Written questions by Joseph.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of poor housing on the transmission of tuberculosis; and what discussions she has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and (b) local authorities in areas of high TB incidence on this matter.

Everyone deserves to live in a decent, safe, and warm home. The government is therefore bringing forward a consultation in early 2025, setting out plans for a reformed Decent Homes Standard that will apply to both the social and private rented sectors to ensure safe and secure housing is the standard across the country. Housing association tenants who think their house or flat is in a seriously dangerous condition – including due to overcrowding – can inform their local authority. Local authorities have a legal duty to take enforcement action under the Housing Act 2004 if they find health and safety hazards including overcrowding at the most dangerous ‘category 1’ level, using the HHSRS. Landlords are also obligated to ensure that any dwelling they rent out is free of hazards which may jeopardise the health or safety of tenants. Statutory guidance recommends that local authorities consider giving ‘high priority’ for alternative housing to families in severe overcrowding which poses a serious health hazard. We continue to work closely with the Department for Health and Social Care to ensure that housing supports the health and wellbeing of residents. The UK Health Security Agency collects statutory TB incidence notifications in England and uses this to support service planning and public health action - we suggest contacting them about their work with local authorities.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that private car park operators (a) display clear and accessible signage, (b) impose proportionate fines and (c) have an appeals process that is clear and easy to use.

The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019. We will ensure the Code provides the best possible protection for motorists while giving parking companies the tools to manage their facilities effectively. We are currently reviewing all options and will announce our plans regarding the Government Code in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions her Department has had with local authorities on the implications of developers failing to meet their commitments in planning agreements under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The government is clear that developers must deliver on their planning obligations. Section 106 planning obligations are legal agreements, and a local planning authority may take enforcement action in respect of any breach of the obligations contained within them. Enforcement is at the discretion of the local planning authority, and therefore it is for the local planning authority to decide whether enforcement action is appropriate in each case.The government is committed to strengthening the existing system of developer contributions to ensure new developments provide necessary affordable homes and infrastructure. Further details will be set out in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions her Department has held with Natural England on the effect of nutrient neutrality rules on new housebuilding projects in the River Stour catchment area in Kent.

I refer my Hon Friend to the answer given to Question UIN 3644 on 9 September 2024.