Housing, Communities and Local Government

Renters Reform Bill

Selaine’s response:

I am confident that the Renters (Reform) Bill will help create a fairer rental market in England. The legislation will provide tenants with more security, while supporting responsible landlords who constitute the overwhelming majority of the sector. The amendments you have mentioned in your email, were not selected by the Speaker to vote on.

I welcome the Government's intention to abolish Section 21 'no fault' evictions, which I recognise can deter tenants from challenging poor practice or unfair rent increases in fear they will be forced out of their home. I believe that moving to a fairer tenancy structure where all assured tenancies will become periodic will create more security for tenants, without compromising the flexibility which attracts many to the private rented sector.

I support measures in the Bill to introduce more comprehensive possession grounds so landlords can still recover their property, including where they wish to sell their property or move in close family. I believe these are important steps in the absence of Section 21, to ensure landlords have the peace of mind that they can regain their property when their circumstances change or tenants do not fulfil their obligations. 

These changes come in addition to new powers to create a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman which will provide fair, impartial and binding resolutions to many issues in the sector. The Ombudsman will allow tenants to seek redress for free, where their landlord has failed to deal with a legitimate complaint about their tenancy. The Government will also set up a Private Rented Property Portal which will help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance, giving good landlords confidence in their position. It will also increase transparency and the information available to tenants before they decide to rent a property. 

I am confident that these reforms strike the right balance between delivering security for tenants and fairness for landlords.

May 2024

Youth Homelessness

Selaine’s response:

Every child and young person deserve a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. Youth homelessness is significantly costly both to individuals and society, therefore I recognise the important role charities such as Centrepoint play in drawing attention to the experiences of young people affected by homelessness.

The Government is firmly committed to tackling all forms of homelessness. The Government’s Ending Rough Sleeping for Good strategy, which is backed by more than £2 billion, recognises the challenges facing young people experiencing homelessness, while an additional £1 billion worth of funding has been committed to councils in England through the Homelessness Prevention Grant.

As of April, the Government has increased the Local Housing Allowance to the 30th percentile of market rents. This will mean that 1.6 million low income households will be around £800 a year better off on average in 2024-25, and will make it more affordable for young people on benefits to rent properties in the private rented sector.

The Government also supports housing led solutions, such as the £200 million Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme which aims to increase the supply of good quality specialist supported accommodation and housing led approaches. The Government has encouraged local authorities to bid for youth specific supported accommodation as part of this fund, which will help support young people at risk of homelessness, while an additional £2.4 million of the Rough Sleeping Initiative 2022-25 is dedicated to supporting local youth services. 

Since 2018-19, the Department for Education has provided funding to local authorities with the highest number of care leavers at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping. This funding continues to provide targeted support to young people leaving care most at risk of homelessness. I also understand that the Government provides bespoke support for local authorities through the Homelessness Advice and Support Team which helps to promote joint working across housing authorities and children’s services. 

I have been assured that the Government will continue to work with local authorities and partners in the voluntary and community sector and private sector to tackle youth homelessness.

May 2024

Child Poverty

Selaine’s response:

According to the latest statistics, there are 1.7 million fewer people in absolute low income compared to 2009/10 - including 400,000 fewer children.

The latest statistics show that children in households where all adults were in work were around six times less likely to be in absolute poverty (before housing costs) than children in a household where nobody works. For this reason, supporting parents into work is at the heart of the Government's approach to tackling poverty.

To help parents into work, the Government's Back to Work Plan will help people find jobs and manage their health conditions. Alongside this, the Government will continue to provide broad ranging support for all jobseekers through the Sector Based Work Academy Programmes, Job Entry Targeted Support, and the Restart scheme.

To help parents further, changes to childcare announced in the Spring Budget 2023 mean that the Government is extending 30 hours of childcare a week to working parents of children aged nine months to four years and paying Universal Credit (UC) childcare costs up front rather than in arrears.

Moreover, eligible UC claimants can claim back up to 85 per cent of their registered childcare costs each month for up to a maximum of £646.35 per month for one child and £1,108.04 per month for two or more children.

Further, the Government has increased the Administrative Earnings Threshold from 15 to 18 hours. This means that over 100,000 UC claimants, including those in work and on lower earnings and non working or low earning partners on UC, will receive more regular support from a Work Coach to help them take active steps to move into work or increase their earnings.

These changes are in addition to reforms to the Universal Credit Taper Rate and Work Allowances, saving working families an additional £1,000 per year on average.

Additionally, the Government has increased the value of Healthy Start Food Vouchers to £4.25, helping eligible low income households buy basic foods like milk, fruit and vitamins. There is also an investment of over £200m a year to continue the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which is already providing enriching activities and healthy meals to children in all English Local Authorities. The Holiday Activity and Food programme benefitted over 685,000 children last summer.

I sit on the Work and Pensions Select Committee and hear much evidence in this area and remain strongly of the belief that work is the best route out of poverty.

January 2024

Homelessness in North Devon

Selaine’s response:

Like many other coastal areas, and indeed almost everywhere, we do have a shortage of not only affordable housing, but any housing. Renting is not easy, especially as and we do need to build more homes for local people and with that affordable homes.

I am part of the Devon Housing Commission and while housing may not be on my original six priorities that I outlined before I was elected, it runs through everything I do. I have met with multiple ministers on this issue, particularly involving housing in Ilfracombe and will continue to do so.

Regarding unfreezing the housing benefit, the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) determines the maximum financial support available for renters in the private rented sector. It applies to claims for Housing Benefit and the housing element of Universal Credit. The LHA policy is kept under regular review and rates are reviewed annually by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

I understand that rents are increasing but the challenging fiscal environment means that difficult decisions have been necessary to ensure support is targeted effectively.

The Government announced substantial cost of living support for 2023/24 in the Autumn Statement to help low income households. This included Cost of Living Payments for the most vulnerable, meaning around 8 million households on eligible means-tested benefits will get up to a further £900 in Payments in 2023/24. The benefit cap will also be uprated by 10.1% in 2023-24.

Finally, it may interest you to know that Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available for those who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. Since 2011 the Government has provided nearly £1.6 billion in funding to local authorities for DHPs.

November 2023

Local Government Funding

Selaine’s response:

Please note that I do not sign any Early Day Motions (EDMs). These have no chance of becoming law, and according to the House of Commons Library, cost £271 each to publish. I do not feel that this is a good use of taxpayer’s money, nor do I feel that this is an effective way to raise an issue in Parliament.

I continue to raise my constituents’ concerns with ministers privately and in Parliament to ensure that North Devon is represented in the most appropriate way. I also feel that EDMs have also been superseded by e-petitions, which can be signed by everyone, and have much more success in raising awareness of different issues.

I fully recognise the important and tireless efforts undertaken by local councils. They have a vital role in delivering essential public services and building stronger communities right across the country.

I was encouraged to see the Government put in place a new one off funding guarantee to ensure all local authorities would see a minimum three per cent increase in their Core Spending Power in 2023-24 before taking any local decisions on council tax levels.

Beyond the annual Local Government Finance Settlement, local authorities receive a wide range of funding from government departments to reflect their broad responsibilities. To help increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the current funding system, the Government has published plans to simplify the funding landscape for local authorities. This includes by simplifying existing funds and putting in place a new Funding Simplification Doctrine next year which will help assess suitable distribution methodologies for new funding streams.

I hope this response has outlined that, while I firmly agree that local government plays an important role in providing local services, I am assured that the Government is taking a range of action and will continue to engage with local councils.

October 2023

Save The Great British Holiday

Selaine’s response: 

Holiday lets contribute to the economy, create jobs, and support tourism which is vital to the North Devon economy. Let me be clear that the Government backs small businesses, including responsible short term holiday letting, which I recognise brings significant investment to local communities, especially here in North Devon. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the impact that large numbers of holiday lets concentrated in an area can have on local communities.  

I note the concern about the potential impact of introducing a use class for short term lets. The Government’s proposed planning changes would see the introduction of a new national use class and, simultaneously, the introduction of a new permitted development right. The new permitted development right would provide flexibility where short term lets are not a local issue and allow for this flexibility to be removed where there is a local concern. Any Article 4 direction to remove the permitted development right must be evidence based and should apply to the smallest geographical area possible, and could therefore be focused on those areas or streets that see the highest numbers of short term lets, or individual properties. 

As set out in the consultation document, when the use class comes into effect existing properties would fall into the short term let use class where they met the definition or remain as C3 dwellinghouse. Any re-classification is not considered development and so property owners should not need to apply for planning permission where they meet the definition of short term let. They would be classified as such and would not require planning permission. 

The Government has also consulted on plans for a short term lets registration scheme. I agree that a registration scheme is important. Crucially, it will provide information to help local authorities enforce health and safety regulations and apply and enforce the planning changes. 

I would like to assure constituents that I will be carefully considering the outcome of the planning consultation. Whilst I whole heartedly support our genuine short term holiday let businesses. I am aware recent tax, and health and safety changes have made short term rentals far more profitable than long term rentals. This has led to a dramatic move from long to short term rentals in North Devon, reducing housing availability for those working here. Unfortunately this is affecting the hospitality sector as businesses are unable to find staff. I believe we need balance, and not control. 

September 2023 

Kinship Carers

Selaine’s response: 

Family and friends play a vital role in caring for children who are unable to live with their parents. Quite understandably, most children benefit from living with someone they already know and trust, rather than a stranger. 

The Government published its Children’s Social Care Implementation Strategy in February this year. This strategy outlined measures to transform children’s social care, properly supporting families, integrating the child protection system, improving foster carer recruitment, and hiring more social workers. As part of this, there will be a focus on keeping children in the care of family and loved ones through improved support and reducing barriers to kinship care. This includes investing £9 million in kinship care training and support. 

The Government is also committed to publishing a national kinship care strategy by the end of 2023. This will provide an update on reform activity such as exploring financial allowances. The strategy will set out a long-term vision for kinship care, and detail how we can better support children and carers. The Government sees this as a pivotal moment for kinship care and will be an opportunity to make real and lasting change. 

I know that the Government recognises the value of family arrangements, including kinship care. The Government has committed to implement or explore each of the recommendations on kinship care from the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, including a commitment to invest £9 million to establish a new kinship carer training offer in this Spending Review period and over £45 million to begin implementing family network support packages through the Families First for Children pathfinder. 

As part of this, the Government will also invest in pilots that solely focus on Family Network Support Packages, in seven local areas. These pilots will allow us to test and evaluate the impact of these packages on keeping families together and keeping children out of care, and build on the investment we have already made to establish a network of up to 100 peer support groups for kinship carers across England. 

I know that the Government understands the difficulties that some grandparents face in continuing relationships with their grandchildren following disputes arising from parental separation. Work is underway to review the operation of the Child Arrangements Programme. I understand ministers will monitor how this work develops before deciding whether something specific is needed in respect of grandparents and, if so, what that might be. 

I hope this reassures constituents that the importance and value of kinship carers in the care system is recognised. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who are kinship carers for working tirelessly for those you care for. 

September 2023 

Future Free from Homelessness 

Selaine’s response: 

I read Crisis’s recent report with interest and I sincerely recognise the very real costs of homelessness highlighted in the research, both to individuals and to society.  

I completely and wholeheartedly agree that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. Through the Renters (Reform) Bill, the Government will abolish Section 21 evictions which will give tenants greater security without the threat of a ‘no fault’ eviction. There is also a firm commitment to delivering more social and genuinely affordable homes, underpinned by the £11.5 billion Affordable Homes Programme (2021-26) which will deliver tens of thousands of new homes. I note that Crisis’s research draws on the particular importance of social rent, which is why you may be interested to know that the Government has proposed amending national planning guidance to make clear that local planning authorities should place greater importance on social rent.    

The Government is investing £2 billion between 2022 and 2025 to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, targeted to areas where it is needed most. This will work alongside the ‘Ending Rough Sleeping for Good’ strategy which puts prevention at the heart of the Government’s plans to end rough sleeping once and for all. I was encouraged to see the strategy set an ambition for no one to leave a public institution, whether that’s a prison, hospital or care, to the streets. I have been assured that the Government is committed to reducing the need for temporary accommodation by preventing homelessness before it occurs. I understand that, since 2018, over 640,000 households have been prevented from becoming homeless or supported into settled accommodation through the Homelessness Reduction Act.  

Rightly, Government funding for accommodation for people facing homelessness reflects the fact that there is no one size fits all approach. There is, for example, a £10 million Night Shelter Transformation Fund to increase the availability of quality single-room provision within the night shelter sector. Meanwhile, investment in longer-term housing solutions includes a new £200 million Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme which will deliver up to 2,400 homes and wrap-around support.    

One person without a roof over their head is one too many. While there is much more to do, I hope that this response has provided you with some assurance about the action already being taken and commitment across government to work towards a future without homelessness. 

September 2023 

National Planning Policy Framework

Selaine’s response:

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out guidance for local planning authorities on the Government’s planning policies in England. Locally prepared plans for housing and other development should be designed using this framework. 

The NPPF is a material consideration in planning decisions. This means that it must be taken into account where it is relevant to a planning application or appeal. Clear and convincing reasons must be presented if the framework is not followed.

The NPPF must also be taken into account in preparing a development plan, such as a local plan, neighbourhood plan or spatial development strategy. Under requirements set out in planning law, applications for planning permission must be determined in line with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. 

The framework ensures that local planning authorities have regard to the most up-to-date government planning policy. Equally, it is my firm belief that local authorities are best placed to determine local planning applications. I believe this system gives them the flexibility to do just that.

June 2023

Renters Reform Bill
Selaine’s response:

I am hopeful that the Renters (Reform) Bill will help create a fairer rental market in England. The legislation will see tenants protected from revenge evictions and rogue landlords, and landlords given greater powers to evict anti social tenants.

The Bill will abolish Section 21 'no fault' evictions, which I recognise can deter tenants from challenging poor practice or unfair rent increases in fear they will be forced out of their home. To do this, the legislation will create a fairer tenancy structure where all assured tenancies will become periodic. I believe that this will create more security for tenants, without compromising the flexibility which attracts many to the private rented sector.

The Bill will also introduce more comprehensive possession grounds so landlords can still recover their property, including where they wish to sell their property or move in close family. The reforms will make it easier to repossess properties where tenants are at fault, for example in cases of anti social behaviour and repeat rent arrears.

These changes come in addition to new powers to create a Privately Rented Sector Ombudsman which will provide fair, impartial and binding resolutions to many issues in the sector. I recognise that this will provide a quicker and cheaper alternative to the court system. The Government will also set up a Private Rented Property Portal. The portal will help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate regulatory compliance, providing assurance to responsible landlords and helping them to attract prospective tenants. The portal will also help councils to target enforcement activity where it is needed most.

I welcome that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is conducting a full impact assessment on the impact of reforms to the private rented sector. The assessment will be published during the Renters (Reform) Bill’s passage through Parliament. I believe that these reforms will benefit both tenants and landlords, and I look forward to discussing this legislation in more detail as it makes its way through Parliament. I understand we may not wholly agree on this matter, but hope you find my response informative and understand why I am broadly supportive of these reforms. I do, however, feel that there is more work to do to provide assurances and stability to good private landlords and that more can be done to ensure that measures are in place for short term holiday lets and Air BnBs.

June 2023

National Development Management Policies

Selaine’s response:

I recognise that many people feel strongly about reforms to our planning system and rightly so. Planning is at the heart of our communities, from the homes we live in to the schools our children go to.

I support the Government’s proposal to introduce a suite of National Development Management Policies which would set out nationally a range of planning considerations that apply regularly in decision making across England or significant parts of it. This would help local authorities produce slimmer local plans more quickly which are more genuinely locally focused and reduce time consuming duplication of policies that apply universally. I believe there can be no doubt about the benefits of putting important national policies, such as protections for the Green Belt and general policies for conserving heritage assets, on a statutory footing..

With that being said, I agree that these reforms should be introduced with care and in a way which takes into account the views of communities across the country. I am assured that the Government will hold a full public consultation on the draft policies, building on the initial views which have already been sought via consultation on the principles for producing National Development Management Policies. It is worth noting that the existing National Planning Policy Framework - which sets out planning guidance for local authorities in England - already contains development management policies of this type. Policies in the framework can be significant ‘material considerations’ when assessing planning applications, meaning that they should be taken into account. 

Ministers have been clear that National Development Management Policies would not impinge on local policies for shaping development, nor direct what land should be allocated for particular uses during the plan making process. These will remain matters for locally produced plans. Like you, I am a firm supporter of the vital role that local plans play in the planning system and the importance of putting local voices at the heart of development. I see these reforms as an important way of speeding up the process of creating a local plan and ensuring that even more communities can benefit from the protections of having a local plan in place.

I hope that, with this response, I have outlined why I am assured that the introduction of National Development Management Policies is an important step in creating a genuinely plan led system for development, which will support clearer decision making.

I also spoke on this important matter in Westminster on 5 June and you can see my speech here https://www.selainesaxby.org.uk/delivering-new-housing-supply-5th-june-2023 and read it on Hansard here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2023-06-05/debates/2A03A2A8-4C71-469F-A1F4-AFFD8AE88065/NewHousingSupply

May 2023

Proportional Property Tax

Selaine’s response: 

Council tax is a local charge for the use of local services. The current banding system reflects that larger homes make slightly greater use of local services, but intentionally, it is not a poll tax nor a wealth tax. 

For the past decade, the Government has ensured that local taxpayers are able to veto excessive council tax increases in a local referendum. The Government will be putting in place a new one off funding guarantee to ensure that all local authorities will see a minimum three per cent increase in their Core Spending Power in 2023-24 before taking any local decisions on council tax levels. More widely, I realise that many people may be facing financial worries, which is why every council is required to have a council tax support scheme in place.  

I would note under the proposals by this lobbying group, many hard working families and pensioners would see soaring bills, both within local authorities and across the country. In particular:  

 

• The existing single person discount would be abolished, hitting widows and widowers the hardest. Such a house price tax fails to take into account that single person homes make reduced use of local services. 

• Annual revaluations would mean home improvements would be taxed, punishing people for doing up their home. Under the council tax system, material improvements are only taken into account when the home is sold. 

• There would be no limit on the increase in taxes. When house prices rise, it would be very easy for a government or council to use that increase to hike the overall tax take by stealth, as bills would be based on house prices. 

 

I also note that the Government has stated it does not support such a policy and has criticised proposals for such house price taxes in a Parliamentary debate. 

I hope this explains why such an idea is not one I feel able to support. 

April 2023 

Renters Reform

Selaine’s response:

The Government has set out plans to level up the private rented sector which will rebalance the relationship between tenants and landlords. This will provide tenants with more secure, higher quality homes and give councils the tools they need to crack down on the minority of non compliant landlords.

Standards in rented accommodation will be driven up, including by ensuring all tenants have a right to redress and warranting well targeted, effective enforcement that drives out criminal landlords. It is unacceptable that some households that rent privately pay a large proportion of their income to live in poor conditions. To this end, the Government has said it intends to introduce a legally binding Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector for the first time.

The Government is standing by its manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and strengthen landlords’ rights to repossession. Under plans set out in the 'A Fairer Private Rented Sector' White Paper, a tenancy would only end if the tenant chooses to leave or if the landlord has a valid ground for possession. Not only would this improve security for tenants and protect them from having to move unexpectedly at short notice, but it would also empower tenants to challenge poor practice without the fear of retaliatory action. Under the Government's proposals, repossession grounds would be strengthened to make sure that landlords with a valid cause can regain possession of their property.

Further proposals in the White Paper include increasing the minimum notice period for rent increases to two months and banning the use of rent review clauses. The Government has proposed creating a single Ombudsman that all private landlords would be required to join which would strengthen tenants’ ability to hold their landlord to account. There are also plans for a new digital Property Portal which would help landlords understand their obligations and support local authorities to crack down on poor practice.

I understand that the Government will set out its next steps following on from the White Paper in due course.

March 2023

Shelter Campaign

Selaine’s response:

The Government is clear that people should always be better off in work than on welfare. This was not the case before the introduction of the benefit cap, with too many people able to claim more in benefits than they otherwise would in employment. This was not fair on working people.

I am reassured that the current cap of £20,000 nationally and £23,000 in London strikes the right balance between supporting the most vulnerable and incentivising work. The cap will, however, increase in line with inflation in 2023/24.

The Government’s commitment to making work pay has also been demonstrated by changes to the Universal Credit (UC) Taper Rate following the Autumn 2021 Budget. For every £1 (after tax) that a claimant earns in work, their UC award will now be reduced by only 55% rather than 63%.

Generous increases to UC Work Allowances also mean that claimants can earn more before support begins to be withdrawn through the Taper Rate. These increases are an effective tax cut for around two million of the lowest earning working families worth £1,000 per year on average.

If claimants do require additional support with housing costs, they can approach their Local Authority for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). Since 2011, the Government has provided around £1.6 billion in DHPs.

Moreover, exemptions from the benefit cap are in place to protect families who experience a sudden change in circumstances. For example, if a claimant loses their job, they may qualify for a grace period from the cap for 39 weeks. Exemptions also apply for the most vulnerable claimants who are entitled to disability and carer benefits.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviews Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates annually. In April 2020, LHA rates were increased to the 30th percentile of local rents. This significant investment of nearly £1 billion provided 1.5 million claimants with an average of £600 more housing support in 2020/21 than they would have otherwise received.

LHA rates have been maintained at their increased levels since then, so that everyone who benefitted from the increase will continue to do so.

More widely, the Government’s record on tackling homelessness has been a success, with levels of rough sleeping falling by 49% since 2017. The Spending Review committed £2 billion to tackle and prevent homelessness over the next three years.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Parliamentary Breakfast Reception on 9 March due to my other Parliamentary duties, but I will continue to follow this matter closely.

March 2023

Crisis Unfreeze Housing Benefit

Selaine’s Response:

Renting in North Devon is a serious issue which has been exacerbated by the housing shortage. The Office Agency Rent Officers determine Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates used to calculate Housing Benefit and the Housing element of Universal Credit (UC) for tenants renting from private landlords.

LHA rates are based on private market rents paid by tenants in the broad rental market area. This is the area within which a person might reasonably be expected to live. These can be searched via: https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx

In April 2020, the LHA rate was increased to the 30th percentile of local market rents for recipients of UC and Housing Benefit. This represented an investment of around £1 billion and provided 1.5 million households with £600 more housing support per year than they would have otherwise received. I welcome that this increase has been maintained in cash terms for 2022/23 and 2023/24, however I do believe more should be done to ensure this important benefit accurately reflects the local housing market as I am aware rents in North Devon have increased very rapidly due to a lack of supply, and I will continue to lobby for further improvements to our rental market

March 2023

Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (Childcare as Infrastructure)

Selaine’s response:

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will introduce a new Infrastructure Levy which is designed to be simpler and more transparent to communities than the current system of developer contributions.

This includes provisions for ‘schools and other educational facilities’ to be funded within scope of the levy. This means that proceeds could be spent on childcare facilities such as nurseries and pre-schools. This includes childcare facilities that are not attached to schools.

The Bill would also allow for a specified amount of levy proceeds to be applied towards projects which fall outside of the Bill's definition of infrastructure. The Housing Minister has said that this could cover the funding of services, such as childcare, if providing them was considered a local priority.

I understand that the Government will consult on the Infrastructure Levy, and I would encourage you to share your views with me when the consultation launches. It is vital that children get the support, care and education they deserve. I am confident that the new Infrastructure Levy will help to do just that.

December 2022

Funding for Fire and Rescue Services

Selaine’s response:

Please note that I do not sign any Early Day Motions (EDMs). These have no chance of becoming law, and according to the House of Commons Library, cost £271 each to publish. I do not feel that this is a good use of taxpayer’s money, nor do I feel that this is an effective way to raise an issue in Parliament.

I continue to raise my constituents’ concerns with ministers privately and in Parliament to ensure that North Devon is represented in the most appropriate way. I believe EDMs have been superseded by e-petitions, which can be signed by everyone, and have much more success in raising awareness of different issues.

Our fire and rescue services make an extraordinary contribution to our communities. I am immensely grateful for their dedication to keeping us all safe, and I know that the Government is firmly committed to ensuring our fire services have the tools and support they need. 

We are living in exceptional times. Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, Putin’s weaponisation of energy and the aftermath of the pandemic are driving up prices and inflation across the globe. There is no denying the difficult impacts these are having on countries around the world, but I am confident that the Government is wholeheartedly committed to supporting our public services.

Under the current system, the National Joint Council is responsible for overseeing decisions on firefighter pay and terms and conditions. I am aware that this system has attracted criticism, which is why the Government’s Fire Reform White Paper sets out proposals to conduct an independent review of the current pay negotiation process and consider its suitability for a modern emergency service.

The Local Government Finance Settlement makes available funding for local authorities in England, including fire and rescue authorities. The Government has recently published its plans for the upcoming 2023-24 local government finance settlement, which would see a £5 referendum principle on Band D bills for all fire and rescue authorities. Having spoken to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and met with the Fire Brigades Union in Westminster I personally lobbied Government, meeting Fire Minister, Chris Philp, to ask for this. I have a great deal of respect and sympathy for our hard working fire service personnel and I hope this will go some way to help. It will, however, be for individual authorities to determine whether to use this flexibility. Crucially, the Government has set out plans for local government finance for the next two financial years, giving local authorities greater certainty and control. The settlement will be open for consultation, giving all interested parties the chance to share their views.

I would like to assure constituents that there is a strong commitment across government to work with local partners, including fire and rescue authorities, to understand the challenges and opportunities they face.

December 2022

Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill

Selaine’s response: 

This legislation is an important step in reforming our planning system and will put local people and their preferences at the heart of development. I recognise that many people feel strongly about these issues. 

I completely agree with you about the importance of walking and cycling to the health and wellbeing of our communities. The National Planning Policy Framework already requires local planning authorities to consider these issues at the earliest stages when preparing their development plans. They are also material considerations in planning decisions. 

Wider steps are being taken across government to improve walking and cycling provision. The transport decarbonisation plan promotes the principle of 20-minute neighbourhoods, while newly-created Active Travel England will act as a statutory consultee within the planning system. The Government is also updating the Manual for Streets, which places the needs of pedestrians and cyclists at the top of the hierarchy of street users. As co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Walking and Cycling I am passionate about delivering improvements to active travel infrastructure and opportunities. 

I know that improving the health and wellbeing of our communities is something the Government considers with the utmost importance. For example, I support the establishment of new integrated care boards which must have regard to a locally-produced strategy informed by local health and wellbeing boards. Within the planning system, it is already the case that planning policies should support healthy lifestyles, especially where that would address identified local health and wellbeing needs – as laid out in Government guidance. 

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face, and I share your view that the planning system should support climate change mitigation. You may be interested to know that, alongside the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, the Government has committed to review the National Planning Policy Framework, with a view to ensure it contributes to climate change adaptation and mitigation as fully as possible. 

I know that the Government is committed to ensuring that the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill creates tangible changes for communities. 

December 2022 

Proportional Property Tax

Selaine’s response: 

Council tax is a local charge for the use of local services. The current banding system reflects that larger homes make slightly greater use of local services, but intentionally, it is not a poll tax nor a wealth tax. 

For the past decade, the Government has ensured that local taxpayers are able to veto excessive council tax increases in a local referendum. I realise that many people may be facing financial worries, which is why every council is required to have a council tax support scheme in place. 

I would note under the proposals by this lobbying group, many hard-working families and pensioners would see soaring bills, both within local authorities and across the country. In particular:  

 

• The existing single person discount would be abolished, hitting widows and widowers the hardest. Such a house price tax fails to take into account that single person homes make reduced use of local services. 

• Annual revaluations would mean home improvements would be taxed, punishing people for doing up their home. Under the council tax system, material improvements are only taken into account when the home is sold. 

• There would be no limit on the increase in taxes. When house prices rise, it would be very easy for a government or council to use that increase to hike the overall tax take by stealth, as bills would be based on house prices. 

I also note that the Government has stated it does not support such a policy and has criticised proposals for such house price taxes in a Parliamentary debate, however I have much sympathy with the suggestion. In Norther Devon, 89% of primary households would enjoy an average reduction of £500 in their yearly local tax bills. I will continue to work with Fairer Share and the Government to see if reform in this key area can be brought forward. 

December 2022

Section 21 Evictions

Selaine’s response: 

Many tenants live with the worry of being evicted at short notice or continue to live in poor accommodation for fear they will be asked to leave if they complain about problems with their home. This is a problem that must be tackled. I have been assured that the Government is standing by its manifesto commitment to abolish 'no fault' Section 21 evictions.  

Section 21 evictions are one of the largest causes of family homelessness. I believe that reforming the current tenancy system will provide more security to private renters and give them the confidence to properly settle down in their homes.  

Please be assured that I very much appreciate the vital role that landlords play in the housing market by providing homes for the more than four million households in the private rented sector. That said, I also believe it is right to acknowledge the concerns of renters. 

Under plans set out in the 'A Fairer Private Rented Sector' White Paper, all tenants would be moved onto a single system of periodic tenancies. This will give tenants greater security while retaining the flexibility that attracts many to the private rented sector. A tenancy would only come to an end if the tenant chooses to leave or if the landlord has a valid ground for possession. Tenants would need to give two months’ notice when leaving a tenancy which would ensure that landlords can avoid lengthy void periods. 

It is important that providing tenants with this greater security is balanced with an assurance that landlords are able to recover their properties where they have valid reason to do so. This is vital to ensuring the future supply of good-quality housing in the private rented sector. The Government will reform grounds of possession so that the system is comprehensive, fair and effective. In addition, improvements will be made to court processes to ensure that disputes are resolved quickly and smoothly. 

I appreciate the importance of allowing time for a smooth transition to this new system and I am assured that tenants, landlords and agents will be supported as they adjust. 

I understand that the Government will set out its next steps following on from the White Paper in due course. I appreciate the strength of feeling on this matter and I would like to assure constituents that there is a strong commitment across government to reform the private rented sector for landlords and tenants alike. 

November 2022 

Local Government Funding

Selaine’s response: 

I fully recognise the important and tireless efforts undertaken by local councillors. They have a vital role in delivering essential public services and improving communities right across the country.  

As laid out in the 2022-23 Local Government Finance Settlement, councils are expected to see a cash terms increase of over 4.5% in Core Spending Power this financial year, meaning that up to £54.1 billion will be available. This includes a new one-off £822 million grant to support all services delivered by local councils.   

The 2021 Spending Review confirmed that local authorities are expected to see an average estimated increase in Core Spending Power of three per cent in real terms in each of the next three years to 2025. Councils will also be provided with around £1.6 billion of new grant funding in each of the next three years, on top of the funding to implement social care reform. This will include funding for family help services as well as over £37 million of additional funding to tackle cyber security challenges facing councils and invest in local authority cyber resilience.  

I completely understand concerns about the impact of rising inflation on the provision of local services and the local government sector. Having spoken to colleagues, I am aware that the ways in which inflation interacts with local government finances are complex. Not all areas of local government expenditure will be sensitive to inflation, for instance, and some local authorities have multi-year contracts in place. I have been assured that the Government is working with the local government sector to understand the impacts of inflationary increases. 

Finance settlements for local government are set out each financial year, with a draft statement made available for local authorities and other interested bodies to comment on before the settlement is finalised. Ahead of the upcoming settlement for 2023-24, I am assured that the Government will be engaging extensively with the sector.  

I know that, like me, Ministers completely understand the importance of providing certainty to local government, particularly in the context of rising prices and inflation. 

November 2022 

Homelessness

Selaine’s response: 

The benefit cap provides clear incentives for people to seek employment whilst providing help for the most vulnerable. The national cap is currently set at £20,000, rising to £23,000 in London. However, if claimants need extra support to meet rental costs they can approach their Local Authority for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). Since 2011, over £1 billion has been invested in DHP funding and I am especially glad an additional £40 million of DHP funding for England and Wales has been allocated. 

Exemptions from the cap are in place which protect families who experience a sudden change in their circumstances. For example, in the event someone loses their job, they may qualify for a grace period from the cap for 39 weeks. Exemptions also apply for the most vulnerable claimants who are entitled to disability benefits and carer benefits. 

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviews Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates annually. In April 2020 investment in LHA rates was boosted by nearly £1 billion when rates were set at the 30th percentile of market rents, providing 1.5 million claimants with an average £600 more housing support in 2020/21 than they would otherwise have received. Rates have been maintained at their increased 2020 levels so that claimants continue to benefit from the significant increase. 

I welcome the Prime Minister’s action on energy bills. Under her plans, a typical household will pay no more than £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next two years. This will be delivered through the ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ which will take effect from 1 October. The consumer saving will be based on usage, but a typical household will save at least £1,000 a year, based on current prices. This is in addition to the £37 billion of support announced earlier in the year. 

September 2022 

Renters Reform

Selaine’s response:

The Government has set out plans to level up the private rented sector which will rebalance the relationship between tenants and landlords. This will provide tenants with more secure, higher quality homes and give councils the tools they need to crack down on the minority of non-compliant landlords.

Standards in rented accommodation will be driven up, including by ensuring all tenants have a right to redress and warranting well-targeted, effective enforcement that drives out criminal landlords. It is unacceptable that some households that rent privately pay a large proportion of their income to live in poor conditions. I am aware that the Government intends to introduce a legally binding Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector for the first time.

In addition, there is a proposal for Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions to be abolished a more secure and simple tenancy structure could be brought in. Under the new system, a tenancy would only end if the tenant chooses to leave or if the landlord has a valid ground for possession. Not only would this improve security for tenants and protect them from having to move unexpectedly at short notice, but it would also empower tenants to challenge poor practice without the fear of retaliatory action. Repossession grounds would be strengthened to make sure that landlords with a valid cause can regain possession of their property.

To further support tenants, the Government will only allow increases to rent once per year and will increase the minimum notice period for rent increases to two months. The use of rent review clauses will also come to an end.

The creation of a single Ombudsman that all private landlords must join will strengthen tenants’ ability to hold their landlord to account. A new digital Property Portal will be established which will help landlords understand their obligations and support local authorities to crack down on poor practice.

These are important steps in ensuring that renters can benefit from more secure and higher quality homes. I understand that these measures will be translated into law through the Renters Reform Bill, which will be brought forward in this parliamentary session.

July 2022

Private Renters: Sexual Exploitation

Selaine’s response: 

I was deeply concerned to hear about reports of sexual exploitation of tenants, and I completely agree with you that such practices are abhorrent and have no place in our society. Let me assure you that the Government takes these offences very seriously.   

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes clear that ‘sex for rent’ arrangements are illegal, as are advertisements for any such arrangements. There are existing offences which may be used to prosecute this practice, including the Section 52 offence of causing or inciting prostitution for gain and the Section 53 offence of controlling prostitution for gain. I understand that both offences carry a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.   

Colleagues have drawn my attention to updated guidance produced by the Crown Prosecution Service on prostitution and exploitation of prostitution. This includes specific reference to the availability of charges for offences under Sections 52 and 53, where there is evidence to support the existence of sex for rent arrangements.  

The Online Safety Bill will also place duties on sites that host user-generated content, such as social media companies, to protect their users from illegal content. 

To strengthen protection for tenants from rogue landlords, the Government introduced banning orders which can be served to landlords convicted of certain criminal offences. They prevent an individual from engaging in letting and property management work. When a landlord is served a banning order, the local housing authority must also place them on a dedicated database.  

More widely, ministers assure me that the Government is committed to delivering a fairer and more effective rental market. This includes driving improvements in standards in rented accommodation and ensuring well targeted, effective enforcement that drives out criminal landlords. A package of reforms will be laid out in a White Paper this year.   

January 2022 

Winter Warmth Campaign

Selaine’s response:

I recognise the contribution pensioners have made, and continue to make, to British society. We must ensure that everyone has security and dignity in their retirement. I am encouraged that my colleagues in government have committed to keeping the Winter Fuel Payment, ensuring that older people have the security and dignity they deserve. This means £200 will continue to be paid to households where someone has reached State Pension age and is under age 80, rising to £300 where households contain someone aged 80 and over.

Cold Weather Payments are another element of the support available. A person can qualify for a Cold Weather Payment if they are in receipt of Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest.

The Met Office has assigned each eligible household to one of 94 weather stations that is most representative of their climate, accounting for topography and whether the surrounding areas are urban or rural. If a cold weather payment is triggered at a weather station, the eligible households receive an automatic payment of £25.

There are many other benefits available to pensioners, including free bus passes and free prescriptions. The Warm Home Discount provides over one million vulnerable pensioners with a £140 rebate on their energy bills.

I would also add that as a result of the 'triple lock', the value of the full basic State Pension is now £2,050 more than it was a decade ago. This year, owing to a statistical anomaly as a result of the Covid pandemic, the metric for average earnings cannot be used to calculate the Triple Lock. On 7 September it was announced that there will be a move to a Double Lock for one year only. This means the state pension will rise next year by the higher of inflation or 2.5%, now confirmed as a 3.1% increase.

This approach will ensure pensioners’ spending power is preserved and that they are protected from higher costs of living. It will also ensure that as we are having to make difficult decisions elsewhere across public spending, including freezing public sector pay, pensioners are not unfairly benefitting from a statistical anomaly.

November 2021

Housing

Selaine’s response:

Let me begin by saying that one person without a roof over their head is one too many. I was proud to stand on a manifesto that pledged to end rough sleeping this Parliament, and I am glad that the Government is providing substantial funding for both immediate accommodation and longer-term support, with over £750 million invested in 2021-22 alone.       

Housing First has an impressive international record in helping people with complex needs to recover and stay off the streets for good. I am therefore glad that the Government has provided £28 million to pilot Housing First at scale in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, spanning 23 local authorities. These pilots are now in their fourth year and have supported over 1,050 of the most entrenched and cyclical rough sleepers across 23 local authorities.   

To ensure that this world-class project is unleashed to its full potential and that there is a robust awareness of how the project could work best on a larger scale, an evaluation of Housing First has been launched. Together with the experiences from the three pilots, I am told that the findings of this evaluation will be used to inform the Government’s next steps.     

I would like to point out that, in addition to these pilots, the Government already provides funding for a number of Housing-First-style schemes through the Rough Sleeping Initiative and Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme where local partners have identified a need for this type of provision.    

More widely, it is encouraging to see substantial funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. In the 2021 Spending Review, the Chancellor announced an investment of a further £639 million each year by 2024-25 to continue the progress that has already been made. This reflects an 85 per cent cash increase compared to 2019-20 and will form part of a cross-government approach to address the drivers of rough sleeping, including funding for reoffending initiatives of £200 million a year by 2024-25. 

I recognise that many want to see Housing First rolled out at pace, and I am assured that the Government is committed to expanding the project as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle rough sleeping once and for all. North Devon Council have been given significant extra resources to help and in Barnstaple we have the excellent Freedom Centre that works directly with our street sleeping community. It is difficult, not everyone we can see wants, or finds it easy to be in accommodation, some that we see in doorways do have safe places to be at night. The work to bring people off the streets is not always as easy as providing a bed and a roof, and hence we continue to support the network of councils and charities that help them all year round.

The Government has committed to ending rough sleeping this Parliament and I am glad that encouraging progress continues to be made, with rough sleeping falling by 37 per cent in the last year alone. I recognise that some people may have concerns about the upcoming winter months, which is why I welcome a £66 million investment to help rough sleepers into safe and warm accommodation and treatment services for drug and alcohol dependency this winter.   

I completely agree that providing high-quality, affordable homes should be central to the levelling up agenda, and I am glad that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is working to invest in local areas and deliver the homes our country needs.  

I am assured that the Government is dedicated to reforming the rental sector for tenants and landlords alike. A package of reforms is set to be outlined in an upcoming White Paper, which I understand will include measures to hold rouge landlords to account for delivering safe and decent housing without penalising good landlords. As part of this, the Government will explore the merits of a landlord register. Measures will also enhance renters’ security and improve protections for short-term tenants by abolishing ‘no-fault’ evictions.   

There is also a range of support for vulnerable renters. A one-off £65 million grant is being made available to local authorities in 2021-22 to support vulnerable households who have accumulated rent arrears as a result of the pandemic. This builds on wider support for renters, such as the £140 million in funding that is available through Discretionary Housing Payments and £670 million for those struggling to pay council tax this year. Local councils will also be distributing their share of the new £500 million Household Support Fund to help vulnerable households and individuals in their local community this winter.      

As we look beyond the pandemic, the real challenge has just begun. There needs to be a long-term solution to help those that have been brought in, which is why the Government is making over £750 million in funding available for 2021-22. As part of this, the largest ever investment in move-on accommodation is being made through the accelerated delivery of the £433 million Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme.    

We absolutely need to increase the availability of affordable homes across the country, and it is encouraging that over 542,400 affordable homes have been delivered in the past decade. Progress continues, for example through the new £11.5 billion Affordable Homes Programme (2021-26) which will leverage up to £38 billion of private finance and provide up to 180,000 new homes across the country, should economic conditions allow. £8.6 billion of this funding has already been allocated to councils, housing associations and private providers. This will deliver around 57,000 homes for affordable homeownership, 29,600 for social rent and 6,250 affordable rural homes.   

I know the Government recognises that upgrading home energy performance is crucial if we are to meet net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the UK economy by 2050. That is why I am glad that the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund is being launched to upgrade a significant amount of the social housing stock in England currently below Energy Performance Certificate rating C up to that standard. From 2025, the Future Homes Standard will ensure that new homes are future-proofed and produce at least 75% lower CO2 emissions.

November 2021

Food Insecurity Worldwide

Selaine’s response:

Adequate food and nutrition are basic human needs, and it is a deeply regrettable fact that for so many on our planet these needs remain unmet, particularly in the conflict affected regions of Africa, where millions live conditions of acute food insecurity and even famine. This was true before the pandemic and has only worsened since and as a result. These people need help.

In responding to the increased risk of famine, caused in part by Covid-19, the former Foreign Secretary launched a ‘Call to Action’ last September, which has since resulted in an additional £180 million in extra humanitarian support being provided to more than seven million of the most at risk people in developing countries, mostly in Africa, helping to alleviate extreme hunger and avert famine. Nick Dyer was appointed as the UK's Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs in the same month in order to drive forward this agenda.

Tackling famine and humanitarian crises is a priority of the UK's G7 Presidency. Under our impetus, G7 leaders this year agreed a Famine Prevention Compact, which, amongst much else besides, commits to the provision of 7 billion USD in humanitarian assistance to the 42 most food insecure countries (protecting approximately 34 million people) in 2021.

The Foreign Office has been working closely with the Government of Japan to make sure the 2021 Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit generates meaningful action by governments, donors, businesses, the UN and civil society. I will ensure that Foreign Office ministers are aware of the points you have raised ahead of the Summit.

October 2021

Child Food Poverty 

Selaine’s response: 

Ministers commissioned an independent review into the food system in the form of the National Food Strategy. Part One of that review was published in July 2020 and it gave recommendations to support this country through the turbulence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Part Two of the independent review sets out proposals for measures to combat obesity and improve overall health of children and adults, as well as proposals for specific initiatives to educate children about nutrition at school.  

My ministerial colleagues will now carefully consider the report's conclusions and respond with a White Paper within six months, setting out priorities for the food system. 

September 2021 

Renters’ Day

Selaine’s response:

I appreciate that the past year has brought unique challenges to renters and those in the residential rental sector. That is why I am relieved that decisive action was taken to protect those in both the private and social rented sectors, which has provided thousands of households throughout England with the certainty they needed during these unprecedented times.

Support was put in place with a pause in evictions in all but the most difficult cases, such as anti-social behaviour, and requirements for six months’ notice to be given. As we emerge from the worst of the crisis, a four month notice period is in place until 30 September for less challenging cases to offer continued protection for tenants.

I recognise the concerns that renters may have now that the eviction moratorium has been lifted. That is why I am pleased that the Government has stepped in to provide extensive financial support to renters, with £140 million in funding available this year through Discretionary Housing Payments for councils to support renters with housing costs. This builds on wider support in place to help households with other costs, such as the £670 million that is available for 2021-22 to help those struggling to pay council tax.

Billions have been injected into the welfare system, including increasing the Universal Credit standard allowance for a further six months until the end of September. The Government's package of financial support has helped to save lives and livelihoods, kept businesses running and assisted those who are struggling the most.

I am therefore assured that, building on the substantial support provided throughout the pandemic, the Government is continuing to work to deliver a fairer and more effective rental market, but I recognise there is work to do in this area, and I continue to monitor the situation in North Devon closely and feedback to ministers.

September 2021

Proportional Property Tax 

Selaine’s response: 

Council tax is a local charge for the use of local services. The current banding system reflects that larger homes make slightly greater use of local services, but intentionally, it is not a poll tax nor a wealth tax. 

For the past decade, the Government has ensured that local taxpayers are able to veto excessive council tax increases in a local referendum. The 2019 manifesto, upon which I stood, reaffirmed support for this democratic check and balance, which has helped ensure that council tax remains lower in real terms than a decade ago. 

I would note under the proposals by this lobbying group, many hard-working families and pensioners would see soaring bills, both within local authorities and across the country.  

In particular:  

• The existing single person discount would be abolished, hitting widows and widowers the hardest. Such a house price tax fails to take into account that single person homes make reduced use of local services. 

• Annual revaluations would mean home improvements would be taxed, punishing people for doing up their home. Under the council tax system, material improvements are only taken into account when the home is sold.  

• There would be no limit on the increase in taxes. When house prices rise, it would be very easy for a government or council to use that increase to hike the overall tax take by stealth, as bills would be based on house prices. 

I also note that the Government has stated it does not support such a policy, and has criticised proposals for such house price taxes in a Parliamentary debate. I hope this explains why such an idea is not one I feel able to support. 

July 2021 

Child Poverty

Selaine’s response:

I proudly stood on a manifesto that pledged to continue efforts to reduce poverty, including child poverty. I firmly believe that children should grow up in an environment with no limits to their potential.

First of all, I would like to thank those constituents who have highlighted the statistics for North Devon. I would like to emphasise that my colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions have been unable to assess the robustness of Loughborough University’s modelling, as their methodological choices have not been shared.

National Statistics on the number and percentage of children in low income households are published annually in the “Households Below Average Income” publication, and these remain the most accurate published measurements of low income. These latest statistics show that in the past decade, 100,000 children have been lifted out of absolute poverty (both before and after housing costs) and levels of combined material deprivation and low income for children are at their joint lowest level.

Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, quick action has been taken to support families. Over 11.5 million people have been kept in their jobs through the furlough scheme, while welfare changes worth over £9 billion were quickly introduced, including through a temporary uplift in Universal Credit worth up to £1,040 a year. The £500 million local authority hardship fund was established and a £63 million local welfare assistance fund was also created so that councils can help those struggling to afford food and other essentials. While some of the help you mention was instigated at the start of the pandemic, further support has been introduced as it has progressed. As you would expect, discussions are ongoing across government about the best way to support people.

I am a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee and we have heard a large volume of evidence on the issues surrounding child poverty and will be reporting our findings in the coming months.  This is a subject area I take particularly seriously.

I very much welcome the publication of the first part of the National Food Strategy, which will kick start a full review of our food system, indeed I am a vice-chair of the APPG for the National Food Strategy and regularly attend their events I have also read with interest the first part of the National Food Strategy and await the second part, which I understand is due this year. This is an independent report, and I know that ministers across government will consider its recommendations carefully.

June 2021

Updates to Cladding, Leaseholders and EWS1

Selaine’s Response: 

The Housing Secretary has confirmed that the Government will fully fund the replacement of unsafe cladding for all leaseholders in residential buildings 18 metres and higher in England, which have been independently judged to be the highest risk buildings. For leaseholders in lower-rise buildings between 11 and 18 metres, a new scheme will protect against unaffordable cladding removal costs through a financing arrangement where leaseholders pay no more than a maximum of £50 per month towards remediation when the building owner cannot pay for the work. 

I welcome this reassuring announcement, which will provide security to leaseholders and protect against excessive costs. This funding should mean that banks and mortgage lenders have the certainty that remediation costs for these buildings will be covered, and balances the Government's commitment to help leaseholders while maintaining its responsibility to the wider taxpayer. 

Remedying the failures of building safety cannot just be a responsibility for taxpayers, which is why plans to introduce a new Gateway 2 developer levy have also been announced, which will apply to developers seeking permission on certain high-rise buildings and is expected to raise £2 billion over a decade. This will help to ensure that taxpayers do not foot the bill for remediation and that large property developers contribute to the national remediation effort. 

These measures will provide certainty to residents and lenders, boosting the housing market, and reinstating the value of properties. Work is underway with lenders and surveyors to make this happen. 

Looking towards the future, new legislation is expected to be brought forward this year to protect future generations from similar mistakes and to prevent malpractice arising again. The legislation will seek to tighten regulation of building safety and to review the construction products regime to prevent malpractice arising again. 

I also welcome the new £30 million Waking Watch Relief Fund to cover the cost of fire alarms to reduce dependence on costly waking watches. The National Fire Chiefs’ Council has been clear that building owners should move to install common fire alarm systems as quickly as possible, which will reduce costs for affected leaseholders.  

March 2021 

Local Services

Selaine's response:

Local authorities have been at the forefront of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic in our communities where the most vulnerable and deprived have been particularly at risk. The spread of the virus has placed unprecedented demands on local services, and I am proud of our key and public sector workers here in North Devon. 

Significant additional funding has been provided to local authorities to support them as they respond to the outbreak. £7.2 billion in funding has been made available for councils to relieve local pressures and help vulnerable people. This includes £4.6 billion in unringfenced funding, £1.1 billion for care homes, £300 million to support Test and Trace as well as funding allocated to councils from the Local Alert Level system and a number of grants to support communities and vulnerable people. A further £32 million is being provided to councils to support clinically extremely vulnerable people for the period that national restrictions are in place, alongside the £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme to support children, families and the most vulnerable over winter. In light of the new restrictions, £2.2 billion will be given to businesses across England to support jobs, livelihoods and local communities. This funding builds on the recent Local Government Finance Settlement that provided the largest increase in a decade in spending power for councils in England. 

I know that many councils are worried about what lies in the future. The Government has asked local councils to approach the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government if they are experiencing unmanageable pressures or concerned about their financial position. Councils can also claim funding through a compensation scheme for lost income from sales, fees and charges until the end of June 2021. The income recovery scheme covers local council losses over 5% of planned income at a rate of 75p for every pound, encouraging councils to minimise losses where they can and providing certainty where needed. This comes alongside a proposal for a phased repayment of council tax and business rates deficits over three years rather than one. 

I welcome the Chancellor's further commitments to councils in the Spending Review. The spending power of local authorities is expected to increase by 4.5% in 2021-22. Separately, over £3 billion additional funding is being provided, which includes £1.55 billion for service pressures, £670 million for council tax support and £762 million to compensate lost tax revenue. Funding to address homelessness and rough sleeping is being raised to over £750 million, alongside £1.3 billion toward adult and children's social care. £220 million is being allocated to help local areas prepare for the Shared Prosperity Fund and £621 million will be made available through the Towns Fund. I am confident that these measures will provide local communities with the resources they need to recover from the outbreak. 

February 2021

Proportional Property Tax

Selaine's response:

I read the proposal with interest and it raises important points about fairness in our tax system. However, as I understand it, evidence about how the proportional property tax would work in England shows that a lot of places that are low income areas but also experiencing rising house prices would be hit very hard, even places with high levels of deprivation and low household incomes. If house prices were to rise in an area, low income households would quickly see their bills rise at staggering rates well above increases to their income.

Even if the new proportional tax was to be paid by property owners rather than tenants, it is highly likely that this would simply be passed on back to tenants in rent increases, as property owners still need to make mortgage payments.

On second homes and vacant homes, 95% of second homes are already charged full council tax and vacant homes can be charged double the council tax rate if these are empty for two or more years. Council tax is a valuable source of revenue for local councils and it is important that they have the discretion to raise or lower council tax rates based on the needs in their local area.

February 2021

Renters Debt

Selaine's response:

Problem debt is often difficult to escape and can have a devastating impact on existing issues including family problems and poor mental health. It is only right that people who fall into problem debt are helped to find a sustainable, long-lasting plan to solve their debt problems.

I welcome the action being taken to protect those who find themselves in problem debt through a new breathing space scheme. This scheme will consist of a breathing space period and a statutory debt repayment plan. Together, these two aspects of the scheme will protect debtors from creditor action, help them get professional advice on their debt problems, and help them pay off their debts in a sustainable way. Colleagues in the Treasury have already started work on this scheme by investing an additional £12.5 million throughout 2020-21 in order to implement breathing spaces as soon as possible.

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) has already been increased to the 30^th percentile of local market rents for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants. This means that 30% of properties in each broad market area across England, Scotland and Wales are now within the LHA rate. This change will directly benefit over a million households who will see an increase in support of £600 a year on average.

February 2021

Duchy Leasehold

Selaine's response:

Leaseholders of the Crown Estate do not have statutory enfranchisement rights, however, the Crown has indicated to Parliament that it will act by analogy in most cases to give leaseholders the same rights held by others more broadly. The Crown Estate has adopted a well publicised, voluntary policy of granting lease extensions, which I have been assured is expected to continue.

February 2021

Fire Safety Bill (Grenfell)

Selaine's response:

A number of constituents have asked me about my vote on an amendment to the Fire Safety Bill on 7th September. I want to explain why I voted the way I did and why this does not mean that the Government is not taking action following Grenfell.

The Labour Party’s amendment’s intention was to speed up the implementation of the Grenfell Inquiry’s recommendations. In the debate on that amendment, the Minister was very clear that the amendment would not have made things move any more quickly.

The Government have committed to implementing the recommendations as quickly as possible. Any suggestion that the Government will not implement the recommendations is false. The MP for Kensington, whose constituency which includes Grenfell Tower, has written a statement explaining why the amendment would not have sped up the process and why it might have ended up slowing it down. Please find that statement attached below.

I want to end by assuring you that I believe very strongly that building regulations must change as a result of Grenfell. I sat on the Fire Safety Bill Public Bill Committee and so I am familiar with the terms of the legislation. I am therefore confident that it will effectively implement the Inquiry’s recommendations.

We must deal with unsafe cladding and ensure that people live in safe homes. This has been an issue where there has been cross-party consensus, and the Labour Party’s misrepresentation of what it meant to vote against the amendment has not helped to strengthen it.

Further guarantees have been added by the Minister of State for Security and the Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council has endorsed the government’s approach to the implementation of the recommendations.

September 2020

Trespass

Selaine's response:

The setting up of illegal traveller sites can be a nuisance for local communities and an inappropriate development of open space. I know that many local residents across the country are concerned about anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, and noise related to unauthorised sites. 

The Government is consulting on measures to criminalise the act of trespassing when setting up an unauthorised encampment in England and Wales. Ministers are also consulting on other measures to strengthen police powers in order to tackle unauthorised encampments. The consultation survey has now closed, and Ministers are currently analysing feedback. I, like you, await the Government's response and look forward to scrutinising any decisions that are taken. The measures under consideration would not affect ramblers, the right to roam or rights of way. Instead, measures could be applied in specific circumstances relating to trespass with intent to reside.

The Government has made it clear that only a minority of travellers are causing problems, such as through abusive behaviour and extensive litter and waste at illegal sites. The vast majority of the travelling community are decent law-abiding people and we must ensure that there are legal sites available for travellers. The Government has also given £200,000 to support projects working with Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities to tackle discrimination, improve integration, healthcare and education.

September 2020

Youth Homelessness

Selaine's response

I commend the good work Centrepoint is doing during the coronavirus outbreak.

Universal Credit was designed to simplify the benefits system with a focus on helping people into work and supporting their in-work progression. Having a simplified benefits systems has been hugely beneficial during this crisis and has allowed much of the focus to be on bolstering the existing system, not trying to reinvent it. Differential rates are paid according to peoples’ individual circumstances and age, although I would emphasise that the Department for Work and Pensions has increased the standard allowance in UC for all claimants. I would also add that additional amounts which provide for specific needs such as children or disability are paid at a standard rate in addition to the standard allowance, irrespective of age.  

Universal Credit claimants can also get support with housing costs which can help to pay private landlords, local authorities or interest payments on a mortgage. In response to Covid-19, the Local Housing Allowance rates for Housing Benefit and Universal Credit claimants have been increased to the 30th percentile of local rents, providing additional financial support for private renters. If people need further support with rent Discretionary Housing Payments are available, while a £500 million Hardship Fund provides council tax relief to vulnerable people in England.

That being said, I share your concern that young people must be supported through the Coronavirus emergency. Benefits, however, are only one part of that support. I know my colleagues in Government have been working hard to protect jobs by helping businesses to open safely, while the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self Employed Income Support Scheme have also keep people in their roles throughout an uncertain period. Keeping young people in jobs and close to the labour market must be our priority.

June 2020

Democratic Planning System

Selaine's response:

I believe that a planning system that is based on a legal framework and clear consultation with local residents is at the heart of responsible development. This is particularly relevant when normal working practices are disrupted, as has happened with the coronavirus outbreak.

The majority of planning decisions are made by planning officers. Planning committee meetings are held to decide a smaller number of cases. These meetings can now be held virtually as you mention.

The Government has emphasised that local planning authorities should seek to use all options available to them to facilitate decision-making. It has also explained that local authorities should ensure public participation in the planning process is maintained during the outbreak. My ministerial colleagues are working with the Planning Advisory Service to provide further information on how this can be achieved.

Amendments to existing regulations will temporarily supplement publicity requirements to put up site notice, issue neighbour notification letters and place newspaper advertisements. This will give local authorities more flexibility about the best way to publicise planning applications, including considering the use of social media and other online services.

I appreciate that you would like further detail and have passed on your comments to my ministerial colleagues. Local authorities should continue to focus on decision-making during these difficult times. I believe that clear and timely decisions provide certainty for local people and benefit the local economy.

May 2020

Homelessness

Selaine's response:

I completely agree that we need to end homelessness, and I have been encouraged by the figures for 2019 which showed a 9% drop in the number of people sleeping rough. I think this shows that we are moving in the right direction, although there is of course much more to be done.

The Prime Minister recently announced a further £236 million toward Housing First style accommodation for up to 6,000 rough sleepers. This is on top of £437 million already committed for 2020-21 to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in our communities.

The Government has recently announced an additional £360,000 for North Devon to reduce the levels of homelessness, and to support the brilliant schemes we have in our area. I was delighted to visit the Freedom Centre in Barnstaple in February, and to see for myself what needs to be done to rehouse the homeless.

I assure you that I will do all I can to eliminate homelessness, and I will continue to work with Ministers, charities and our council to ensure the right support is in place.

March 2020

Support for Pubs

Selaine's response:

I have signed a letter to the Chancellor calling on the Government to cut beer tax at the Budget. With £1 in every £3 pounds spent in UK pubs going to the taxman, British drinkers now pay 40% of all beer tax across the EU, but drink only 12% of the beer. Seven in ten alcoholic drinks served in pubs are beer, underlining how directly a cut in beer duty will help pubs. Brewing and pubs in North Devon supports 1,759 jobs and contributes £41.0m to the local economy!

Pubs are at the heart of our communities across North Devon, but with three British pubs closing their doors for good every day the Government should consider a cut to beer tax.

I am fully aware of the many cases we have in North Devon where villages have lost their pubs completely, and I believe this campaign can help support the remaining 139 pubs which are central to rural life.

February 2020

Social Housing

Selaine's response:

I agree that more funding is needed to build social housing and that barriers to development must be addressed. The £9 billion Affordable Homes programme will help deliver more affordable housing and socially rented homes.

However, funding alone will not solve the problem, which is why I welcome action to make the development system simpler and more robust. A new Housing Infrastructure Fund will be established to unlock more homes by putting in place vital infrastructure in high-demand areas.

Waiting lists for social housing increased 73 per cent in the past, rising from just over a million households in 1997 to almost two million households by 2009. I am encouraged that social housing waiting lists have declined by 34 per cent since then to 1,200,000 households. There is still much more for us to do, but we are moving in the right direction.

I agree that more needs to be done to improve housebuilding, which is why I welcome that the recent Spending Review promised continued support through Help to Buy loans and other housing programmes to deliver more homes where people need them.

February 2020