Contributions
1,571 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy Lords, I point out that permitted development rights have enabled us to deliver a net additional 72,000 homes in the last five years and make an important contribution to the…17 Jun 2021HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy Lords, at this stage of the planning reform process we have had 44,000 responses and have continued engagement with the Local Government Association and other important…17 Jun 2021HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy Lords, we need to recognise the existing frailties of the current planning system, which has not been reformed for over seven decades and has a very poor record on public…17 Jun 2021HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy Lords, we continue to set standards around accessibility and recognise that it plays an important part in getting the right number of new homes. We have set out an approach…17 Jun 2021HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy noble friend is right that it is important not just to have volume as the driver but to think about the quality of the housing. Indeed, our reforms enable there to be model…17 Jun 2021HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy Lords, it is not just involvement in the local plan that happens every five years but producing the design codes. But, importantly, communities will have a say in detailed…17 Jun 2021HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy noble friend is absolutely right that we need homes of all types and tenures. Our reforms will give communities a greater voice from the start of the planning process. The…17 Jun 2021HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy Lords, we have already looked at the approach to assessing local housing need to ensure that we see greater focus on the renewal of our cities and towns rather than urban…17 Jun 2021HANSARDHousing: New DevelopmentsMy Lords, the drive for development does need to take into account the need for sustainable development. Planning will take on board a zonal approach, with some of the positives…17 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsMy Lords, we are happy to look at any ideas that encourage wider pet ownership, and I will certainly take that back to the department to consider.15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsMy Lords, it is fair to say that Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has been involved in the development of this agreement. Indeed Peter Laurie, the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home interim…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsI am grateful to my noble friend for pointing out the views of the great man. We recognise that domestic pets bring joy, happiness and comfort to people’s lives. We have seen that…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsMy Lords, I am aware that measures are in place to facilitate wider pet ownership in the private rented sector, and I encourage landlords to work with tenants to ensure that there…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsMy Lords, we have set out a model tenancy agreement that encourages wider pet ownership. It also ensures that the landlord must give a clear reason why they will not accept a pet.…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsI am aware of the issue that my noble friend raises. We know how important pets are to many people, particularly rough sleepers. That is why we have supported a number of local…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsMy Lords, we agree that it is precisely that which has required a collaborative approach that landlords and tenants can work through to find practical solutions and ensure wider…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsMy noble friend is right to point out the impact of the Tenant Fees Act 2019. The Government recommend that the rental deposit of five weeks is a maximum rather than a default.…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for coming up with practical suggestions for how tenants and landlords could work together to ensure wider pet ownership. It is of course for the…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsI draw attention to my residential and commercial property interests as set out in the register. The Government want to improve life for tenants and recognise the importance of…15 Jun 2021HANSARDPrivate Landlords: Tenants with PetsMy Lords, I am aware of the issue that my noble friend raises. The model tenancy agreement is the Government’s suggested contract with which to agree a tenancy and is freely…15 Jun 2021