Availability of affordable housing in Devon and Cornwall

Westminster Hall debate

Wednesday 27 April 2002, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

On 27 April 2002, Selaine Saxby MP led a Westminster Hall debate on the availability of affordable housing in Devon and Cornwall.

To inform her debate, she asked for those affected to share their experiences.

Several contributors were quoted directly in the debate, and acknowledged by Housing Minister Stuart Andrew MP:

Watch the full debate:

Read the transcript:

"A big thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to explain how you have been affected by this issue.

"Many of you have shared very personal experiences and I hugely appreciate it – it has been very helpful to read through and reflect on your responses ahead of my debate.

"A link to watch the debate or read the transcript is available on this page."
Selaine Saxby MP

Parliamentary portrait of Selaine Saxby MP

The Government's response

Housing Minister Stuart Andrew MP responded to the debate, setting out the Government’s current policy agenda on the subject.

Watch or read his full speech for details on topics including:

An update on the delivery of new affordable homes – both nationally and in the south west – since 2010
The Affordable Homes programme, including allocations to the south west for new homes and homes for social rent
Stamp duty land tax for second home owners
Provisions in neighbourhood plans enabling a requirement for new open-market housing to be occupied as a principal residence
Section 106 arrangements as they relate to:

Planning obligations to allocate new housing to local people

the First Homes scheme

Changes to the planning system enabling a range of commercial buildings to change to residential use without planning applications

The introduction of new laws enabling additional storeys to be built on existing buildings to create new homes.

Introducing the debate, Selaine Saxby gave the following statement:

"With summer fast approaching, the lack of affordable housing and the effect of short term holiday lets and second homes in tourist hotspots such as Devon and Cornwall is only likely to get worse.

"While tourism is essential to our economy, a balance is needed, and many people are cautious about the consequences of excessive holiday lets and second homes in our communities.

"Local people are the biggest victims when it comes to availability of affordable housing and private rentals, and action needs to be taken.

"I hope this debate can explore the impact the lack of affordable housing has on locals, and the potential solutions to this problem.

"Your experience of housing in Devon and Cornwall would provide an invaluable insight to the debate."
Selaine Saxby MP

How it works

What is a Westminster Hall Debate?

Westminster Hall debates take place in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons.

They give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.

Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'. 

How Parliament works: Westminster Hall debates.

How your contributions are shared

In these exercises, members of the public who may have experience or understanding of the debate topic are invited to contribute.

Their responses are passed on to the MP leading the debate, who may refer to them directly in their speeches.

You can see previous examples further down the page.

What happens next?

If you shared your email in the survey, we’ll send you an update after the debate with links to watch it, read the transcript, and information about the Government's response.