The Bishop of Chelmsford received the following written answers on 2nd November 2022:
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of raising the threshold at which affordable housing quotas apply, from developments of 10 houses to developments of (1) 40, and (2) 50 houses, on the creation of affordable housing stock.
Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con): In August 2020, HMG consulted on raising the threshold at which affordable housing contributions are required from 10 units to 40 or 50 units. This was proposed as part of the ‘Changes to the Current Planning System’.
The analysis undertaken at the time was reported as part of the consultation.
A decision was taken in April 2021 not to take forward the proposal at that stage. We keep this situation under review but the reasons that applied in our decision not to proceed in 2021 remain powerful.
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government whether they remain committed to building 300,000 homes per year.
Baroness Scott of Bybrook: Housebuilding is a priority for this Government. As the Secretary of State has said, we remain committed to continuing our progress towards our target of 300,000 homes a year, as set out in the 2019 Conservative manifesto.
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they plan to take to ensure that rent remains affordable given the increased cost of living; and when they plan to introduce the Renters Reform Bill.
Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The Government understands the pressures people are facing with the cost-of-living crisis and that paying rent is often a tenant’s biggest monthly expense.
Ensuring a fair deal for renters remains a priority for the Government. Legislation will be announced in the usual way.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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