Written questions by Onn.

Communities and Local Government, what measures the Government is considering to lower the cost of building new properties in marsh land areas in order to ensure they can be competitive in low value areas.

The government has no current plans to directly intervene to lower the cost of building new properties in marsh land areas.We are taking decisive action across a wide range of areas to support housebuilding across the country, including in lower value areas.The Brownfield Land Release Fund provides funding to local planning authorities to help address market failures and viability gaps on small to medium sized brownfield sites.

Communities and Local Government, what progress has been made on developing the Able Humber Ports site at Killingholme following the awarding of the Industrial Strategy Zone Site Accelerator Grant funding.

As one of the twenty-two Industrial Strategy Zones across the UK, Humber Freeport was awarded £490,000 of Site Accelerator Grant to progress vital work to unlock a new quay and offshore wind supply‑chain hub at Immingham. Alongside the private sector investment at Killingholme – this will unlock wider benefits for the region that will create jobs, support decarbonisation, and deliver long‑term economic growth across the Humber.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with North East Lincolnshire Council on the closure of Grimsby Central Library.

My Department has held no specific discussions with North East Lincolnshire Council regarding the closure of Grimsby Central Library. In November 2024, the Department agreed a project adjustment request to Grimsby’s Town Deal for the diversion of £3.7m of funding between the Green Energy Hub Project to be located within Grimsby’s central library, and the Freshney Place development. This request was supported by the Council and a quorum of the Towns Fund Board.

Communities and Local Government, if he take steps though the planned Elections Bill to ensure that individuals convicted of terrorist offences against the United Kingdom at home or abroad are disqualified from standing as candidates in any election.

There are several existing disqualification criteria for standing as a candidate in elections in the UK which relate to criminal offences. For example, the Elections Act 2022 introduced a disqualification order for those convicted of intimidation or abuse of candidates, campaigners or elected office holders. The effect of the disqualification order is a five-year ban from standing for, or holding, elective office, in addition to any standard punishment for the underlying criminal offence. The Government has introduced the Representation of the People Bill, which will extend the disqualification order to offences motivated by hostility towards electoral staff. The Representation of the People Act 1983 also defines corrupt and illegal election practices, for which a convicted person is disqualified for up to five years. Additionally, someone cannot be a Police and Crime Commissioner if they have ever been convicted of an imprisonable offence.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the legal strength and enforceability of the TA6 seller’s property information form in residential property transactions.

The TA6 Property Information Form is designed and provided by the Law Society. The form itself is not prescribed in legislation, nor subject to regulatory oversight. There are wider requirements, under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 for example, that any property information that would help a prospective homebuyer to make an informed decision is not hidden or omitted. Statements made in the TA6 in a conveyancing transaction can be caught by this legislation. Where inaccurate or misleading information is communicated by the seller to the buyer then the buyer may, depending on the circumstances, seek redress through the courts.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department has taken to help tackle empty shops on high streets.

Vacancy is a blight that we see too often in our towns.We are supporting areas with new powers to help fill empty premises including High Street Rental Auctions and a new ‘right to buy’ to help prevent the loss of valued assets by bringing them into community ownership.

Communities and Local Government, what information her Department holds on the number and proportion of single-person council tax reduction recipients that are pensioners.

The Government has not historically collected data on the individual characteristics of residents of households receiving a single person council tax discount.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of devolution on local economies.

This Government is committed to transferring power out of Westminster and into local communities, with landmark legislation to expand devolution across England, devolve further powers to local leaders, those with local knowledge and those with skin in the game, to drive economic growth, and empower local communities.International evidence shows that, if done correctly, devolution can lead to economic growth and increased productivity. That is why we have committed to introducing an English Devolution Bill, which will give mayors and combined authorities the powers they need to implement local growth plans - setting a clear and bespoke direction for each local economy across the country.