House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee
Formal Minutes of the Committee
Session 2012–13
2 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
Contents
Formal minutes of the Communities and Local Government Committee, Session 2012-13 4 Wednesday 9 May 2012 4 Wednesday 16 May 2012 5 Monday 21 May 2012 6 Monday 11 June 2012 7 Monday 18 June 2012 8 Monday 2 July 2012 9 Wednesday 4 July 2012 10 Monday 9 July 2012 11 Wednesday 16 July 2012 11 Monday 3 September 2012 13 Monday 10 September 2012 14 Monday 15 October 2012 15 Wednesday 17 October 2012 17 Monday 22 October 2012 18 Monday 29 October 2012 19 Wednesday 7 November 2012 20 Monday 12 November 2012 21 Wednesday 21 November 2012 22 Monday 26 November 2012 23 Monday 3 December 2012 24 Wednesday 12 December 2012 25 Monday 17 December 2012 26 Wednesday 19 December 2012 27 Monday 7 January 2013 27 Monday 21 January 2013 29 Wednesday 23 January 2013 34 Monday 28 January 2013 34 Wednesday 30 January 2013 35 Monday 4 February 2013 36 Monday 11 February 2013 37 Monday 25 February 2013 38 Wednesday 27 February 2013 40 Monday 4 March 2013 40 Monday 11 March 2013 41 Wednesday 20 March 2013 42 Monday 25 March 2013 43 Tuesday 26 March 2013 44 Monday 15 April 2013 45
APPENDIX: DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS 47 John Stevenson: 47 Andy Sawford: 48 Professor Christine Whitehead: 48
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 3
Professor Chris Shepley: 48 John Pugh: 48 Professor Christine Whitehead: 49 Mrs Mary Glindon: 49
4 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
Formal minutes of the Communities and Local Government Committee, Session 2012-13
Formal minutes
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler
1. The co-operative council The Committee considered this matter.
2. The work of the Local Government Ombudsman The Committee considered this matter.
3. European Regional Development Fund Professor Steve Fothergill, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Mats Persson, Director, Open Europe and Baroness Hanham CBE, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 16 May at 4.00 p.m.
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Wednesday 16 May 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler Stephen Gilbert
1. The work of the Local Government Ombudsman The Committee considered this matter.
2. Councillors and the community Resolved, That the Committee visit Sunderland in July 2012 in connection with its inquiry into Councillors and the community.
3. Park homes Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to park homes be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Consumer Focus.
4. The co-operative council Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the co-operative council be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Shropshire Council Association for Public Service Excellence Trades Union Congress UNITE the Union Staffordshire County Council Oldham Council West Midlands Councils Mutuals Taskforce London Borough of Lambeth UNISON Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Birmingham Local Government Association.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Portfolio Holder, Co-operatives and Community Development, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, Councillor Ian Parry, Deputy Leader, Staffordshire County Council, and Councillor Steve Reed, Leader, London Borough of Lambeth, gave oral evidence
[Adjourned till Monday 21 May at 4.00 p.m.
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Monday 21 May 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman George Hollingbery Simon Danczuk James Morris Bill Esterson Mark Pawsey
1. European Regional Development Fund The Committee considered this matter.
2. The work of the Local Government Ombudsman Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the work of the Local Government Ombudsman be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Care for Community Living Ltd Commission for Local Administration in England.
3. Park homes The Committee considered this matter.
4. The co-operative council Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the co-operative council be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Winckworth Sherwood LLP Co-operatives UK London Borough of Greenwich.
Professor Tony Bovaird, Professor of Public Management and Policy, Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Birmingham, Catherine Staite, Director, Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Birmingham, and Mark Bramah, Assistant Chief Executive, Association for Public Service Excellence, gave oral evidence.
Professor Julian Le Grand, Chair, Mutuals Taskforce, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Monday 11 June at 4.00 p.m.
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Monday 11 June 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman George Hollingbery Simon Danczuk James Morris Bill Esterson Mark Pawsey Stephen Gilbert Heather Wheeler
1. Councillors and the community Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Councillors and the community be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Department for Communities and Local Government Scott Nicholson Robert Howard Age UK Robert Knowles Professor Colin Copus, De Montfort University Dame Jane Roberts West Midland Councils Buckinghamshire County Council Office for Public Management Sunderland City Council Local Government Association Hertfordshire County Council Liz Richardson, University of Manchester Centre for Public Scrutiny Staffordshire County Council Dr Mark Ewbank District Councils' Network Wiltshire Council Localis.
2. The co-operative council Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the co-operative council be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
ResPublica.
Resolved, That the Committee visit Lambeth in June 2012 in connection with its inquiry into the co-operative council.
Phillip Blond, Director, ResPublica, and Lord Glasman, gave oral evidence.
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3. Park homes Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to park homes be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Wyldecrest Parks Residents Association Alliance Office of Fair Trading One submission from a park home owner.
Draft Report (Park Homes), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the First Report of the Committee, HC 177-I.
[Adjourned till Monday 18 June at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 18 June 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman George Hollingbery Simon Danczuk James Morris Bill Esterson Mark Pawsey Stephen Gilbert Heather Wheeler
1. The co-operative council Ed Mayo, Secretary General, Co-operatives UK, Paul Nowak, Head of Organisation and Services, TUC, and Simon Randall CBE, Consultant, Winckworth Sherwood, gave oral evidence. Cllr Peter Kotz, Greenwich Council, Peter Bundey, Deputy Managing Director, Greenwich Leisure Limited, Donna Fallows, Practice Lead and Senior Practitioner, Evolve YP, and Cllr Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Monday 2 July at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 25 June
The Chair, Heidi Alexander, Bob Blackman, Simon Danczuk, Stephen Gilbert, George Hollingbery, James Morris, Mark Pawsey and Heather Wheeler visited Lambeth in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into the co-operative council, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 11 June.
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Monday 2 July 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman George Hollingbery Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler Stephen Gilbert
1. Fire and rescue services Resolved, That the Committee inquire into funding for fire and rescue services.
2. Petition The Committee considered a Petition to the House from the residents of Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas, concerning proposed residential development on Green Field sites, requesting the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to urge the Northamptonshire County Council, the Borough Council of Wellingborough and the Parish Council of Irchester to ensure that no such development takes place.
3. The co-operative council Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the co-operative council be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Birmingham.
4. Park homes Ordered, That correspondence from Mrs Toni Vyse on park homes be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
5. Councillors and the community Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the Councillors and the Community be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Friends, Families and Travellers Robin Potter Community Council of Staffordshire Jenny Lawrence Centre for Women & Democracy Paul Wheeler, Director of Political Skills Forum Alfred Murphy The Elections Centre, Plymouth University.
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Dame Jane Roberts, Former Chair of the Councillors Commission, gave oral evidence. Professor Colin Copus, Professor of Local Politics, De Montfort University, Liz Richardson, Research Fellow, University of Manchester, and Professor Michael Thrasher, Professor of Politics, Plymouth University, gave oral evidence Cllr Peter Fleming, Chair, Improvement Board, Local Government Association, Tim Gilling, Acting Executive Director, Centre for Public Scrutiny, and Caroline Abrahams, Director of External Affairs, Age UK, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Wednesday 4 July at 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 4 July 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson
1. European Regional Development Fund Draft Report (European Regional Development Fund), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the First Report of the Committee, HC 81.
2. The work of the Local Government Ombudsman Draft Report (The work of the Local Government Ombudsman), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the First Report of the Committee, HC 431-I.
[Adjourned till Monday 9 July at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 5 July
The Chair, Bob Blackman, Simon Danczuk and Bill Esterson visited Sunderland in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into Councillors and the community, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 16 May.
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Monday 9 July 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman Bill Esterson Simon Danczuk
1. Councillors and the community Cllr Paul Watson, Leader, Cllr Celia Gofton, Portfolio Holder, Responsive Services and Customer Care, and Dr Dave Smith, Chief Executive, Sunderland City Council, gave oral evidence. Cllr Robert Oliver, Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Colin Wakefield, Leader of Independent Councillors, Cllr David Tate, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Dianne Snowdon, Area Vice Chair, Washington Area and Labour Group Secretary, Cllr Michael Mordey, Policy Member, City Services, Sunderland City Council, gave oral evidence. Cllr Paul Watson, Chair of Association of North East Councils, Cllr Jeff Reid, Leader, Northumberland County Council, and Cllr Judith Wallace, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside, gave oral evidence. Alan Wright, Chairman, City of Sunderland Conservatives, Cllr Tom Wright, Secretary, Washington and Sunderland West Constituency Labour Party and Chair, Sunderland City Labour Group, and Geoff Pryke, Delegated Nominating Officer, Wearside Liberal Democrats, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Monday 16 July at 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 16 July 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman George Hollingbery Simon Danczuk James Morris Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler
1. Building Regulations applying to electrical and gas installation and repairs in dwellings The Committee considered this matter.
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2. Park homes The Committee considered this matter.
3. The main estimate for 2012-13 and annual report and accounts for 2011-12 of the Department for Communities and Local Government: The Committee considered this matter.
4. The co-operative council Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the co-operative council be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Department for Communities and Local Government Office for Public Management Ltd Lord Glasman.
5. Councillors and the community Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the Councillors and the Community be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
L. E. Horne Bharti Boyle Cllr Norman Plumpton Walsh George McManus Edward Houlton Nigel Carter.
6. Future programme Resolved, That the Committee inquire into local authorities and health.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the work of the Housing Ombudsman.
7. Petition The Committee considered a Petition from residents of York to the House that it urge the Government to make changes to the boundary of the York Broad Market Rental Area to include only the York Unitary Authority area.
8. The funding of Metropolitan Fire and Rescue Services Steve McGuirk, County Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Dan Stephens , Chief Fire Officer, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Jamie Courtney, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Joy Brindle, Assistant Chief Officer for Strategy and Performance, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Vijith Randeniya OBE, Chief Fire Officer, West Midlands Fire Service, and Martyn Redfearn, Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Human Resources, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, gave oral evidence.
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Bob Neill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and Sir Ken Knight, Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Monday 3 September at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 3 September 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman George Hollingbery Simon Danczuk James Morris Bill Esterson Mark Pawsey David Heyes Heather Wheeler
1. Councillors and the community Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the Councillors and the Community be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Cllr Mike Jordan Robina Iqbal Cllr Richard Kemp Leeds City Council/the Commission on the Future of Local Government Timothy J. Oates Desmond Jaddoo Janet Atkinson Simon Killane Cllr Rowan J Draper Workers’ Educational Association, York Participate Pilot Alycia James Netmums Warren W. Hateley Councillor Iain Malcolm Somerset County Council Councillor Lynda Jones Christopher Padley David Hill Suzanne Fletcher Note of seminar held at the Local Government Association.
2. The co-operative council Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the co-operative council be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
ResPublica.
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3. Pre-appointment hearing for the Chair of the Audit Commission Jeremy Newman gave oral evidence.
Draft Report (Pre-appointment hearing for the Chair of the Audit Commission), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the First Report of the Committee, HC 431-I.
[Adjourned till Monday 10 September at 3.25 p.m.
Monday 10 September 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander George Hollingbery Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler
1. The co-operative council Rt Hon Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, and Rt Hon Don Foster, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, gave oral evidence.
2. The work of the Housing Ombudsman Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the work of the Housing Ombudsman be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Department for Communities and Local Government Housing Ombudsman Chartered Institute of Housing and Housemark.
3. Future programme Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the Government’s plans for housing and growth announced on 6 September 2012.
4. The implementation of the new standards arrangements for local authorities Ordered, That ministerial correspondence received from the Department for Communities and Local Government regarding the implementation of the new standards arrangements for local authorities be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
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5. The Department for Communities and Local Government’s main estimates for 2012-13 Ordered, That ministerial correspondence received from the Department for Communities and Local Government regarding the main estimates for 2012-13 be reported to the House for publication on the internet. [Adjourned till Monday 15 October at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 15 October 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Heidi Alexander David Heyes Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler
1. The work of the Local Government Ombudsman Draft Report (The work of the Local Government Ombudsman: Local Government Ombudsman Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2012-13), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Local Government Ombudsman’s response to the Third Report of the Committee in Session 2012-13 was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report be the First Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
2. Councillors and the community
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Councillors in the Community be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Professor Colin Copus Jack Hopkins Ray Spalding Friends, Families and Travellers.
3. Main estimates for 2012-13 Ordered, That Estimates Memoranda supplied by the Department for Communities and Local Government and relating to Main Estimates for the financial year 2012-13 for the Department for Communities and Local Government be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
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4. The performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Resolved, That the Committee visit the headquarters of the Department for Communities and Local Government on 18 October 2012.
5. Planning and housing Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Planning and Housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Local Government Association Charles Robinson Residential Landlords Association Jan O’Reilly Marina Lewycka Highfield Residents Association Residents Action Monks Orchard Residents Association Stewart Morris London Forum of Amenity and Civic Services Tower Gardens NWA Residents Association North Southampton Community Forum Loughton Residents Association National Housing Federation London Borough of Redbridge Royal Institute of British Architects Planning Officers Society National Organisation of Residents Associations City of London Corporation Joseph Rowntree Foundation Nottingham Action Group on HMOs Royal Town Planning Institute Simon Hill CPRE Federation of Master Builders BCSC Town and Country Planning Association Council of Mortgage Lenders RICS British Property Federation Westminster City Council RenewableUK Shelter Home Builders Federation Ltd UK Green Building Council J. Shergold Friends of the Earth Jesmond Residents Association
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The Leamington Society The Loose Anti Opencast Mining Network.
Ordered, That correspondence received from the Homes and Communities Agency regarding the impact of section 106 agreements be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Mr Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Housing, and Nick Boles MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Planning, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Wednesday 17 October at 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman David Heyes Simon Danczuk James Morris Bill Esterson Mark Pawsey
1. Memorandum– Post Legislative Scrutiny Greater London Authority (2007) Act (Cm 8428) The Committee considered this matter.
2. Future programme Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the housing private rented sector.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the implementation of welfare reform by local authorities.
3. Councillors and the community
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Councillors in the Community be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Association of Democratic Services Officers (ASDO) Rebecca Lane Cllr Marianne Overton A note of the Discussion Forum held on 17 September.
Cllr Robert Gordon CBE, Leader, and Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of the Opposition, Hertfordshire County Council, and Cllr Lucinda Yeadon, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, and Cllr Stewart Golton, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Leeds City Council, gave oral evidence.
18 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
[Adjourned till Monday 22 October at 4.00 p.m.
Thursday 18 October
The Chair, Bob Blackman, Bill Esterson and James Morris visited the headquarters of the Department for Communities and Local Government in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into the performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Monday 22 October 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey David Heyes Heather Wheeler
1. The work of the Local Government Ombudsman Draft Report (The work of the Local Government Ombudsman: the Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2012-13), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Government’s response to the Third Report of the Committee in Session 2012-13 was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report be the Second Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
2. Memorandum - Post Legislative Scrutiny Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007 (Cm 8411) The Committee considered this matter.
3. Councillors and the community Robert Howard, Political and community activist and former councillor, Cllr Robert Knowles, Leader, Waverley Borough Council, Nan Sloane, Director, Centre for Women and Democracy, Paul Wheeler, Director, Political Skills Forum, Cllr Rowan Draper, Stafford Borough Council, Cllr Alycia James, Lancaster City Council, Cllr Simon Killane, Wiltshire Council and Cllr Marianne Overton, Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Monday 29 October at 4.00 p.m.
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Monday 29 October 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler David Heyes
1. The role of local authorities in health issues Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Chartered Institution of Environmental Health Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Neil Bradshaw Cancer Research UK Royal College of Nursing NHS Bristol Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Audit Social Care District Councils Network Professor Gabriel Scally Centre for Public Scrutiny Sanofi Pasteur MSD UK Healthy Cities Network Imperial Tobacco Kent County Council Chief Fire Officers Association Age UK Diabetes UK The King’s Fund Department of Health and DCLG UK Faculty of Public Health Royal Town Planning Institute Westminster City Council Japan Tobacco International Celesio UK National Heart Forum Sue Ryder Care Association of Public Health Directors Practitioner Alliance for Safeguarding Adults UK NHS Confederation.
2. The co-operative council Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Co-operative Councils be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Department for Communities and Local Government.
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3. Planning, Housing and Growth Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Planning and Housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Department for Communities and Local Government.
4. Memorandum to the Communities and Local Government Commons Departmental Select Committee Post-Legislative Scrutiny: The Sustainable Communities Act 2007 (Cm 8470) The Committee considered this matter.
5. Councillors and the community Olly Buston, Executive Director, Members and Supporters, Labour Party, Steve Hitchins, Liberal Democrat Lead on Be a Councillor programme, and Bob Neill MP, Vice Chairman, Local Government, Conservative Party; Brandon Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Wednesday 7 November at 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 7 November 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman James Morris Bill Esterson Mark Pawsey David Heyes John Stevenson
1. Declaration of interests
John Stevenson declared his interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992 (see Appendix).
2. The role of local authorities in health issues
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Chartered Institute of Housing British Medical Association.
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 21
Resolved, That the Committee undertake visits to Kent and Sweden in connection with its inquiry into the role of local authorities on health issues and that and that the Chair seek the approval of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the latter visit. 3. Councillors and the community
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Councillors and the Community be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Paul Wheeler.
4. The work of the Housing Ombudsman Gavin Smart, Director of Policy and Practice, Chartered Institute of Housing, and David Orr, Chief Executive, National Housing Federation; and Dr Mike Biles, Housing Ombudsman, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Monday 12 November at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 12 November 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson John Stevenson David Heyes Heather Wheeler
1. The role of local authorities in health issues
The Committee considered this matter.
2. The performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government
Ordered, That one submission from a civil servant relating to the inquiry into the performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government be reported to the House for publication on the internet.1 Sir Bob Kerslake, Permanent Secretary, David Prout, Director General, Localism, Sue Higgins, Director General, Finance and Corporate Services Group, Peter Schofield, Director General, Neighbourhoods, Department for Communities and Local Government, Sir Michael Pitt, Chief Executive, Planning Agency and Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive, Homes and Communities Agency, gave oral evidence.
1 Published with redactions
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[Adjourned till Wednesday 21 November at 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson John Stevenson
1. The role of local authorities in health issues
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Sheffield City Council Core Cities Cornwall Council British Association of Sexual Health and HIV and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.
David Buck, Senior Fellow, Public Health and Inequalities, The King’s Fund, Dr Nick Hicks, Milton Keynes Director of Public Health and Programme Director for Public Health, NHS Commissioning Board, Graham Jukes, Chief Executive, Chartered Institution of Environmental Health, Dr John Middleton, Vice President, UK Faculty of Health and Director of Public Health, Sandwell PCT, and Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive designate, Public Health England gave oral evidence.
2. The co-operative council
Draft Report (Mutual and co-operative approaches to delivering local services), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fifth Report of the Committee, HC 112.
[Adjourned till Monday 26 November at 4.00 p.m.
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Monday 26 November 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman Mark Pawsey Simon Danczuk John Stevenson Bill Esterson
1. The implementation of welfare reform
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Park homes
Resolved, That the Chair have leave to visit Cardiff in a representative capacity in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into park homes to attend the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee of the National Assembly for Wales taking evidence on the Regulated Mobile Home Sites (Wales) Bill.
3. The role of local authorities in health issues
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Newcastle City Council.
Cllr Steve Bedser, Member, Community Wellbeing Board, Local Government Association, Cllr Alan Connett, Executive Lead for Health and Wellbeing, District Councils Network, Professor Gabriel Scally, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Urban Environments, University of the West of England, Dr Peter Carter, Nursing Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, and Dr Penelope Toff, co-Chair, Public Health Medicine Committee, British Medical Association; Caroline Abrahams, Director of External Affairs, Age UK, Richard Blyth, Head of Policy and Practice, Royal Town Planning Institute, Andy Murdock, External Relations and Policy Director, Celesio UK, and Paul Woodward, Chief Executive, Sue Ryder gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Monday 3 December at 4.00 p.m.
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Wednesday 28 November
The Chair, Bob Blackman, Bill Esterson, James Morris, Mark Pawsey and John Stevenson visited Kent in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into the role of local authorities in health issues, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 7 November.
Monday 3 December 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman Andy Sawford Simon Danczuk John Stevenson Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler Mark Pawsey
1. Declaration of interests
Andy Sawford declared his interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992 (see Appendix).
2. The performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Electrical Safety
The Committee considered this matter.
4. The Government’s consultation on permitted development rights for homeowners
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Government’s consultation on permitted development rights for homeowners.
5. The role of local authorities in health issues
Cllr Tony Devenish, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Premises, Westminster City Council, Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader, Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Council, Liam Hughes, Independent Chair, Oldham shadow Health and Wellbeing Board, and Cllr Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Independent Living, Sheffield City Council; Kim Carey, Corporate Director for Adult Care and Support, Cornwall Council, Cllr Roger Gough, Cabinet Member for Business Strategy, Performance and Health Reform, Kent County Council, Dr Mike Grady, Principal Adviser, University College London Institute of Health Equity, and Cllr Ernie White, Cabinet Lead Member for Health, Leicestershire County Council gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 12 December at 4.00 p.m.
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Thursday 6 December
The Chair visited Cardiff in a representative capacity in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into park homes to attend the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee of the National Assembly for Wales taking evidence on the Regulated Mobile Home Sites (Wales) Bill, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 26 November.
Wednesday 12 December 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman Mark Pawsey Simon Danczuk John Stevenson Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler James Morris
1. The role of local authorities in health issues
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Dr Mike Grady Leicestershire City Council Liam Hughes Professor Chris Bentley.
2. The performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
The Department for Communities and Local Government (two submissions).
Rt Hon Eric Pickles, Secretary of State, Mark Prisk, Minister for Housing, Nick Boles, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Planning, Rt Hon Don Foster, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Brandon Lewis, Under Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Monday 17 December at 4.00 p.m.
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Monday 17 December 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford Bill Esterson Heather Wheeler Mark Pawsey
1. Councillors and the community
Draft Report (Councillors on the frontline), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Sixth Report of the Committee, HC 432.
2. Private rented sector housing
Ordered, That Professor Christine Whitehead be appointed as Specialist Adviser to assist the Committee in its inquiry into the private rented sector housing. She declared her interests. (For details of declaration of interests see Appendix.)
3. Future programme
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the Greater London Authority Act 2007 and the London Assembly.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the Sustainable Communities Act 2007.
4. The Government’s consultation on permitted development rights for homeowners
Draft Report (The Committee’s response to Government’s consultation on permitted development rights for homeowners), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Seventh Report of the Committee, HC 830.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 19 December at 4.00 p.m.
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 27
Wednesday 19 December 2012
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman Mark Pawsey Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford Bill Esterson John Stevenson James Morris
1. The implementation of welfare reform
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
National Housing Federation Residential Landlords Association Gipton Supported Independent Living The Hyde Group Waverley Borough Council LASA Citizens Advice Royal National Institute of Blind People Mastercard Local Government Association Chartered Institute of Housing.
Sue Ramsden, Policy Leader, National Housing Federation, Gavin Smart, Director, Policy and Practice, Chartered Institute of Housing, Cllr Sharon Taylor, Leader, Stevenage Borough Council and Paul Raynes, Head of Programmes, Local Government Association gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Monday 7 January 2013 at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 7 January 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford Bill Esterson John Stevenson James Morris Heather Wheeler Mark Pawsey
28 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
1. Review of planning practice guidance
Resolved, that the Committee inquire into the Government’s review of planning practice guidance.
2. Building Regulations
Resolved, that the Committee inquire into the Government’s conclusions on its review of Part P of the Building Regulations applying to electrical installation and repairs in dwellings.
3. Role of local authorities in health issues
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Sheffield City Council Leicestershire County Council.
Professor Chris Bentley gave oral evidence.
4. Implementation of welfare reform
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
National Landlords Association Administrative Justice & Tribunals Council Durham County Council London Councils East 7 Core Cities Group Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Southwark Council Thanet District Council Shelter Local Government Ombudsman Child Poverty Action Group Blackpool Council District Councils’ Network East Riding of Yorkshire Council British Property Federation The Welfare Reform Club London Borough of Croydon Centrepoint Circle Housing Group Oldham Council The Riverside Group Nottingham City Council Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council Leeds City Council Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 29
London Borough of Camden Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Chartered Institute of Housing New Policy Institute Coventry City Council London Borough of Hackney North West Landlords Association Knowsley Council London Borough of Sutton Association of North East Councils Hull City Council London Borough of Newham London Borough of Tower Hamlets SIGOMA .
Cllr Graham Chapman, Deputy Leader, Nottingham City Council, Lesley Pigott, Assistant Director of Finance, Camden Council, Steve Thompson, Assistant Chief Executive, Treasurer Services, Blackpool Council, and Andrew Stevens, Assistant Director, Customer Delivery, Thanet District Council; and Paul Howarth, Welfare Reform Club, Chris Town, Director, Residential Landlords Association and Steve White, Chief Executive Officer, The Hyde Group, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Monday 21 January at 4.00 p.m.
Sunday 13 – Tuesday 15 January
The Chair, Bob Blackman, Simon Danczuk, Bill Esterson, Mark Pawsey and Heather Wheeler visited Sweden in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into the role of local authorities in health issues, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 7 November.
Monday 21 January 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman Mark Pawsey Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford Bill Esterson John Stevenson James Morris Heather Wheeler
1. Role of local authorities in health issues
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet: UK Faculty of Public Health.
30 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
Anna Soubry MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, and Tim Baxter, Deputy Director, Public Health Development Unit, Department of Heath, and Baroness Hanham CBE, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government, gave oral evidence.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Private rented sector housing
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to private rented sector housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Department for Communities and Local Government Simon Shinerock Wayland Smith Julie Warren Steve Gracey Melissa Robertson Simon Beasley Wrekin Landlords Association Kirklees Private Landlords Association Lorraine Barter Stewart Morris David Evans Finders Keepers Lucking Estates Ltd Judy Evans Greg Jones, FARLA Nicholas Nicol Luke Gidney Sue Thompson Brian Lund Sir Henry Elwes Evolve Property Training Duncan Layne James Spencer Bradford District Tenants and Residents Federation Jonathan Davis Keith Williams Sarah Wild Roy Kitchen Oliver Cornes Catherine Walls Iain Beaton Home Counties Property Graham Heather Netrent
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 31
Tessa Shepperson Mark Walton National Private Tenants Organisation The Dispute Service Ltd Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council East Midlands Property Owners KIS Lettings Group National HMO Lobby Stonewall Housing Allan Murray Leeds City Council Pennine Lancashire Councils Residential Landlords Association Tom Glancz Barrie George E. J. Wilamowski Dr Stephen Battersby Professor Martin Partington Andrew Grant Brent Private Tenants’ Rights Group Housing Law Practitioners Association SpareRoom Cornwall Residential Landlords Association Mansfield District Council Rainham Residential Lettings Andrew Wernick Northampton Borough Council Sheffield City Council Save the Children UK Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Bob Young Barristers of Arden Chambers Communications Workers Union Grainger plc Housing Voice Westminster City Council Darlington Borough Council Chartered Institute of Environmental Health The Salvation Army Homelessness Services University of Sussex Students’ Union Victoria Roberts Vukmanovic Thanet District Council Nottingham Action Group on HMOs City of York Council Herts Young Homeless Delancey Real Estate Investment Management Ltd Secured by Design Broadway Homelessness and Support British Property Federation
32 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
Investment Property Forum Colin Read Digs Michael Foreman Dr Tim Brown Alice Ashworth Marta Lijoi Colin Wardle Sliced Bread Consulting & Personal Finance Research Centre Places for People Tracey Dunn City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council Liverpool City Council Reads Davies Estate Agents & Valuers Newcastle City Council Norwich City Council Housing for the 99% Paragon Group of Companies The Property Ombudsman Nick Lane Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Gerald Kennedy London Borough of Newham Tenancy Relations Officers UK Association of Letting Agents Shelter Derby City Council Hastings Borough Council Citizens Advice London Borough of Enfield National Landlords Association London Borough of Camden National Union of Students National Approved Letting Scheme Council of Mortgage Lenders Blackpool Borough Council Which? Haringey Council Centrepoint University of Nottingham Students’ Union Essential Living Association of Greater Manchester Authorities The Land Registry Country Land and Business Association Bristol City Council Association of Residential Lettings Agents SAFEagent Steering Group Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Rent Sub-Committee of the Millbank Residents Association
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 33
Darren Norris North West Housing Practitioners Association Building and Social Housing Federation Judy Bowie-Britton Office of Fair Trading London Borough of Hackney National Housing Federation David Holliday HouseLet Direct Crisis The Young Group Storer and Ashby Residents’ Group Birmingham City Council Chartered Institute of Housing Electrical Safety Council District Councils’ Network Graham Howell Letting Training Centre Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research Genesis Housing Association The LandlordZONE Nottingham City Council One submission from a tenant in the private rented sector.
4. Review of planning practice guidance Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the review of planning practice guidance be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Institute for Archaeologists Building Research Establishment Home Builders Federation Campaign for Better Transport The Law Society Country Land and Business Association The Heritage Alliance Residential Landlords Association Town and Country Planning Association Royal Town Planning Institute English Heritage Planning Officers Society British Property Federation Living Streets Spatial Planning and Health Group Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Design Council Historic Houses Association UK Green Building Council The Theatres Trust Renewable UK RICS
34 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
SSE Institute of Historic Building Conservation Local Government Association Campaign to Protect Rural England .
Ordered, That Professor Chris Shepley be appointed as Specialist Adviser to assist the Committee in its inquiry into the review of planning practice guidance. He declared his interests. (For details of declaration of interests see Appendix.) [Adjourned till Wednesday 23 January at 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 23 January 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk James Morris
1. Building Regulations
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Monday 28 January at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 28 January 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford Bill Esterson John Stevenson James Morris Heather Wheeler Mark Pawsey
In the temporary absence of the Chair, Mark Pawsey was called to the Chair for part of the meeting.
1. Private rented sector housing
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to private rented sector housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Greater London Authority Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 35
Local Government Association.
2. Implementation of welfare reform
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Surrey County Council Wakefield District Housing.
Kevin Dodd, Chief Executive, Wakefield District Housing, Gillian Guy, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Bureau and Kate Webb, Senior Policy Officer, Shelter; and Mark Prisk, Minister for Housing, Department for Communities and Local Government and Lord Freud, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Wednesday 30 January at 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Bill Esterson Andy Sawford
1. Review of planning practice guidance Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the review of planning practice guidance be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Environment Agency.
Nick Boles MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Planning, and Lord Taylor of Goss Park, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Monday 4 February at 4.00 p.m.
36 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
Monday 4 February 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman, John Pugh Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford James Morris John Stevenson Mark Pawsey Heather Wheeler
1. Declaration of interests
John Pugh declared his interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992 (see Appendix).
2. Community budgets Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Community Budgets.
Ordered, That Dr Mike Grady be appointed as Specialist Adviser to assist the Committee in its inquiry into Community Budgets. Dr Grady had no interests to declare.
3. Building Regulations Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the Government’s conclusions on its review of Part P of the Building Regulations applying to electrical installation and repairs in dwellings be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Electrical Safety Council NAPIT NCA and NICEIC.
4. Implementation of welfare reform Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Wakefield District Housing NALC.
5. Post Legislative Scrutiny Greater London Authority (2007) Act
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Private rented sector housing
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to private rented sector housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Fizzy Living Dr Julie Rugg.
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 37
Dr Tim Brown, Director, Centre for Comparative Housing Research, De Montfort University, Professor Martin Partington, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Bristol, and Dr Julie Rugg, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Housing Policy, University of York; Kay Boycott, Director of Communications, Policy and Campaigns, Shelter, Cllr Tony Newman, Member of Environment and Housing Board, Local Government Association, Jacky Peacock, Secretary, National Private Tenants Organisation, and Alan Ward, Chair, Residential Landlords Association, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Monday 11 February at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 11 February 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk John Pugh Bill Esterson Andy Sawford James Morris John Stevenson Mark Pawsey Heather Wheeler
1. Role of local authorities in health issues
The Committee considered supplementary written evidence dated 18 January 2013 from Cancer UK challenging the written evidence of Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco in relation to the inquiry into the role of local authorities in health issues. The Committee agreed to report to the evidence to the House and publish on its website.
2. Implementation of welfare reform
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Department for Communities and Local Government.
3. Mutuals and co-operative approaches to delivering services
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Building regulations applying to electrical instillation and repairs in dwellings
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the Government’s conclusions on its review of Part P of the Building Regulations applying to electrical installation and repairs in dwellings be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Letter from Certsure LLP, the Electrical Contractors’ Association, the Electrical Safety Council, Electric Safe Register Ltd and NAPIT Registration Ltd.
Rt Hon Don Foster MP gave oral evidence.
38 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
5. Private rented sector housing
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to private rented sector housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Law Society All-Party Parliamentary Party on Carbon Monoxide Carl Thomas.
Sir Andrew Montague gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 13 February at 4.00 p.m.
The meeting of 13 February was subsequently rescheduled to Monday 25 February at 4.00 p.m..
Monday 25 February 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk John Pugh James Morris John Stevenson Mark Pawsey Heather Wheeler
1. Petition
The Committee considered a petition from residents of West Lancashire requesting that the House urge the Government to stop proposed developments in the West Lancashire Local Plan by West Lancashire Borough Council.
2. Private rented sector housing
Professor Christine Whitehead, Specialist Adviser, declared an additional interest. (For details of declaration of interests see Appendix.)
Resolved, That the Committee undertake visits to Leeds and Germany in connection with its inquiry into private rented sector housing and that and that the Chair seek the approval of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the latter visit.
3. Role of local authorities in health issues
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the role of local authorities in health issues be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Department of Health.
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 39
4. Greater London Authority Act 2007 and the London Assembly
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the Post Legislative Scrutiny Greater London Authority (2007) Act and the London Assembly be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Department for Communities and Local Government Mayor of London MayorWatch London Councils London Assembly Association of Colleges London Region Professors George Jones & John Stewart London Forum London Waste and Recycling Board.
5. Review of planning practice guidance
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the review of planning practice guidance be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Department for Communities and Local Government.
6. The Department for Communities and Local Government’s supplementary estimates for 2012-13
Ordered, That ministerial correspondence received from the Department for Communities and Local Government regarding the supplementary estimates for 2012-13 be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
7. Building regulations applying to electrical instillation and repairs in dwellings
Ordered, That correspondence to Certsure LLP, the Electrical Contractors’ Association, the Electrical Safety Council, Electric Safe Register Ltd and NAPIT Registration Ltd on building regulations applying to electrical instillation and repairs in dwellings be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
8. Ministerial correspondence
Ordered, That ministerial correspondence received from the Department for Communities and Local Government regarding Solar PV renewable energy policy be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
9. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 27 February at 4.00 p.m.
40 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk John Pugh James Morris Andy Sawford Mark Pawsey John Stevenson
1. Committee methods of working and operation
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Monday 4 March at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 4 March 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk John Pugh Mrs Mary Glindon Andy Sawford James Morris John Stevenson Mark Pawsey Heather Wheeler
1. Declaration of interests
Mrs Mary Glindon declared her interests, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 13 July 1992 (see Appendix).
2. Greater London Authority Act 2007 and the London Assembly
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to the Post Legislative Scrutiny Greater London Authority (2007) Act and the London Assembly be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Professor Tony Travers.
3. Private rented sector housing
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 41
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to private rented sector housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Geoff Fimister, Social Policy Adviser, Citizens Advice, Jason Freeman, Legal Director, Goods and Consumer Group, Office of Fair Trading, Mark Hayward, Managing Director, National Association of Estate Agents (representing the Association of Residential Letting Agents), and Caroline Kenny, Executive, UK Association of Letting Agents; Peter Bolton-King, Global Residential Director, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Louisa Darian, Senior Policy Adviser, Which?, and Christopher Hamer, The Property Ombudsman, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Monday 11 March at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 11 March 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman James Morris Simon Danczuk Mark Pawsey Mrs Mary Glindon Heather Wheeler
1. Post-legislative scrutiny of the Sustainable Communities Act 2007
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the post-legislative scrutiny of the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Janet Page Steve Shaw National Association of Local Councils Bedfordshire Association of Town & Parish Councils Northamptonshire Association of County Councils Local Government Association UNISON Suffolk Association of Local Councils.
2. Review of planning practice guidance
Ordered, That correspondence to the Department for Communities and Local Government relating to the review of planning practice guidance be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
3. The performance of the Department for Communities and Local Government
42 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
Ordered, That ministerial correspondence received from the Department for Communities and Local Government regarding the financing of housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet. 4. Councillors on the frontline
Resolved, That the Committee seek evidence on the Government’s response to the report, Councillors on the frontline, HC 432.
5. Future programme
Resolved, That the Committee seek oral evidence from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on decentralisation.
Resolved, That the Committee undertake a visit to the London offices of the Local Government Ombudsman in connection with its scrutiny of the Ombudsman.
6. Private Rented Sector Housing
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to private rented sector housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Shelter Friends of the Earth and Association for Conservation of Energy.
Cllr Simon Blackburn, Leader, Blackpool Borough Council, Tom Gilchrist, Service Manager, Private Housing and Accessible Homes, Bristol City Council, and Cllr Jonathan Glanz, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, Westminster City Council, gave oral evidence.
7. Codification of the relationship between local government and central government
Graham Allen MP, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Monday 18 March at 2.00 p.m.
The meeting of 18 March was subsequently rescheduled to Wednesday 20 March at 4.00 p.m..
Wednesday 20 March 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman Mark Pawsey Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford Mrs Mary Glindon Heather Wheeler
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 43
James Morris
1. The role of local authorities in health issues
Draft Report (Role of local authorities on health issues), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Sixth Report of the Committee, HC 694.
2. Private Rented Sector Housing
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to private rented sector housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Bristol City Council (two memoranda) Matthew Leese.
3. Post-legislative scrutiny of the Sustainable Communities Act 2007
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to the post-legislative scrutiny of the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Unlock Democracy Campaign for Real Ale.
4. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
5. European Regional Development Fund
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Implementation of welfare reform by local authorities
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Monday 25 March at 4.00 p.m.
Monday 25 March 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
44 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
Bob Blackman John Pugh Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford Mrs Mary Glindon John Stevenson James Morris Heather Wheeler Mark Pawsey
1. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Private Rented Sector Housing
Andrew Cunningham, Chief Executive, Grainger plc, Richard Lambert, Chief Executive, National Landlords Association and Sir Robin Wales, Elected Mayor of Newham gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 26 March at 10.00am
Tuesday 26 March 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Simon Danczuk John Pugh Mrs Mary Glindon Andy Sawford James Morris Heather Wheeler Mark Pawsey
1. The role of local authorities in health issues
Draft Report (Implementation of welfare reform by local authorities), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Sixth Report of the Committee, HC 833.
2. Future programme
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Monday 15 April at 3.00 p.m.
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 45
Monday 15 April 2013
Members present:
Mr Clive Betts, in the Chair
Bob Blackman John Pugh Simon Danczuk Andy Sawford Mrs Mary Glindon John Stevenson James Morris Heather Wheeler Mark Pawsey
1. Mutual and co-operative approaches to delivering services
Draft Report (Mutual and co-operative approaches to delivering services: Further Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2012-13), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The Government’s further response to the Fifth Report of the Committee in Session 2012- 13 was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report be the Third Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
2. Petitions
The Committee considered Petitions to the House from:
residents objecting to the proposed planning application for the erection of 5 wind turbines of a maximum height of 115 metres and the associated infrastructure which will include a crane hard standing, a substation and control building, transformers, underground cabling, access tracks and a meteorological mast and objecting to the proposed location for the turbines of Wingate Grange Farm situated to the west of Wingate, south-east of Wheatley Hill, north of Deaf Hill and on the southern side of the A181; and
Residents Against Cemetery against the granting of planning for a cemetery at Aldridge Road, Walsall.
3. Councillors on the frontline
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to Councillors on the frontline be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Local Government Association.
46 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
4. Private Rented Sector Housing
Ordered, that the following written evidence relating to private rented sector housing be reported to the House for publication on the internet: Which? 5. Decentralisation
Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and Rt Hon Don Foster MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 8 May at 3.00 p.m.
Sunday 21 April − Tuesday 23 April
The Chair, Bob Blackman, Simon Danczuk, Mrs Mary Glindon, James Morris, Mark Pawsey, John Pugh and John Stevenson visited Germany in connection with the Committee’s inquiry into private rented sector housing, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 25 February.
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 47
APPENDIX: DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
7 November 2012: declaration of Members’ interests
John Stevenson:
2. Remunerated employment, office, profession etc Solicitor, partner in Bendles 22 Portland Square Carlisle CA1 1PE. Received £450 net for October and November 2011. Hours: 20 hrs. (Registered 19 December 2011) Received £460 net for December 2011. Hours: 25 hrs. (Registered 6 January 2012) Received £460 net for January 2012. Hours: 25 hrs (estimated). (Registered 29 February 2012) Received £460 net for February 2012. Hours: 20 hrs (estimated). (Registered 12 March 2012) Received £750 gross (£460 net) for March 2012. Hours: 20 hrs (estimated). (Registered 11 April 2012) Received £600 gross (£400 net) for April 2012. Hours: 20 hrs (estimated). (Registered 28 June 2012) Received £600 gross for May 2012. Hours: 20 hrs (estimated). (Registered 28 June 2012) Received £600 gross for June 2012. Hours: 20 hrs (estimated). (Registered 7 August 2012) Received £600 gross for July 2012. Hours: 25 hrs (estimated). (Registered 7 August 2012) Received £600 gross for August 2012. Hours:35 hrs (estimated). (Registered 30 August 2012) Received payment of £70 from YouGov, 50 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8RT for opinion survey. Hours: 1 hr. (Registered 7 August 2012) Payments from ComRes, 4 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA, for opinion surveys: Received payments of £150 and £75 from ComRes, 4 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA, for opinion surveys. Hours: 30 minutes each. Payment made direct to Carlisle Conservative Association. (Registered 7 August 2012) August 2012, received payment of £75. Hours: 30 minutes. (Registered 30 August 2012)
5. Gifts, benefits and hospitality (UK) Name of donor: Nestlé UK Address of donor: St George’s House, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1NR Amount of donation or nature and value if donation in kind: Tickets and hospitality at the Olympics for 2 people, with an estimated total value of £5,500 Date of receipt of donation: 27 July 2012 Date of acceptance of donation: 27 July 2012 Donor status: company, no 00051491 (Registered 20 July 2012 ) Name of donor: Nestlé UK Address of donor: Dalston, Carlisle, Cumbria Amount of donation or nature and value if donation in kind: Tickets and hospitality for 2 people at charity dinner, with a total value of £1,000 Date of receipt of donation: 28 July 2012 Date of acceptance of donation: 28 July 2012 Donor status: company, no 00051491 (Registered 20 July 2012 )
48 Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13
8. Land and Property Shared interest in one commercial and two residential properties in Carlisle and a holiday let in Ambleside.
3 December 2012: declaration of Members’ interests
Andy Sawford:
11. Miscellaneous Member of the Local Government Pension Scheme
17 December 2012: Declaration of Specialist Advisers’ interests
Professor Christine Whitehead:
Adviser to the Board of the Housing Finance Corporation Independent research for Shelter, RICS, the National Housing Federation on welfare reform, Joseph Rowntree Foundation on equity housing products, Realdania, Denmark of a four country comparison of the role of private renting in different legal, administrative and economic contexts, the Housing Futures Network, Project for the European Investment Bank on housing finance for affordable housing Fellow of Society of property Researchers Member of RICS
21 January 2013: Declaration of Specialist Advisers’ interests
Professor Chris Shepley:
Member of the General Assembly of the Royal Town Planning Institute, President in 1989 Member of the Policy Council of the Town and Country Planning Association Trustee, Theatres Trust 2003-12 Contributor to Planning magazine and other publications.
4 February 2013: declaration of Members’ interests
John Pugh:
2. Remunerated employment, office, profession etc £150 received on 25 January 2012 from Ipsos Mori, 79-81 Borough Rd London SE1 1FY for survey. Paid direct to Southport Liberal Democrats. Hours: 1 hr. (Registered 11 April 2012)
Communities and Local Government Committee: Formal Minutes 2012-13 49
£140 received on 29 October 2012 from Ipsos Mori, 78-81 Borough Rd London SE1 1FY for survey. Paid direct to Southport Liberal Democrats. Hours: 1 hr. (Registered 4 December 2012)
4. Sponsorships (b) Support in the capacity as an MP Name of donor: Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales Address of donor: 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1BX Amount of donation or nature and value if donation in kind: a salary of £4,000 and accommodation will be provided for an intern in my parliamentary office for 10 months, October 2012-July 2013 Date of receipt: 21 September 2012 Date of acceptance: 16 October 2012 Donor status: registered charity (Registered 4 December 2012)
25 February 2013: Declaration of Specialist Advisers’ interests
Professor Christine Whitehead:
Engagement on two LSE London contracts on development and on private rented housing for Berkeley Homes and for QDD via the Young Group; both include independent research on aspects of viability.
4 March 2013: declaration of Members’ interests
Mrs Mary Glindon:
2. Remunerated employment, office, profession etc Payments from ComRes, Four Millbank, London SW1P 3JA: 11 April 2012, payment of £75 for completing February-March survey. Payment made direct to my Constituency Labour Party. Hours: 25 minutes. (Registered 10 May2012)
11. Miscellaneous Trustee of the Victor Mann Trust (also known as The Wallsend Charitable Trust) Trustee of the Kettlewell's Educational Foundation Spouse is a member of North Tyneside Council.