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A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of legislative changes to provide Royal Navy Police with consistent maritime law-enforcement powers throughout the territorial waters of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, subject to legal jurisdictions and devolution settlements.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of legislative changes to provide Royal Navy Police with consistent maritime law-enforcement powers throughout the territorial waters of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, subject to legal jurisdictions and devolution settlements.
The Royal Navy works with the Home Office, civilian police and partners across government to protect UK territorial waters, and respond to threats.
Responsibilities and authorisations depend on the circumstances and proposed action. Defence may support civilian authorities through established Military Aid to the Civil Authorities arrangements, while any exercise of maritime law-enforcement powers require a legal basis and must be undertaken by authorised personnel.
Royal Navy Police may exercise specified maritime enforcement powers in defined circumstances. Any review or change must reflect operational needs, applicable law and the UK's different jurisdictions. As the threat picture changes, the MOD supports HMG efforts to ensure the continued security of the UK and our territorial waters, including primary legislation as necessary.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued on international engagement by devolved administrations under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998; and what assessment he has made of trends in the level of activities of the Scottish Government’s international...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued on international engagement by devolved administrations under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998; and what assessment he has made of trends in the level of activities of the Scottish Government’s international...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how the devolved administrations have been integrated into the implementation and monitoring of the National Security Strategy 2025.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how the devolved administrations have been integrated into the implementation and monitoring of the National Security Strategy 2025.
While National Security is not a devolved competency, we work closely with all parts of society, including frontline services, businesses, academia, the voluntary sector, local government and the devolved governments, including on relevant areas to devolved governments like health, to ensure they are aware of threats and are taking mitigation measures to safeguard against them.
Neither the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO) nor Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) has a role in policy delivery or implementation of the Strategy. This is because all-source intelligence assessment is strictly independent of policy formulation and delivery.
As the member will already be aware, parliamentary scrutiny of the implementation of the National Security Strategy is provided by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy. The Government has provided a number of updates to the JCNSS, in both public and private sessions (an example of which can be found here). Departmental delivery is overseen by the National Security Council, with support from the National Security Council Officials-level where required.
Following publication of the Strategy in June 2025, the Government agreed an implementation framework to monitor progress over the course of this Parliament across all involved departments. The framework is classified.
‘Radical uncertainty’ refers to the intensification of great power competition, authoritarian aggression, extremist ideologies, technological change and transnational threats, with the prospect of even greater geopolitical volatility and exposure to economic shocks. The primary drivers of these trends are explored on pages 14 to 18 of the strategy in the section entitled "Navigating an era of radical uncertainty". This section draws on a wide range of open source and intelligence assessment products, as well as engagement with external experts. Assessing these drivers is a continuous process.
While the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East mean that we need to work at pace across Government to respond to live events, the Strategy predicted that we were in an era of radical uncertainty and implementation continues.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Oral Statement of 7 September 2026 on Local Government Reorganisation, Official Report, columns 667-669, what is her policy on imposing strategic authorities if local councils in the locality do not support a strategic authority.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Oral Statement of 7 September 2026 on Local Government Reorganisation, Official Report, columns 667-669, what is her policy on imposing strategic authorities if local councils in the locality do not support a strategic authority.
The Cabinet Statement, “Rewiring the State”, set out the Government’s ambition is to ensure every area in England has, or is in the process of establishing, a strategic authority by the end of 2027, with strategic authorities in place everywhere by the end of 2028.
The statutory process for the establishment of new strategic authorities requires the consent of all upper-tier Local Authorities within the footprint of the proposed Authority. It is for local areas to propose a devolution geography that can support strong partnership working, and the Government is committed to working with all areas to establish the right partnerships and to empower leaders across the country to deliver good growth in every postcode.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what criteria determine when risk data is shared between NatCen, devolved governments, and local resilience partners.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what criteria determine when risk data is shared between NatCen, devolved governments, and local resilience partners.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on devolving justice policy to the Welsh Government, what specific policy issues these discussions have covered, and whether the UK Government intends to devolve responsibility for courts and prisons to the Welsh Government.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on devolving justice policy to the Welsh Government, what specific policy issues these discussions have covered, and whether the UK Government intends to devolve responsibility for courts and prisons to the Welsh Government.
Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the democratic deficit created by the new scheme of delegation in planning? By restricting councillors’ ability to call in applications, these changes will deny communities a meaningful voice in planning decisions. We urgently need more clarity and to...
Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the democratic deficit created by the new scheme of delegation in planning? By restricting councillors’ ability to call in applications, these changes will deny communities a meaningful voice in planning decisions. We urgently need more clarity and to...
It is really important that we hear the voices of local people, and that they are not just heard, but can actually influence the process. At the same time, as the right hon. Member points out, the Prime Minister is absolutely committed to further devolution and making sure that decisions...
It is really important that we hear the voices of local people, and that they are not just heard, but can actually influence the process. At the same time, as the right hon. Member points out, the Prime Minister is absolutely committed to further devolution and making sure that decisions...
Lords motion to take note of democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform in relation to local government. Agreed to on question.
Lords motion to take note of democratic accountability, citizen participation and electoral reform in relation to local government. Agreed to on question.
My Lords, I thank colleagues from across the House for the privilege of working with them over the last 16 years in this Chamber on Bills, on Select Committees and on the general work of this House. Having reached the age of 80, I have decided that the time has...
My Lords, I thank colleagues from across the House for the privilege of working with them over the last 16 years in this Chamber on Bills, on Select Committees and on the general work of this House. Having reached the age of 80, I have decided that the time has...
My Lords, as someone who watches most proceedings in the House, albeit remotely, I personally pay tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, as he leaves the House, for his great service—and I mean great service—particularly in the handling of legislation. He will be surprised to know how often I...
My Lords, as someone who watches most proceedings in the House, albeit remotely, I personally pay tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, as he leaves the House, for his great service—and I mean great service—particularly in the handling of legislation. He will be surprised to know how often I...
I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, on securing this debate on crucial issues. I wish him a long and happy retirement; like the rest of the House, I am grateful for all that he has done here.
To the noble Lord, Lord Campbell-Savours, I am in complete disagreement that we...
I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, on securing this debate on crucial issues. I wish him a long and happy retirement; like the rest of the House, I am grateful for all that he has done here.
To the noble Lord, Lord Campbell-Savours, I am in complete disagreement that we...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for securing this debate and for the considerable experience he has brought to your Lordships’ House from his time in local government. He was a former leader of Newcastle City Council, and I pay tribute to him for that. He leaves...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for securing this debate and for the considerable experience he has brought to your Lordships’ House from his time in local government. He was a former leader of Newcastle City Council, and I pay tribute to him for that. He leaves...
My Lords, I agree strongly with the right reverend Prelate on community participation being fundamental to democracy.
I shall miss my noble friend Lord Shipley, but he is entirely right to retire. I am strongly in favour of retirement from this House as a principle, and I shall follow him next...
My Lords, I agree strongly with the right reverend Prelate on community participation being fundamental to democracy.
I shall miss my noble friend Lord Shipley, but he is entirely right to retire. I am strongly in favour of retirement from this House as a principle, and I shall follow him next...
My Lords, I, too, will miss the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, in the Chamber. I thank him for his commitment and long service to local
government; it has been a pleasure to work with him. I declare an interest as a vice-president of the Local Government Association.
Amid local government reorganisation...
My Lords, I, too, will miss the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, in the Chamber. I thank him for his commitment and long service to local
government; it has been a pleasure to work with him. I declare an interest as a vice-president of the Local Government Association.
Amid local government reorganisation...
My Lords, it is a privilege to address this House for the first time. I have been touched by the welcome that I have received from noble Lords on all sides of the House. I am particularly grateful to my noble friends who introduced me: my noble friend Lady Pinnock,...
My Lords, it is a privilege to address this House for the first time. I have been touched by the welcome that I have received from noble Lords on all sides of the House. I am particularly grateful to my noble friends who introduced me: my noble friend Lady Pinnock,...
My Lords, it is a delight and privilege to follow my noble friend Lord McCobb’s eloquent maiden speech—the first of what I am sure will be many thoughtful contributions to our House and certainly the first of many times that we will hear him talking up the wonders of Hull....
My Lords, it is a delight and privilege to follow my noble friend Lord McCobb’s eloquent maiden speech—the first of what I am sure will be many thoughtful contributions to our House and certainly the first of many times that we will hear him talking up the wonders of Hull....
My Lords, I declare my interest as a councillor in central Bedfordshire. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for his contribution both to this House and to local government, which, as a previous chair of the LGA, I can really appreciate. His introduction illustrated his knowledge about and passion...
My Lords, I declare my interest as a councillor in central Bedfordshire. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for his contribution both to this House and to local government, which, as a previous chair of the LGA, I can really appreciate. His introduction illustrated his knowledge about and passion...
My Lords, the Companion to our proceedings nowadays discourages Back-Bench Members from paying tribute to valedictory and maiden speakers and as a Deputy Speaker I feel obliged to follow the rules, albeit somewhat reluctantly, so I will simply thank my noble friend Lord Shipley for everything that he has done...
My Lords, the Companion to our proceedings nowadays discourages Back-Bench Members from paying tribute to valedictory and maiden speakers and as a Deputy Speaker I feel obliged to follow the rules, albeit somewhat reluctantly, so I will simply thank my noble friend Lord Shipley for everything that he has done...
My Lords, it is a great pleasure to take part in this interesting and well-informed debate. I add my thanks to the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for bringing the debate to the House and wish him well for his future beyond us. I am sure many more exciting challenges lie...
My Lords, it is a great pleasure to take part in this interesting and well-informed debate. I add my thanks to the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for bringing the debate to the House and wish him well for his future beyond us. I am sure many more exciting challenges lie...
My Lords, I would like to place on record my thanks to the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, who has been a worthy sparring partner over the last
two and a half years that I have been in your Lordships’ House. It is often the way that, as one door closes,...
My Lords, I would like to place on record my thanks to the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, who has been a worthy sparring partner over the last
two and a half years that I have been in your Lordships’ House. It is often the way that, as one door closes,...
My Lords, this has been a welcome and wide-ranging debate, which has enabled many different interpretations of a general debate about local government and electoral reform. The health of our local governance structures is vital to our health of our democracy; the two are inextricably entwined. That is why this...
My Lords, this has been a welcome and wide-ranging debate, which has enabled many different interpretations of a general debate about local government and electoral reform. The health of our local governance structures is vital to our health of our democracy; the two are inextricably entwined. That is why this...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for this important debate on democratic accountability, public participation and electoral reform in local government. It is particularly poignant that he chose his final speech to be on this subject, which is so important to so many of us in this...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for this important debate on democratic accountability, public participation and electoral reform in local government. It is particularly poignant that he chose his final speech to be on this subject, which is so important to so many of us in this...
My Lords, I begin by thanking the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for an excellent valedictory speech and for securing this debate as his final farewell and statement to this House. The noble Lord was introduced to the House in 2010, but it is his service over many more years than...
My Lords, I begin by thanking the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, for an excellent valedictory speech and for securing this debate as his final farewell and statement to this House. The noble Lord was introduced to the House in 2010, but it is his service over many more years than...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for her response to the debate, which has been very helpful, with a lot of food for thought and a lot of pointers for the future. I have great confidence in Ministers driving forward the devolution debate. I hope that this Chamber will, in...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for her response to the debate, which has been very helpful, with a lot of food for thought and a lot of pointers for the future. I have great confidence in Ministers driving forward the devolution debate. I hope that this Chamber will, in...
Hear, hear!
Hear, hear!
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 28 August 2026 to Question 18188 on Devolution, if she will summarise the 43 requests; and what the response was for each of those requests.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 28 August 2026 to Question 18188 on Devolution, if she will summarise the 43 requests; and what the response was for each of those requests.
As detailed in the answer to Question UIN 18188 on 17 July 2026 on the shadow Right to Request round, the requests submitted by Mayors, and the responses sent to Mayors, have not been published. Ministers wrote to Mayors in May to confirm the Government’s response to each request. It is for Mayors to decide whether they wish to share the contents of their letters.
To ask the Minister for Justice, whether the Prime Minister plans to devolve power over prisons and justice policy to the Welsh Government; and what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on this subject.
To ask the Minister for Justice, whether the Prime Minister plans to devolve power over prisons and justice policy to the Welsh Government; and what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on this subject.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, further to the written statement of 1 September 2026, HCWS297, on bus fares, whether (a) devolved administrations and (b) London will receive any consequential funding as a consequence of the £400 million of government funding from the DESNZ budget.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, further to the written statement of 1 September 2026, HCWS297, on bus fares, whether (a) devolved administrations and (b) London will receive any consequential funding as a consequence of the £400 million of government funding from the DESNZ budget.
This action to ease the cost of living is fully funded through an extra £454m (including funding for devolved governments) which comes from a reprioritisation of DESNZ’s budget.
For the devolved governments the Barnett formula applies when departmental budgets change, not when spending is announced. Barnett consequentials will be confirmed in the normal way at the next fiscal event. London will not receive any consequential funding under existing devolved arrangements in the capital.
My Lords, our devolution reforms will give mayors and strategic authorities greater powers to support housing delivery within a national framework, enabling them to direct housing investment to reflect their local housing needs. Housing targets are an important tool to make sure that sufficient housing is delivered in the right places, and the Government have no plans to amend the standard method for assessing housing need introduced in December 2024.
My Lords, our devolution reforms will give mayors and strategic authorities greater powers to support housing delivery within a national framework, enabling them to direct housing investment to reflect their local housing needs. Housing targets are an important tool to make sure that sufficient housing is delivered in the right places, and the Government have no plans to amend the standard method for assessing housing need introduced in December 2024.
To ask His Majesty’s Government whether local authorities receiving additional devolved housing powers will remain subject to national housing targets.
My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for her helpful response. Not all of us share her optimism, unfortunately. As a former deputy mayor of London, I was disappointed to learn that Taylor Wimpey, a major housebuilding developer, recently pulled out of any further projects in London. Its chief executive stated as an explanation that:
“The reward for undertaking … development in London has … evaporated”.
Does the Minister share my concern? How does she expect the Government, who have promised affordable housing to buy and to rent, to provide housing when they are making it unaffordable to build?
My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for her helpful response. Not all of us share her optimism, unfortunately. As a former deputy mayor of London, I was disappointed to learn that Taylor Wimpey, a major housebuilding developer, recently pulled out of any further projects in London. Its chief executive stated as an explanation that:
“The reward for undertaking … development in London has … evaporated”.
Does the Minister share my concern? How does she expect the Government, who have promised affordable housing to buy and to rent, to provide housing when they are making it unaffordable to build?
It is not this Government who are making housing unaffordable to build. There are a number of factors affecting that. But I accept that there is an urgent need for more housing, especially social and affordable housing and particularly in London. That is why we are acting to address this. In March, the Government and the Greater London Authority confirmed a package of temporary emergency measures providing targeted support for housebuilders to improve the viability that the noble Lord spoke of and to get quicker approvals for new housing schemes. We are also making major longer-term investment, including in the social and affordable homes programme that I have spoken about many times in this Chamber, with up to £11.7 billion for London and £1.5 billion from the new low-interest loans scheme for social and affordable housing.
It is not this Government who are making housing unaffordable to build. There are a number of factors affecting that. But I accept that there is an urgent need for more housing, especially social and affordable housing and particularly in London. That is why we are acting to address this. In March, the Government and the Greater London Authority confirmed a package of temporary emergency measures providing targeted support for housebuilders to improve the viability that the noble Lord spoke of and to get quicker approvals for new housing schemes. We are also making major longer-term investment, including in the social and affordable homes programme that I have spoken about many times in this Chamber, with up to £11.7 billion for London and £1.5 billion from the new low-interest loans scheme for social and affordable housing.
It is not this Government who are making housing unaffordable to build. There are a number of factors affecting that. But I accept that there is an urgent need for more housing, especially social and affordable housing and particularly in London. That is why we are acting to address this. In March, the Government and the Greater London Authority confirmed a package of temporary emergency measures providing targeted support for housebuilders to improve the viability that the noble Lord spoke of and to get quicker approvals for new housing schemes. We are also making major longer-term investment, including in the social and affordable homes programme that I have spoken about many times in this Chamber, with up to £11.7 billion for London and £1.5 billion from the new low-interest loans scheme for social and affordable housing.
My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for her helpful response. Not all of us share her optimism, unfortunately. As a former deputy mayor of London, I was disappointed to learn that Taylor Wimpey, a major housebuilding developer, recently pulled out of any further projects in London. Its chief executive stated as an explanation that:
“The reward for undertaking … development in London has … evaporated”.
Does the Minister share my concern? How does she expect the Government, who have promised affordable housing to buy and to rent, to provide housing when they are making it unaffordable to build?
My Lords, under the devolution Act, mayors have new powers to unlock land for housing. Can we go further by giving local authorities and mayors the ability to reach housing targets through the acquisition of land for housing at agricultural prices, as in the case of the housing development zones in Nijmegen in Holland and Hammarby in Sweden, which I have raised repeatedly in the House? We need some new, radical thinking.
My Lords, under the devolution Act, mayors have new powers to unlock land for housing. Can we go further by giving local authorities and mayors the ability to reach housing targets through the acquisition of land for housing at agricultural prices, as in the case of the housing development zones in Nijmegen in Holland and Hammarby in Sweden, which I have raised repeatedly in the House? We need some new, radical thinking.
My noble friend has indeed raised land supply many times. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act strengthens mayoral housing and planning powers, including powers relating to planning applications of potential strategic importance, mayoral development orders and a mayoral community infrastructure levy. Alongside the Planning and Infrastructure Act, it also supports the new framework for spatial development strategies. We continue to look at issues around land supply and at creative and innovative ideas. We continue to look across Europe and elsewhere for ways in which we might help our mayors and leaders to develop on the land that they need to develop.
My noble friend has indeed raised land supply many times. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act strengthens mayoral housing and planning powers, including powers relating to planning applications of potential strategic importance, mayoral development orders and a mayoral community infrastructure levy. Alongside the Planning and Infrastructure Act, it also supports the new framework for spatial development strategies. We continue to look at issues around land supply and at creative and innovative ideas. We continue to look across Europe and elsewhere for ways in which we might help our mayors and leaders to develop on the land that they need to develop.
My noble friend has indeed raised land supply many times. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act strengthens mayoral housing and planning powers, including powers relating to planning applications of potential strategic importance, mayoral development orders and a mayoral community infrastructure levy. Alongside the Planning and Infrastructure Act, it also supports the new framework for spatial development strategies. We continue to look at issues around land supply and at creative and innovative ideas. We continue to look across Europe and elsewhere for ways in which we might help our mayors and leaders to develop on the land that they need to develop.
My Lords, under the devolution Act, mayors have new powers to unlock land for housing. Can we go further by giving local authorities and mayors the ability to reach housing targets through the acquisition of land for housing at agricultural prices, as in the case of the housing development zones in Nijmegen in Holland and Hammarby in Sweden, which I have raised repeatedly in the House? We need some new, radical thinking.
My Lords, I welcome this shift to local government deciding what the housing needs are. I live in Tower Hamlets, where there are about 28,000 people on the social housing waiting list. How will the Government’s designation of data centres as critical national infrastructure affect housing decisions? I hope Ministers will ensure that the proposed data centre in Brick Lane is not built, because it would impact the mass housing crisis and the well-being of children and families.
My Lords, I welcome this shift to local government deciding what the housing needs are. I live in Tower Hamlets, where there are about 28,000 people on the social housing waiting list. How will the Government’s designation of data centres as critical national infrastructure affect housing decisions? I hope Ministers will ensure that the proposed data centre in Brick Lane is not built, because it would impact the mass housing crisis and the well-being of children and families.
It is very important across the planning system. The noble Baroness raises the important issue of how we balance the needs of our economic infrastructure, of which data centres are an increasingly important part. We just had a whole debate on AI. We cannot operate AI without data centres. That needs to be balanced with the need for housing, and this Government are committed to a streamlined planning system that is plan led, pro-growth, accessible and understandable to all, and delivers that balance as far as possible. We work with our colleagues in Defra on the land use framework to make sure that we take account of all the needs for land.
It is very important across the planning system. The noble Baroness raises the important issue of how we balance the needs of our economic infrastructure, of which data centres are an increasingly important part. We just had a whole debate on AI. We cannot operate AI without data centres. That needs to be balanced with the need for housing, and this Government are committed to a streamlined planning system that is plan led, pro-growth, accessible and understandable to all, and delivers that balance as far as possible. We work with our colleagues in Defra on the land use framework to make sure that we take account of all the needs for land.
It is very important across the planning system. The noble Baroness raises the important issue of how we balance the needs of our economic infrastructure, of which data centres are an increasingly important part. We just had a whole debate on AI. We cannot operate AI without data centres. That needs to be balanced with the need for housing, and this Government are committed to a streamlined planning system that is plan led, pro-growth, accessible and understandable to all, and delivers that balance as far as possible. We work with our colleagues in Defra on the land use framework to make sure that we take account of all the needs for land.
My Lords, I welcome this shift to local government deciding what the housing needs are. I live in Tower Hamlets, where there are about 28,000 people on the social housing waiting list. How will the Government’s designation of data centres as critical national infrastructure affect housing decisions? I hope Ministers will ensure that the proposed data centre in Brick Lane is not built, because it would impact the mass housing crisis and the well-being of children and families.
My Lords, currently, Whitehall sets the targets, mayors determine the strategy and planning officers at a very local level take even more decisions under delegated powers. Can the Minister explain exactly what is left for locally elected councillors to determine? How is this felt to strengthen local democracy in the eyes of the local community? That is where the tension at the heart of the noble Lord’s Question originates.
My Lords, currently, Whitehall sets the targets, mayors determine the strategy and planning officers at a very local level take even more decisions under delegated powers. Can the Minister explain exactly what is left for locally elected councillors to determine? How is this felt to strengthen local democracy in the eyes of the local community? That is where the tension at the heart of the noble Lord’s Question originates.
I think it was clear that the previous system of not having housing targets was not delivering the housing that we need. We continue to think that the best way for councillors and communities to engage in the development process for their areas is through the local plan process, which will be agreed by the council. We are not changing the consultation rules on planning applications. Representations are considered by the decision-maker, whether that is an officer taking the decision or a planning committee. It is vital that in exercising that democratic oversight planning committees operate as effectively as possible, focusing on applications that require member input while placing trust in skilled planning officers in local authorities and making sure that they decide applications more quickly in the service of residents and businesses.
I think it was clear that the previous system of not having housing targets was not delivering the housing that we need. We continue to think that the best way for councillors and communities to engage in the development process for their areas is through the local plan process, which will be agreed by the council. We are not changing the consultation rules on planning applications. Representations are considered by the decision-maker, whether that is an officer taking the decision or a planning committee. It is vital that in exercising that democratic oversight planning committees operate as effectively as possible, focusing on applications that require member input while placing trust in skilled planning officers in local authorities and making sure that they decide applications more quickly in the service of residents and businesses.
I think it was clear that the previous system of not having housing targets was not delivering the housing that we need. We continue to think that the best way for councillors and communities to engage in the development process for their areas is through the local plan process, which will be agreed by the council. We are not changing the consultation rules on planning applications. Representations are considered by the decision-maker, whether that is an officer taking the decision or a planning committee. It is vital that in exercising that democratic oversight planning committees operate as effectively as possible, focusing on applications that require member input while placing trust in skilled planning officers in local authorities and making sure that they decide applications more quickly in the service of residents and businesses.
My Lords, currently, Whitehall sets the targets, mayors determine the strategy and planning officers at a very local level take even more decisions under delegated powers. Can the Minister explain exactly what is left for locally elected councillors to determine? How is this felt to strengthen local democracy in the eyes of the local community? That is where the tension at the heart of the noble Lord’s Question originates.
My Lords, if we take London as an example, the Mayor of London has failed to deliver housing over a 10-year period. Which powers will the Government retain to make sure that local authorities and mayors build the homes we need? Do not devolve this power and devolve the responsibility along with it.
My Lords, if we take London as an example, the Mayor of London has failed to deliver housing over a 10-year period. Which powers will the Government retain to make sure that local authorities and mayors build the homes we need? Do not devolve this power and devolve the responsibility along with it.
I have already set out the steps the Government are taking to work with colleagues in London to accelerate housebuilding there. There has already been a significant increase in applications. Through the City Hall Developer Investment Fund and the new homes accelerator, we are providing support to accelerate stalled schemes and driving housing-led regeneration on nationally significant sites, such as Euston. We continue to make sure that we work with the mayor’s office to deliver the housing that London needs.
I have already set out the steps the Government are taking to work with colleagues in London to accelerate housebuilding there. There has already been a significant increase in applications. Through the City Hall Developer Investment Fund and the new homes accelerator, we are providing support to accelerate stalled schemes and driving housing-led regeneration on nationally significant sites, such as Euston. We continue to make sure that we work with the mayor’s office to deliver the housing that London needs.
I have already set out the steps the Government are taking to work with colleagues in London to accelerate housebuilding there. There has already been a significant increase in applications. Through the City Hall Developer Investment Fund and the new homes accelerator, we are providing support to accelerate stalled schemes and driving housing-led regeneration on nationally significant sites, such as Euston. We continue to make sure that we work with the mayor’s office to deliver the housing that London needs.
My Lords, if we take London as an example, the Mayor of London has failed to deliver housing over a 10-year period. Which powers will the Government retain to make sure that local authorities and mayors build the homes we need? Do not devolve this power and devolve the responsibility along with it.
My Lords, can I ask the Minister about the devolution to mayors and combined authorities of the power to set up development corporations? These have huge potential, such as the London Legacy Development Corporation. They are going to be really great, but they will need some seed corn—some setting-up funding. Will the Government provide that so that we can see more of these wonderful development corporations?
My Lords, can I ask the Minister about the devolution to mayors and combined authorities of the power to set up development corporations? These have huge potential, such as the London Legacy Development Corporation. They are going to be really great, but they will need some seed corn—some setting-up funding. Will the Government provide that so that we can see more of these wonderful development corporations?
The noble Lord will be aware that I am a big fan of development corporations. We have had many discussions about them. He is quite right that there is some need for capacity. In August, the Prime Minister announced measures to strengthen the capacity and capability of mayoral strategic authorities as part of the Government’s wider devolution agenda, with measures such as Civil Service secondments to mayoral offices, a place-based fast stream pilot, support for digital and data capability and the expansion of leadership development opportunities between central and local government. It is very important that we support areas such as Liverpool. I went to a meeting there recently about its mayoral development corporation, which is doing very exciting work delivering 17,500 homes and 5 million square feet of commercial space. We need to give it every support in the capacity to deliver that.
The noble Lord will be aware that I am a big fan of development corporations. We have had many discussions about them. He is quite right that there is some need for capacity. In August, the Prime Minister announced measures to strengthen the capacity and capability of mayoral strategic authorities as part of the Government’s wider devolution agenda, with measures such as Civil Service secondments to mayoral offices, a place-based fast stream pilot, support for digital and data capability and the expansion of leadership development opportunities between central and local government. It is very important that we support areas such as Liverpool. I went to a meeting there recently about its mayoral development corporation, which is doing very exciting work delivering 17,500 homes and 5 million square feet of commercial space. We need to give it every support in the capacity to deliver that.
The noble Lord will be aware that I am a big fan of development corporations. We have had many discussions about them. He is quite right that there is some need for capacity. In August, the Prime Minister announced measures to strengthen the capacity and capability of mayoral strategic authorities as part of the Government’s wider devolution agenda, with measures such as Civil Service secondments to mayoral offices, a place-based fast stream pilot, support for digital and data capability and the expansion of leadership development opportunities between central and local government. It is very important that we support areas such as Liverpool. I went to a meeting there recently about its mayoral development corporation, which is doing very exciting work delivering 17,500 homes and 5 million square feet of commercial space. We need to give it every support in the capacity to deliver that.
My Lords, can I ask the Minister about the devolution to mayors and combined authorities of the power to set up development corporations? These have huge potential, such as the London Legacy Development Corporation. They are going to be really great, but they will need some seed corn—some setting-up funding. Will the Government provide that so that we can see more of these wonderful development corporations?
The London Borough of Lewisham has estimated that these regulations will increase build costs by 15%. What are the Government doing to cut the costs of building and buying a home?
The London Borough of Lewisham has estimated that these regulations will increase build costs by 15%. What are the Government doing to cut the costs of building and buying a home?
We continue to work with people across the construction sector to look at the issues, but we do not want to go through another Grenfell or have issues around poor-quality build in future. Again, this is an issue of balance. We must absolutely get the balance right and introduce the regulation we need to make sure that people’s homes are safe, affordable and warm and that we do not have the sort of disasters we have seen in the past. Affordability is very much part of that equation, and this is all about balance.
We continue to work with people across the construction sector to look at the issues, but we do not want to go through another Grenfell or have issues around poor-quality build in future. Again, this is an issue of balance. We must absolutely get the balance right and introduce the regulation we need to make sure that people’s homes are safe, affordable and warm and that we do not have the sort of disasters we have seen in the past. Affordability is very much part of that equation, and this is all about balance.
We continue to work with people across the construction sector to look at the issues, but we do not want to go through another Grenfell or have issues around poor-quality build in future. Again, this is an issue of balance. We must absolutely get the balance right and introduce the regulation we need to make sure that people’s homes are safe, affordable and warm and that we do not have the sort of disasters we have seen in the past. Affordability is very much part of that equation, and this is all about balance.
The London Borough of Lewisham has estimated that these regulations will increase build costs by 15%. What are the Government doing to cut the costs of building and buying a home?
My Lords, do the Government have any policy to counter land banking by large companies?
My Lords, do the Government have any policy to counter land banking by large companies?
We have looked extensively at how we urge building to take place. We now have our homes accelerator, which is helping to move forward some sites where development has stalled. I am sure that will contribute to delivering the housing that we all want to see. There is a focus right across our department and the team to make sure that we have taken steps on planning and regulation. We are now moving into the delivery phase, and we have already seen a 15% increase in starts this year.
We have looked extensively at how we urge building to take place. We now have our homes accelerator, which is helping to move forward some sites where development has stalled. I am sure that will contribute to delivering the housing that we all want to see. There is a focus right across our department and the team to make sure that we have taken steps on planning and regulation. We are now moving into the delivery phase, and we have already seen a 15% increase in starts this year.
We have looked extensively at how we urge building to take place. We now have our homes accelerator, which is helping to move forward some sites where development has stalled. I am sure that will contribute to delivering the housing that we all want to see. There is a focus right across our department and the team to make sure that we have taken steps on planning and regulation. We are now moving into the delivery phase, and we have already seen a 15% increase in starts this year.
My Lords, do the Government have any policy to counter land banking by large companies?
To ask His Majesty’s Government whether local authorities receiving additional devolved housing powers will remain subject to national housing targets.
To ask His Majesty’s Government whether local authorities receiving additional devolved housing powers will remain subject to national housing targets.
My Lords, our devolution reforms will give mayors and strategic authorities greater powers to support housing delivery within a national framework, enabling them to direct housing investment to reflect their local housing needs. Housing targets are an important tool to make sure that sufficient housing is delivered in the right places, and the Government have no plans to amend the standard method for assessing housing need introduced in December 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the letter Local government reorganisation: programme review and decisions withdrawal letter to council leaders, of 7 September 2026, whether she plans to publish another Devolution White Paper further to the publication of December 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the letter Local government reorganisation: programme review and decisions withdrawal letter to council leaders, of 7 September 2026, whether she plans to publish another Devolution White Paper further to the publication of December 2024.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the devolved appointment processes described by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge in her statement on 12 August 2026 are consistent with the accountability expected of an accredited initial teacher training provider.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the devolved appointment processes described by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge in her statement on 12 August 2026 are consistent with the accountability expected of an accredited initial teacher training provider.
The Secretary of State for Education sets the initial teacher training (ITT) criteria, which accredited providers must meet to deliver ITT that leads to qualified teacher status. These criteria include the requirements for high-quality training, including the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF), which draws on the best available evidence to set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours that define great teaching.
Accredited ITT providers are accountable for ensuring that their provision is compliant with the ITT criteria, including governance criteria to ensure management structures facilitate the effective operation of high-quality ITT programmes. Ofsted independently inspects all accredited ITT providers to assure the quality of ITT provision and compliance with the ITT criteria.
As autonomous institutions, universities are responsible for their own staffing decisions. The department does not prescribe individual providers’ internal appointment processes, arrangements for verifying academic qualifications or research integrity arrangements, and does not have plans to do so.