Question
I thank the Home Secretary for her leadership on this issue. In the Lake district, due to housing shortages, there is a long-established policy of social housing being subject to local occupancy restrictions; only those with a local link—for example, local employment—are eligible for housing. Looking beyond the Home Office, does she agree that her Cabinet colleagues—not least those responsible for the fairness of housing policy—also have the power and a responsibility to reduce immigration pull factors?
Answer
I was not aware of those arrangements in the Lake district. My hon. Friend is right about the broader point; it is incumbent on all Government Departments to think about these issues in the round and to strike a fair balance. All the conversations that I have had with my colleagues in Cabinet reflect that, as the Government position.25% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (38/100)
The reply responds to the second part of the question, stating that it is incumbent on all Government departments to consider these issues and that the Government position is shared across Cabinet. However, it does so in general terms without naming any concrete action. It only partly addresses the first part, which asked whether housing colleagues have the power to reduce the pull factors, referring vaguely to a 'broader point' without saying what it is or what powers would apply. Because the reply is largely hedged, the person who asked would likely need to follow up to get specific information.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the Home Secretary agrees that Cabinet colleagues responsible for the fairness of housing policy have the power to reduce immigration pull factors. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply says the Home Secretary's hon. Friend is right about the 'broader point' and that Cabinet conversations reflect the Government position, but it never addresses whether housing colleagues have the power to reduce pull factors. It stays vague on what that broader point is and what the power would be. |
| Whether the Home Secretary agrees that Cabinet colleagues responsible for the fairness of housing policy have a responsibility to reduce immigration pull factors. | Addressed | Hedged | Stating that it is 'incumbent on all Government Departments' to think about these issues directly affirms a responsibility, and the Government position is said to be shared across Cabinet. The wording is general and names no concrete action, so the specificity is hedged rather than direct. |