MPs criticise ‘persistent poor performance’ of DLUHC

MPs have expressed “concern and disappointment” at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for its persistent poor performance in the timeliness of Government responses to Committee reports.
 
A report from the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee reveals that the government department has not responded to any of its seven reports during the latest sessions within the typical two months of publication timeframe.

This includes work on reforming the rental sector, which was published seven months ago, and on permitted development rights.

The report asks the Liaison Committee to consider conducting a formal review of the Government’s response times to and communications with select committees about their reports and look to take into account the committee’s experiences.

Chair of the committee Clive Betts said: “The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has previously been identified as a ‘repeat offender’ for its egregiously overdue responses. 

“It is concerning and disappointing that the committee continues to spend excessive time and resources on chasing the Department for updates and that this is frequently to no avail.

“The committee has published reports on a range of important areas such as adult social care, social housing, and the private rented sector. 

“The lack of timely responses to our reports significantly inhibits our constitutional role to scrutinise the work of the department. These issues matter greatly to the wider public. DLUHC should urgently get its house in order and respond swiftly to our Reforming the Private Rented Sector report, published seven months ago, and take steps to rectify these persistent delays.”