VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Social Rented Housing: Construction

Asked by Lee PitcherLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 21 October 2025UIN 82131

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of increasing the rate of office-to-residential asset conversions to accelerate the delivery of social housing.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

Under nationally set permitted development rights a wide range of commercial buildings such as offices and shops are able to change use to residential without the need for a planning application.

The government continues to keep permitted development rights under review.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim