§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated, on the supply of affordable housing in the south-east; and if he will make a statement. [120315]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not commissioned or evaluated any research on the supply of affordable housing in the south-east.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) when he next plans to revise(a) Circular 6/98, (b) the definition of affordable housing and (c) the size thresholds which trigger affordable housing planning gains from developers; and if he will make a statement; [120317]
527W(2) when he plans to issue revised good practice to local authorities on planning obligations, with a view to increasing the amount of affordable housing provision in the south-east. [120318]
§ Keith Hill"Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future" announced our intention to update the existing guidance on planning for affordable housing and, in particular, consult on allowing local authorities to seek affordable housing on smaller sites where this is justified. Any revision of the definition in Circular 6/98 would form part of this update. The update will be supported by practice advice. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to issue a consultation document on planning obligations in the near future. Following the consultation, it is intended that a policy document on planning obligations to replace Circular 1/97 will be published.