What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on student housing need.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last met the Housing Minister at the end of January.

I know that my hon. Friend and his ministerial colleagues understand the issues of studentification and of meeting housing needs in constituencies like ours. He will recognise that Loughborough is held up as a beacon of good practice in dealing with the problems that arise in the partnership that exists. Can he give an assurance that he is applying pressure to the Department for Communities and Local Government to give local authorities the planning powers that they need to prevent such problems arising in other constituencies across the country, and to reduce the problems associated with studentification in areas like mine?

I congratulate my hon. Friend on doggedly continuing to champion the issue, which arises in constituencies across the country. Indeed, in my constituency there are occasionally problems in relation to the many houses in multiple occupation in which students live. Certain things can be done to help local communities, such as running helplines and appointing community liaison officers, but my hon. Friend is right that planning issues are central, which is why we continue to have dialogue with colleagues in the Department for Communities and Local Government. I am pleased that they will consult in the spring on the Ecotec report.