Alistair Burt (Shadow Minister, Communities and Local Government; North East Bedfordshire, Conservative)

I want to raise an issue that was brought to our attention by the CPRE, which wants to ensure that the work of English Partnerships on having an up-to-date register of brownfield land will be continued, especially given the amount of time and money that has been invested. It originally proposed that a new clause be tabled, which would have been headed, “The duty to monitor and promote the re-use of brownfield land”. The new clause would envisage the new agency identifying, collating and publishing up-to-date information on

“the availability, including type and location of previously developed (i.e. brownfield) land in England at district, regional and national level.”

That data would be kept under review and published annually, and the agency would

“promote the re-use and reclamation of brownfield land by acting as the Government’s statutory adviser”

on it. The CPRE made the following point:

“To make the best use of our brownfield resource, and reap the benefits in terms of urban renewal, it is vital that English Partnerships’ work on the National Land Use Database and National Brownfield Strategy continues. Given that housing is the HCA’s priority, CPRE fears this work could be sidelined should the HCA face pressure to deliver housing numbers or cut costs. This would be short-sighted, given the huge resource brownfield land represents and the need for action to tackle brownfield blight and dereliction in ways which can improve the quality of life of existing communities.”

I wish to take the opportunity to reiterate how important that work on brownfield land is, and that it should be continued by the agency, whether or not under the specific powers in clause 30 on its duty to act as an agent in respect of derelict land or elsewhere. I know that the CPRE will appreciate that.

Iain Wright (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government; Hartlepool, Labour)

I will be brief. I can confirm that that will fall within the Homes and Communities Agency’s objects, and there is no reason why it should not be continued. The hon. Member for St. Ives made a similar point during the oral evidence sessions. Having said that, although I want to provide reassurance that the regeneration activities and programmes carried out by English Partnerships will continue, as they will be fully within the agency’s remit, I do not want to tie up too much the specific managerial responsibilities regarding where the money and resources will be allocated.