Oral QuestionMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Tabled: 6 January 2026Answered: 12 January 2026

Asked by

Dr Peter Prinsley

LabourBury St Edmunds and Stowmarket

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)

House building in this country ground to a near halt in 2023 because the previous Government failed to reform our planning system, despite knowing that it is too slow and cumbersome and deters development. Our Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 18 December last year. It delivers fundamental reform to the planning system, speeding up the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure. Thanks to this Government, young people who have been denied the chance of their own home will now get the key to their own front door at last.