Question
Construction is a key sector for apprenticeships, yet the 1.5 million target for homes has been dropped. In London, the city we are in, the Government are meeting just 5% of their target. [ Interruption. ] It is 5%. There are no apprenticeships coming through, and we see Landsec, Taylor Wimpey and other companies in London pulling back even further. When will the Government recognise that stamp duty is standing in the way of getting those apprenticeships going, getting those houses built and getting this economy growing once again?
Answer
Let me start on a point of agreement: I think that all of us in the House value the role of the construction sector and want to see more houses built. The right hon. Gentleman will know that we have introduced new foundation apprenticeships in the construction sector to get more young people into that route. In London, we do need to see more building. That is why we have announced a new package of reforms with the Mayor of London to make sure that we get the building rates up, but Conservative Members cannot stand in this House and say that they support house building, and then oppose every planning permission that comes forward for building in their constituencies. That is not what this Government will do. Those houses will be built.14% point-scoring 43% vibes
Verdict: RED (5/100)
The reply does not answer the question that was asked. The question was whether the Government would acknowledge that stamp duty is a barrier to construction apprenticeships, housebuilding and growth, but the reply never mentions stamp duty or accepts that it is an obstacle. Instead it discusses foundation apprenticeships, a London planning reform package and opposition criticism on planning, so a member of the public would not learn the Government's position on stamp duty from it.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| When will the Government acknowledge that stamp duty is standing in the way of construction apprenticeships, housebuilding and economic growth? | Not Addressed | Generic MISREADS QUESTION | The item asks whether the Government will acknowledge that stamp duty is a barrier to construction apprenticeships, housebuilding and growth, but no statement mentions stamp duty or accepts that it is an obstacle. The reply instead cites foundation apprenticeships, a London planning reform package and criticism of Conservative opposition to planning applications, which are different policy areas from the one the question names. |