Ms Maria Graham:

I will build on what Mr. Coleman stated in response to the specific question on putting affordable housing on a statutory footing. As he noted, local authorities own their land and dictate how it is used. Similarly, Ministers own their land and the Government can dictate the practice it wants associated with its disposal, which is what has been done to date. The Government has been firm about the additional dividend of affordable housing on the disposal of land. The Minister has written twice to colleagues to ensure that the matter has been highlighted. It would be a step forward, to which the Minister is open, to put it on a statutory footing. A number of elements must be considered when putting something onto a statutory footing, which is slightly different from just articulating policy. For example, when drafting legislation and the evidence base for it, it must be decided whether a number will be hardwired in the legislation or whether it will be a provision prescribed by a Minister. Such elements ensure that legislation will be future-proofed.

An important consideration at the backdrop is the new housing needs demand assessments that local authorities will carry out, following on from the national planning framework. They will examine the nature of the demand and the various types of housing required, and including that in development plans. It will give a good evidence base for the future that will build on the overall quantum of affordable housing.

It is in the context of examining two elements. The approaches are whether there should be a requirement for the disposal of public land or whether there should also be a requirement for the LDA, across its portfolio, to achieve a certain percentage of housing. The options would have to be examined.