Tag: John Healey

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2016-02-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what the timetable is for the review of the Homes and Communities Agency.

Brandon Lewis

The Spending Review underlined the priority this Government attaches to our ambition to build a million homes this Parliament and to double the number of new homeowners. Building on the successful contribution the Homes and Communities Agency made in the last Parliament, the Review will ensure that they are well-placed to deliver the Government’s objectives.

In line with Cabinet Office guidance, the Review will consider a range of options in looking at how the Agency can operate in the most effective and efficient way.

We will be seeking evidence from a wide range of sources, including the Agency itself, and will provide an opportunity for interested stakeholders to contribute views. Once this evidence has been collected and conclusions drawn, the Review will report as soon as possible.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2016-06-28.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will place in the Library a copy of his recent request to local authorities for information about those bodies’ housing stock to help determine the sale of higher value council homes.

Brandon Lewis

I have today placed a copy of the request to local authorities about their housing stock in the Library of the House.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2015-12-09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the (a) housing benefit claimant count and (b) average weekly housing benefit award is for tenants in supported accommodation in each (i) county, (ii) region, (iii) local authority and (iv) valuation office agency area.

Justin Tomlinson

The information requested is not available.

DWP and DCLG have commissioned an evidence review to provide more robust and up-to-date information relating to supported housing. The report will be published in 2016.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2016-01-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, with reference to the announcement of 4 January 2016, The Government will directly build affordable homes, what the difficulties are which have resulted in credible bidders being deterred for the development in Daedelus Waterfront.

Brandon Lewis

The holding costs for the site relate to the entirety of the site and are consistent with the legal and health and safety obligations of the Homes and Communities Agency as land owner.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2016-01-08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department has conducted an impact assessment of the Government’s plans to cap housing benefit for tenants in supported housing at the local rate of Local Housing Allowance.

Justin Tomlinson

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave to the Honourable Member for Liverpool Wavertree on 11 January 2016 to question UIN 21145 .

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2016-01-21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what recent estimate he has made of the number of housing association tenants who will become eligible for the right to buy by January 2017.

Brandon Lewis

As stated by my rt. hon. Friend, the Prime Minister in his speech of the 7 October, the voluntary agreement between the sector and Government will make Right to Buy equivalent discounts available to 1.3 million housing association tenants.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2016-02-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Written Statement of 10 February 2016, HCWS520, when he expects the Review of the Homes and Communities Agency to be published.

Brandon Lewis

The Spending Review underlined the priority this Government attaches to our ambition to build a million homes this Parliament and to double the number of new homeowners. Building on the successful contribution the Homes and Communities Agency made in the last Parliament, the Review will ensure that they are well-placed to deliver the Government’s objectives.

In line with Cabinet Office guidance, the Review will consider a range of options in looking at how the Agency can operate in the most effective and efficient way.

We will be seeking evidence from a wide range of sources, including the Agency itself, and will provide an opportunity for interested stakeholders to contribute views. Once this evidence has been collected and conclusions drawn, the Review will report as soon as possible.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2016-06-28.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the number of housing association tenants who will take up the option of right-to-buy in each year until 2019-20.

Brandon Lewis

Working with the National Housing Federation, the Government has secured an agreement with housing associations to give their tenants the opportunity to buy their home with an equivalent discount to the Right to Buy. This will deliver the manifesto commitment to extend the benefits of Right to Buy to 1.3 million tenants.

More details will be announced in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2015-12-09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to make decisions about changes to housing benefit entitlements for tenants of supported accommodation before the completion of research in this area which has been commissioned by the Department.

Justin Tomlinson

The Department has jointly commissioned an evidence review with DCLG looking at the size and scope of the supported housing sector. The results of this research will guide our consideration for future policy development.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2016-01-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what tendering and commissioning process was followed in selecting builders at the direct commissioning site at (a) Daedelus Waterfront, (b) Lower Grayling Well, (c) Connaught Barracks, (d) Northstowe and (e) Old Oak Common.

Brandon Lewis

These will be detailed commercial arrangements that will be established through a competitive procurement process. Existing public procurement processes will apply.