Written questions by Myer.

Communities and Local Government, whether he has analysed the responses to the consultation on enhanced protections for homeowners on freehold estates which closed on 12 March 2026; and when he plans to respond to that consultation.

We are currently analysing the feedback received to the consultation in question and will publish our response in due course.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department is taking steps to regulate the use of (a) algorithmic and (b) AI-driven decision-making tools in the private rental sector.

The Government is clear that tenants living in the private rented sector should be treated fairly and with respect. Landlords are responsible for any decision they make, including where they have used AI-driven tools to support their decision making process. In designing and implementing the digital aspects of our reforms, including the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman and the Private Rented Sector Database, the Department will capitalise on the opportunities that AI offers to create modern and efficient services. These services will be built in line with the Government Digital Service Standard and the code of practice for cyber security of AI published by DSIT.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of mandating the inclusion of swift bricks in new residential developments; and whether she plans to include such a mandate in future updates to national planning policies.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 22080 on 15 January 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to support (a) cooperatives, (b) community land trusts and (c) other community-led initiatives to (i) support local ownership and (ii) reduce inequality.

The government is committed to supporting communities. The Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, outlines plans for a new Community Right to Buy, allowing locals to acquire valued community spaces. The £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods will provide up to £20 million in funding over the next decade to 75 of the most deprived communities, partnering with residents, businesses, and local authorities to drive renewal. On 25 March, we announced a £20 million support package for community-led housebuilding groups, including housing co-operatives and community land trusts. This investment, managed by Resonance Ltd, will support the construction of over 2,500 new homes in the next decade, addressing local needs. Following a consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework, we have also strengthened support for community-led housing by changing size limits on exception sites and broadening the definition of eligible organisations. Our Long-Term Housing Strategy will further support this sector's growth.

Communities and Local Government, what guidance her Department issues on whether bereaved families are liable for (a) rent and (b) other costs following the death of a Universal Credit claimant during an assessment period.

The liability of bereaved families of someone who may have been in receipt of Universal Credit will depend on whether they have entered into any legal agreements as a part of their relative's tenancy.If individuals are unclear on whether they, or another family member, is liable for outstanding debts, they may wish to seek independent advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice.The Renters’ Rights Bill will limit the liability of a guarantor of a tenancy agreement for rent in the tragic circumstance where a tenant related to them has died.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Regulator of Social Housing's statistics entitled Private registered provider social housing stock and rents in England 2023 to 2024, published on 29 October 2024, for what reason 544 private registered provider properties in Middlesbrough are not available to let; and what steps she is taking to ensure that those properties are let.

Units are likely to be reported as temporarily unavailable when works are being carried out as part of Private Registered Providers’ stock condition remediation and energy efficiency works.This is set out in the Regulator of Social Housing’s “Private Registered Provider Social Housing Stock In England – Sector Characteristics and Stock Movement” report for 2023-24, available on gov.uk here.Those reported as permanently unavailable may be scheduled for significant work, restructure, or demolition.Variation in the number of permanently unavailable units will be driven by multiple factors such as re-development programmes and individual approaches by Private Registered Providers to asset management.The government encourages social housing providers to develop solutions that make best use of the social housing stock and minimise void periods where possible.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to introduce (a) targets and (b) incentives to reduce the number of long-term vacant social housing properties in (i) Middlesbrough and Redcar, (ii) Cleveland and (iii) other areas with above-average vacancy rates.

Units are likely to be reported as temporarily unavailable when works are being carried out as part of Private Registered Providers’ stock condition remediation and energy efficiency works.This is set out in the Regulator of Social Housing’s “Private Registered Provider Social Housing Stock In England – Sector Characteristics and Stock Movement” report for 2023-24, available on gov.uk here.Those reported as permanently unavailable may be scheduled for significant work, restructure, or demolition.Variation in the number of permanently unavailable units will be driven by multiple factors such as re-development programmes and individual approaches by Private Registered Providers to asset management.The government encourages social housing providers to develop solutions that make best use of the social housing stock and minimise void periods where possible.