Politics
We aim to keep you informed of key Westminster parliamentary activity, including select committee inquiries and early day motions. Members and associates can also track key bills as they pass through the legislative process, keep up to date with the policies/pledges of the coalition government and the opposition, and with our public affairs work through our activities page.
A round-up of Westminster business during the week beginning 30 January:
On Wednesday in a speech to councils and the housing sector, housing minister Grant Shapps gave an update on the progress made since the government’s housing strategy was published in November. He referred to the NewBuy scheme which will enable borrowers with a 5% deposit buy new build houses and flats. Information on eligibility of the scheme is on the CLG’s website.
Shapps faced questions in respect of the Commons CLG committee’s inquiry into financing new housing supply. He is reported to have said that while they cannot afford it at present, the government may consider backing shared equity schemes with grants in the future. The transcript of this hearing is not yet available.
Plans to return empty property to use; the private rented sector; the new homes bonus scheme; housing affordability; housing benefit; mortgage repossessions; and housing for the armed forces, were some of the subjects covered during CLG oral questions.
The Commons public accounts committee has highlighted the uncertainty over the future availability and affordability of insurance cover for properties in flood risk areas. In a critical report on flood risk management in England, the committee noted that the existing agreement between the DEFRA and the insurance industry which guarantees the availability of insurance comes to an end in 2013.
And finally, Ed Miliband gave a speech calling for “one nation banking” which serves the real economy, and improving accountability in the banking sector. An opposition day debate on these issues will take place on Tuesday 7 February.
For information on our public affairs work, contact Michelle Vosper.
