Written questions by Hollinrake.

Communities and Local Government, further to her Department's Green Belt guidance published on 27 February 2025, for what policy reasons Green Belt (a) purpose (c) and (b) purpose (e) do not form part of the Green Belt assessment process.

The definition of grey belt, for the purposes of plan-making and decision-making, is provided in the glossary of the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024. Grey belt is land in the Green Belt that is previously developed land or other land that does not make a strong contribution to the following Green Belt purposes (a) checking the sprawl of large built-up areas, (b) preventing the merging of neighbouring towns, and (d) preserving the setting and special character of historic towns. It is for individual local planning authorities to decide if land is grey belt and to determine whether and how to amend Green Belt boundaries through the preparation or updating of plans, including neighbourhood plans where appropriate. It is also for each local planning authority to assess, as a material consideration when writing Local Plan policies or determining planning applications, what environmental impacts could occur. National planning policy and our recently published guidance on Green Belt assessment are clear that release of, or development on, Green Belt land should not fundamentally undermine the ability of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan from serving all five of the Green Belt purposes. The definition of grey belt, and the revised Framework more widely, were determined following extensive consultation, including with relevant public bodies. For further detail, I refer the hon. Member to the government response to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system consultation which can be found on gov.uk here. Our guidance introduces new criteria to drive a more consistent approach to the identification of grey belt land, and to inform Green Belt assessments. It is for these Green Belt assessments to consider if any particular features act to preserve visual separation. Green Belt guidance is clear that assessing the contribution land makes to Green Belt purposes (a), (b) and (d) relates to large built-up areas, towns, and historic towns respectively, rather than villages. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that villages can be included in the Green Belt where it is necessary to restrict development because of the contribution the village makes to the Green Belt. If the character of the village should be protected for other reasons, other means should be used, such as conservation area or normal development management policies. The National Planning Policy Framework and the Green Belt guidance do not introduce a definition of historic town, town, or village. The responsibilities of local planning authorities to recognise and protect their historic assets, making use of built heritage and conservation expertise as necessary, remain unaltered. Local planning authorities continue to have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has increased the level of funding for the Greater London Authority in 2025-26 to address the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions; and what representation she has received from the Greater London Authority on this subject.

The final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025-26 makes available over £69 billion for local government in England. The Greater London Authority will see an increase in their Core Spending Power of 3.1% in cash terms, or £97.7 million, on 2024-25.As part of this package, the government confirmed allocations for the unringfenced £502 million Employer National Insurance Contributions Grant for local authorities in England. I can confirm the Greater London Authority will receive £18.8 million from the Employer National Insurance Contributions Grant.

Communities and Local Government, whether the proposed (a) combined authorities and (b) combined county authorities will operate in shadow form before they are vested.

The establishment of a Combined County Authority or a Combined Authority is done via implementing secondary legislation. It is for the local authorities who are to become constituent councils in the area to determine whether to set up shadow or transition arrangements prior to the combined authority’s establishment.

Communities and Local Government, whether the guidance entitled Green Belt, published on 27 February 2025, would permit villages in the green belt to be merged with towns.

The definition of grey belt, for the purposes of plan-making and decision-making, is provided in the glossary of the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024. Grey belt is land in the Green Belt that is previously developed land or other land that does not make a strong contribution to the following Green Belt purposes (a) checking the sprawl of large built-up areas, (b) preventing the merging of neighbouring towns, and (d) preserving the setting and special character of historic towns. It is for individual local planning authorities to decide if land is grey belt and to determine whether and how to amend Green Belt boundaries through the preparation or updating of plans, including neighbourhood plans where appropriate. It is also for each local planning authority to assess, as a material consideration when writing Local Plan policies or determining planning applications, what environmental impacts could occur. National planning policy and our recently published guidance on Green Belt assessment are clear that release of, or development on, Green Belt land should not fundamentally undermine the ability of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan from serving all five of the Green Belt purposes. The definition of grey belt, and the revised Framework more widely, were determined following extensive consultation, including with relevant public bodies. For further detail, I refer the hon. Member to the government response to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system consultation which can be found on gov.uk here. Our guidance introduces new criteria to drive a more consistent approach to the identification of grey belt land, and to inform Green Belt assessments. It is for these Green Belt assessments to consider if any particular features act to preserve visual separation. Green Belt guidance is clear that assessing the contribution land makes to Green Belt purposes (a), (b) and (d) relates to large built-up areas, towns, and historic towns respectively, rather than villages. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that villages can be included in the Green Belt where it is necessary to restrict development because of the contribution the village makes to the Green Belt. If the character of the village should be protected for other reasons, other means should be used, such as conservation area or normal development management policies. The National Planning Policy Framework and the Green Belt guidance do not introduce a definition of historic town, town, or village. The responsibilities of local planning authorities to recognise and protect their historic assets, making use of built heritage and conservation expertise as necessary, remain unaltered. Local planning authorities continue to have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the guidance entitled Green Belt, published on 27 February 2025, whether an environmental principles assessment was prepared in relation to the new guidance.

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 26508 on 5 February 2025 and Question UIN 37174 on 11 March 2025.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the guidance entitled Green Belt, published on 27 February 2025, how a (a) historic town and (b) non-historic town is defined.

The definition of grey belt, for the purposes of plan-making and decision-making, is provided in the glossary of the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024. Grey belt is land in the Green Belt that is previously developed land or other land that does not make a strong contribution to the following Green Belt purposes (a) checking the sprawl of large built-up areas, (b) preventing the merging of neighbouring towns, and (d) preserving the setting and special character of historic towns. It is for individual local planning authorities to decide if land is grey belt and to determine whether and how to amend Green Belt boundaries through the preparation or updating of plans, including neighbourhood plans where appropriate. It is also for each local planning authority to assess, as a material consideration when writing Local Plan policies or determining planning applications, what environmental impacts could occur. National planning policy and our recently published guidance on Green Belt assessment are clear that release of, or development on, Green Belt land should not fundamentally undermine the ability of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan from serving all five of the Green Belt purposes. The definition of grey belt, and the revised Framework more widely, were determined following extensive consultation, including with relevant public bodies. For further detail, I refer the hon. Member to the government response to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system consultation which can be found on gov.uk here. Our guidance introduces new criteria to drive a more consistent approach to the identification of grey belt land, and to inform Green Belt assessments. It is for these Green Belt assessments to consider if any particular features act to preserve visual separation. Green Belt guidance is clear that assessing the contribution land makes to Green Belt purposes (a), (b) and (d) relates to large built-up areas, towns, and historic towns respectively, rather than villages. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that villages can be included in the Green Belt where it is necessary to restrict development because of the contribution the village makes to the Green Belt. If the character of the village should be protected for other reasons, other means should be used, such as conservation area or normal development management policies. The National Planning Policy Framework and the Green Belt guidance do not introduce a definition of historic town, town, or village. The responsibilities of local planning authorities to recognise and protect their historic assets, making use of built heritage and conservation expertise as necessary, remain unaltered. Local planning authorities continue to have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2025 to Question 31950 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution, whether her Department received representations from the Cabinet Office on this matter.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government did not receive representations from the Cabinet Office on this matter pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2025 to Question 31950.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to provide funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2026-27.

At the autumn budget we announced that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will continue for a further year; this is a transitional arrangement to provide as much stability as possible for 2025-26 in advance of wider local growth funding reforms thereafter. We will set out our long-term vision for local growth at the multi-year spending review.

Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for commencing (a) environmental delivery plans and (b) developments affected by nutrient neutrality rules.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 38624 on 25 March 2025.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the guidance entitled Green Belt, published on 27 February 2025, whether her Department consulted Historic England on the new guidance on historic (a) towns and (b) villages.

The definition of grey belt, for the purposes of plan-making and decision-making, is provided in the glossary of the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024. Grey belt is land in the Green Belt that is previously developed land or other land that does not make a strong contribution to the following Green Belt purposes (a) checking the sprawl of large built-up areas, (b) preventing the merging of neighbouring towns, and (d) preserving the setting and special character of historic towns. It is for individual local planning authorities to decide if land is grey belt and to determine whether and how to amend Green Belt boundaries through the preparation or updating of plans, including neighbourhood plans where appropriate. It is also for each local planning authority to assess, as a material consideration when writing Local Plan policies or determining planning applications, what environmental impacts could occur. National planning policy and our recently published guidance on Green Belt assessment are clear that release of, or development on, Green Belt land should not fundamentally undermine the ability of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan from serving all five of the Green Belt purposes. The definition of grey belt, and the revised Framework more widely, were determined following extensive consultation, including with relevant public bodies. For further detail, I refer the hon. Member to the government response to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system consultation which can be found on gov.uk here. Our guidance introduces new criteria to drive a more consistent approach to the identification of grey belt land, and to inform Green Belt assessments. It is for these Green Belt assessments to consider if any particular features act to preserve visual separation. Green Belt guidance is clear that assessing the contribution land makes to Green Belt purposes (a), (b) and (d) relates to large built-up areas, towns, and historic towns respectively, rather than villages. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that villages can be included in the Green Belt where it is necessary to restrict development because of the contribution the village makes to the Green Belt. If the character of the village should be protected for other reasons, other means should be used, such as conservation area or normal development management policies. The National Planning Policy Framework and the Green Belt guidance do not introduce a definition of historic town, town, or village. The responsibilities of local planning authorities to recognise and protect their historic assets, making use of built heritage and conservation expertise as necessary, remain unaltered. Local planning authorities continue to have a wide range of enforcement powers, with strong penalties for non-compliance, which they can use to tackle all types of unauthorised development.

Communities and Local Government, how much (a) capital and (b) resource funding was allocated to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in the (i) 2024-25 and (ii) 2025-26 financial year.

In the 2024-25 Financial Year, £1.3 billion resource and £0.2 billion capital funding was allocated to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This includes the Department for Education managed allocation for the Multiply programme in England. This allocation can be found in the Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 publication here: Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 (HTML) - GOV.UK. In the 2025-26 financial year, £668 million resource and £234 million capital funding has been allocated to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. There are no separate Multiply allocations for 2025-26. Local allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2025-26 can be found here.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2025 to Question 23351 on Regulator of Social Housing: Translation Services, if she will issue updated guidance to the regulator on translation services to councils and social housing providers to reflect the guidance outlined in the Written Ministerial Statement of 12 March 2013 entitled Translation into Foreign Languages, Official Report, Column 5WS.

The government has no plans to issue guidance or a direction to the Regulator of Social Housing on changes to their standards or codes of practice in relation to translation into foreign languages.The regulator’s consumer standards Code of Practice is designed to amplify some of the requirements in the standards and provides examples of how requirements might be achieved.It states that providers should make tenants aware of the different ways in which services are tailored to meet their needs. Informing tenants that information can be supplied in different languages on request is one of the examples given for how providers might seek to deliver the outcomes of the standard, but providers are not required to take a particular approach.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph 2.1.1 of her Department's English devolution white paper published on 16 December 2024, whether she will designate Surrey as a Foundation Strategic Authority.

The government confirmed we would progress with a non-mayoral single local authority agreement for Surrey in September 2024. Future designation is subject to wider timelines on the passage of the English Devolution Bill as well as next steps on local government reorganisation and to deepen devolution for the area. Surrey are on the Local Government Reorganisation fast track to unlock devolution to the fastest possible timeline, to deepen and widen their existing devolution agreement and take strides towards mayoral devolution.

Communities and Local Government, whether the guidance entitled Green Belt, published on 27 February 2025, will apply to (a) planning applications for authorised, (b) retrospective planning permission for unauthorised, (c) planning enforcement (i) decisions and (ii) appeals in relation to unauthorised and (d) plan-making for traveller sites on the Green Belt.

I refer the hon. Member to UIN 39868 answered on 26 March 2025.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2025 to Question 25268 on Political Parties: Finance, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to prevent (a) Iranian, (b) Russian and (c) Chinese citizens who are resident in (i) Wales and (ii) Scotland donating to UK (A) political parties and (B) regulated donees.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the Question UIN 25690 on 30 January 2025.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 February 2025 to Question 30633 on Democracy and Elections, if she will consult with political parties.

The government is currently in the process of consulting with various stakeholders, ahead of setting out our approach to elections and electoral reform for this Parliament.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2025 to Question 33868 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Procurement, and with reference to the Procurement Policy Note 002: Social Value Model, published in February 2025, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of contract compliance requirements on (a) working conditions and (b) trade unions on regulatory costs to local government.

Procurement Policy Note 002: Taking account of Social Value in the award of contracts is not a mandatory policy for local government as stated within the scope of the procurement policy note. It is optional for local authorities to elect to apply this policy.

Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the change in business rates from the valuation of a retail, hospitality and leisure hereditament moving from a Rateable Value of £499,999 to £500,001 from April 2026.

The Valuation Office Agency are currently completing the valuation process for the 2026 business rates list. As part of the usual process, the government will announce the multipliers at the Budget, having regard to the evidence of the valuation. When the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025, the Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Plan for Neighbourhoods: prospectus, published on 4 March 2025, which of the 75 areas are (a) rural and (b) urban.

The Plan for Neighbourhoods was launched on 4 March. The 75 places across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were chosen via a selection methodology that has been published in the Plan for Neighbourhoods prospectus. Eligible places had to have a built-up area, according to the Office for National Statistics, with a population size of between 20,000 and 100,000, including places like Keighley, Spalding and Orkney. All 75 places across the UK that were originally selected to receive Long-Term Plan for Towns by the previous Conservative administration will receive the Plan for Neighbourhoods package. We are making good on those unfunded commitments, giving each of the 75 places the certainty that they will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade.

Communities and Local Government, how much (a) capital and (b) resource funding was allocated to the Community Ownership Fund in (i) 2024-25 and (ii) 2025-26.

Under this government, we allocated over £33m in capital funding and almost £3m in resource funding to 85 projects in Round 4 Window 1 of the Community Ownership Fund (COF). This represents the largest ever window of COF to date, both in terms of funding awarded and number of projects. On 23 December 2024, we announced that COF is now closed and that there will be no further application windows. We took this difficult decision due to the challenging inheritance left by the previous government.Monies will continue to be paid to successful projects from previous windows in line with the conditions set out in their Grant Funding Agreement (GFA).