Havant MP Alan Mak has lobbied a senior Cabinet Minister to ensure funds for infrastructure are made available to areas in south Hampshire and across the country where new housing is planned.
Mr Mak was responding to queries raised by a group of residents during the consultation phase of Havant Borough Council’s Local Plan that existing infrastructure may need to be upgraded to take account of additional housing over the next 20 years. The Local Plan sets out plans for new housing in the Borough between now and 2036.
In Westminster, Mr Mak met Secretary of State for Local Government Sajid Javid MP to see if any central government funds could be made available for housing-related infrastructure. Mr Mak also passed on the concerns of local residents, especially from Hayling Island.
Mr Javid responded by saying MPs like Alan Mak had made strong representations to him and the Chancellor on housing-related infrastructure, and that he was aware of Havant Borough’s characteristics including Emsworth, Bedhampton and Hayling Island.
The Cabinet Minister said the Autumn Statement saw the Government announce new funds which local councils such as Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council can bid for. These include a new £2billion fund to support new housing infrastructure, £23billion for a new National Productivity Infrastructure Fund, some of which will go towards housing and infrastructure, and as part of that fund, £1.1billion is set aside to deliver upgrades on local roads and the public transport network. Mr Mak said he was committed to supporting local councils and other bodies like Solent LEP if they apply for national funds where local resources for infrastructure are not sufficient.
Havant Borough Council (HBC) has already committed to conducting a detailed infrastructure review examining what infrastructure is needed in each area earmarked for housing development, including consulting the public.
Mr Mak emphasised that once infrastructure needs are known, securing funding for infrastructure upgrades would be a collaborative exercise, with HBC, Hampshire County Council, Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, housing developers and MPs all working together.
He said: “Havant Borough Council are drafting their Local Plan, and once it's finalised and adopted, I will support them to lobby for infrastructure funding, especially when local funding is insufficient. Whilst the Council progress the Local Plan process, I am working hard in parallel, ensuring that local needs are known in Westminster, including lobbying Ministers and even Cabinet Ministers. I am ready to back the Council's funding bids when they come forward."
Mr Mak added: "Developers themselves have to provide funds for infrastructure when they build and profit from new homes in our areas so developer contributions are still important. Where additional funding for infrastructure is needed, securing it is a shared responsibility, and will involve Havant and Hampshire County Councils, Solent LEP and others. I will certainly play my part, and do all I can to help, especially when local funding sources are not sufficient."
“Demand for housing across the Havant Borough is high because our economy is growing, and it's a desirable place to live. Havant Council's Local Plan balances the need to give growing families, workers and young people the chance to own or rent their own home, with protection of the environment. The Government’s Autumn Statement announcements of more housing infrastructure spending are very welcome, and I will work hard to support bids to get the funding our area needs."
Picture: Alan Mak MP shows Sajid Javid MP key housing sites across Havant Borough
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Find attached an open letter from Alan Mak to local residents on the local plan and his position on infrastructure funding.