Contributions
2,217 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHousing: Accessibility StandardsOne of the ways we will signal and have signalled the importance of this to local authorities is through the update to the National Planning Policy Framework. It was updated in…05 Feb 2024HANSARDHousing: Accessibility StandardsAs I said, we had the interim uplift to energy efficiency standards in 2021, and we have just started a consultation on the future homes standard. That sets out two models that…05 Feb 2024HANSARDHousing: Accessibility StandardsIt is under this Government that we have seen some of the highest housebuilding rates in 30 years. We are on track to deliver 1 million new homes during the course of this…05 Feb 2024HANSARDHousing: Accessibility StandardsMy Lords, local planning authorities should already assess the housing needs of different groups, including accessibility needs for those with disabilities or older people, and…05 Feb 2024HANSARDHousing: Accessibility StandardsMy noble friend makes a good case. As he will know, the Government have already consulted on the principle of this. A technical consultation would be needed to take forward the…05 Feb 2024HANSARDHousing: Accessibility StandardsThe noble Lord is absolutely right, and that is what the different accessibility standards seek to address. I undertake to make clear to the department the view of noble Lords…05 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesMy Lords, one of the programmes I mentioned in my initial Answer, the levelling up parks fund, is focused specifically on grants given to and administered by local authorities to…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesMy Lords, the Government absolutely acknowledge the role that private gardens have to play as part of our overall green space and open space. The importance of our green spaces is…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesMy Lords, I am happy to look in more detail at the proposal put forward by the noble Baroness and to write to her on what the Government can do in this area.01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesMy Lords, I do not believe it should be an either/or. The green belt is rightly protected, and the Government’s approach to that is set out clearly. For urban green space, that is…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesOur environmental improvement plan includes a commitment that everyone should live within a 15-minute walk of a green or blue space and includes measures to reduce barriers which…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesI agree with the noble Baroness that, in any new development, it is important that access to green and open space is properly taken into account. That is why it is reflected in…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesI hope my noble friend will forgive me if I am not drawn any further on this question. There are two separate matters that need to be dealt with here. One is the legislation that…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesMy Lords, on the legal point, I believe the department is bringing forward legislation to address that. I am sure there will be further discussion of the points the noble Baroness…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesIt will depend on the particular arrangements for each park or playground, but local authorities are responsible for around 85% of urban parks in England. On which department is…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesMy Lords, I have set out a number of different ways that we are supporting this commitment. On local government funding, the provisional local government finance settlement for…01 Feb 2024HANSARDGreen SpacesMy Lords, I will need to write to the right reverend Prelate on the specific details that she asked for. But I reassure her that making our green spaces more accessible is a key…01 Feb 2024HANSARDTeesworks Joint VentureI do not believe that there are any further plans to cover any further reviews.30 Jan 2024HANSARDTeesworks Joint VentureMy Lords, I absolutely recognise the issues raised by the independent panel. It has clearly considered a number of specific issues, and the Secretary of State has written to the…30 Jan 2024HANSARDTeesworks Joint VentureI am afraid that I will have to disappoint the noble Baroness on her first question. We will not be referring this matter to the NAO. However, as I said in my initial response,…30 Jan 2024