Oral QuestionDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Tabled: 3 September 2020Answered: 10 September 2020

Asked by

Debbie Abrahams

LabourOldham East and Saddleworth

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Answer from Hansard

The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)

There is no specific duty on owners to keep their buildings in a good state of repair, but local authorities have powers under legislation to take action where a listed building may be at risk, through urgent works notices and repairs notices. The Government also support local authorities by providing funding for conservation projects, and they are consulting on reforms to make it easier for homeowners to protect their historic properties while preserving their unique character. There is also the buildings at risk register, and I encourage my hon. Friend to speak to her local authority to see what can be done to help,