Written questions by Hollinrake.

Communities and Local Government, what estimate she has made of the unit cost to developers of the Nature Restoration Fund for a new build house.

When it comes to development and the environment, we know we can do better than the status quo, which too often sees both sustainable housebuilding and nature recovery stall. Instead of environmental protections being seen as a barrier to growth, we want to unlock a win-win for the economy and for nature. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will introduce a new Nature Restoration Fund that will unlock and accelerate development while going beyond simply offsetting harm to unlock the positive impact development can have in driving nature recovery.The government's intention is that the aggregate cost to developers of the Nature Restoration Levy will not be greater than the status quo. By taking a strategic approach to nature recovery, we can leverage economies of scale and reduce the need for costly project-level assessments to ensure every pound spent helps deliver on our environmental goals.We are working with Regulatory Policy Committee to ensure that the Bill Impact Assessment and Committee’s opinion are published as soon as possible.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's guidance entitled Green Belt, updated on 27 February 2025, how she classifies (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, whether there will be a minimum development size threshold for liability for payments to the Nature Restoration Fund; and whether self-build development will be exempt from liability.

The Nature Restoration Levy will not create a new financial burden since developers already have to meet the cost of project-specific measures arising from, for example the Habitats Regulations.  The intent of the Nature Restoration Fund is to provide for a more effective route to discharge existing obligations. Paying into an Environmental Delivery Plan will be voluntary wherever possible, allowing developers to meet the cost of project-specific measures if they wish to do so.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to Deposited Paper DEP2025-0132, dated 7 February 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of levels of English language proficiency.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is leading cross-Government efforts to develop a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion - working in partnership with communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address deep-seated issues.This is a priority for the Deputy Prime Minister, who has stood up a cross-government ‘Communities & Recovery Steering Group’ to oversee this work. The integration of new arrivals and English language proficiency are both significant considerations in the development of our strategic approach to social cohesion.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to clause 49 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, what guidance she plans to provide on the geographical scope of Environmental Delivery Plans; and whether they could (a) cover multiple local planning authority areas, (b) mirror a local planning authority area and (c) be smaller than a local planning authority area.

Each Environmental Delivery Plan will be required to delineate the geography to which it applies. The scale of Environmental Delivery Plans will reflect the nature of the environmental impact being addressed. This could result in Environmental Delivery Plans covering wide geographies across multiple local planning authorities, as well as smaller scale Environmental Delivery Plans where appropriate.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36095 on HM Land Registry: Buildings, if he will provide equivalent figures for each week expressed as the total number of employees in the Croydon HQ building during the working week divided by the number of days during the working week.

WeekCroydon office daily average attendance by week04/11/2024 - 08/11/2024200.611/11/2024 - 15/11/202420618/11/2024 - 22/11/2024199.225/11/2024 - 29/11/2024190.4 These figures do not include staff on short term leave. Staff are asked to manage their attendance over the course of a month, so there will be some natural variance on a weekly level.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Plan for Neighbourhoods: prospectus published in 4 March 2025, whether she plans to continue the Long-Term Plan for Towns.

The Long-Term Plan for Towns programme was launched during the previous administration. It was an unfunded commitment for which the previous administration had no funded plan as to how that promise would be delivered.All 75 towns across the UK that were originally selected to receive Long-Term Plan for Towns funding will receive the funding under the Plan for Neighbourhoods package. We are making good on those 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, with reference to the guidance entitled UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus, updated on 4 March 2025, whether applications for funding will be competitive.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been extended for 2025-26 at £900 million. All areas of the UK will again receive an allocation from the Fund via a funding formula rather than a competition.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the press notice entitled Major overhaul of planning committees to get Britain building, published on 9 December 2024, what threshold will be applied at which mandatory delegation to officers would be required.

The government intends to consult on the delegation of planning decisions in England alongside passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's guidance entitled Green Belt, updated on 27 February 2025, whether (a) motorways, (b) A roads and (c) railway lines are classified as visual separation.

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 her Department's guidance entitled Green Belt, updated on 27 February 2025, whether that guidance takes precedence over neighbourhood plans covering villages in the Green Belt.

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, if she will publish a cross-government strategy on English language and integration.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is leading cross-Government efforts to develop a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion - working in partnership with communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address deep-seated issues.This is a priority for the Deputy Prime Minister, who has stood up a cross-government ‘Communities & Recovery Steering Group’ to oversee this work. The integration of new arrivals and English language proficiency are both significant considerations in the development of our strategic approach to social cohesion.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34616 on Voting Rights: Foreign Nationals, what checks are undertaken to ensure that Commonwealth citizens seeking to sign up to an electoral roll are qualifying Commonwealth citizens.

Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are responsible for maintaining accurate electoral registers. EROs hold legal powers which allow them to request documentary evidence to confirm an applicant’s nationality, if they are not satisfied as to any applicant's nationality. The application form to register to vote is clear about the possibility of applicants being required to provide additional evidence about their nationality, and that their nationality or immigration status may be checked against government records. The Electoral Commission has also published guidance for EROs on the types of evidence they may request, and advice on how to check immigration records held by the Home Office.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2025 to Question 34860 on MHCLG: Greenpeace, and of 11 March 2025 to Question HL5100 on Community Relations, whether her Department’s decision not to engage with (a) Greenpeace, (b) XR and (c) Just Stop Oil is due to (i) her Department’s engagement principles or (b) other reasons.

Decisions concerning who we engage with are carefully considered by government departments on a case by case basis. The government will only engage with organisations when it is in the public interest.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2025 to Question 33487on Democracy and Elections, when she expects political parties to be consulted.

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 7 March 2025 to Question 34287 on Unitary Councils, what criteria she plans to use to decide whether to request a formal review by the Local Government Boundary Commission England, following the receipt of restructuring proposals by local authorities of the unitary wards and boundaries in a proposed new unitary council.

As previously set out, my department is liaising closely with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England so that they are involved at the appropriate time to ensure fair electoral arrangements across the area of any new unitary local authorities. The process set out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 allows the Secretary of State to seek the advice of the LGBCE on any matter relating to a proposal that has been submitted in response to an invitation. No criteria have been set for seeking advice, which will depend on the proposals received, as appropriate at the time.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her polices of the affordability of the average band D Council Tax bill, in the context of recent increases.

Local authorities are responsible for setting council tax levels, taking account of local circumstances. The government continues to set referendum principles to give taxpayers a final say over excessive increases. The council tax system contains a range of discounts and exemptions to reflect personal circumstances. Furthermore, every council is required to put in place a Local Council Tax Support scheme which reduces the bill of low-income households.

Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for publication of Environmental Delivery Plans; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of that timetable on developments paused due to nutrient neutrality.

The government will work with Natural England to put the first Environmental Delivery Plans in place as soon as possible following Royal Assent of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Given the impact nutrient neutrality has had on development in some locations, we will be looking to use Environmental Delivery Plans to quickly unlock growth in these areas.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34283 on Freeports: Trade Unions, whether freeport boards members are subject to a similar fiduciary duty.

Freeport boards have a clear and specific remit for delivering the public policy objectives of the Freeports Programme and the resultant responsibilities of individual board members (both full members and observers) are defined in articles of association, where the Freeport is incorporated, or terms of reference for the board, where it is not.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, if she will make it her policy to allow a representative from foundation strategic authorities that will not have a Mayor to have a seat on the Council of Nations and Regions.

As set out in its Terms of Reference, membership of the Council of the Nations and Regions consists of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Mayor of London, the Mayors of Combined Authorities, and the Mayors of Combined County Authorities. The English Devolution White Paper sets out that a representative at the Council of Nations and Regions is reserved for those areas with a Mayoral or Established Mayoral Strategic Authority. The government will consider proposals for future devolution agreements against the criteria set out in the White Paper, and new mayors established through this process will be eligible to attend the Council of the Nations and Regions.