central government intervening in this, except where specific provision has been made in legislation.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the merits of taking steps to ensure that the National Planning Policy Framework 2024 gives greater weight to (a) food production and (b) agricultural infrastructure in planning decisions.

The government places great importance upon our agricultural land and food production.The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should recognise the benefits of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system).Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.Later this year, the Government will publish a Land Use Framework for England, which will set out the evidence, data and tools needed to support development that safeguards our most productive agricultural land.