§ Mrs. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now in a position to issue guidance to local authorities on the better use of the housing stock; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonA circular on "Better Use of Vacant and Under-Occupied Housing" is being issued today to local authorities in England. The circular suggests a range of measures for adoption by authorities to help them secure a fuller use of all the housing in their area, both in the public and private sectors. In particular, it draws their attention to new arrangements to expedite departmental procedures on compulsory purchase orders aimed at bringing empty housing into use;406W the potential for local authorities and housing associations leasing private property; and arrangements for seeing that all public sector homes which fall vacant are re-let promptly. The better use of our housing stock must be a central objective of policy, especially in areas where empty and under-used homes stand side by side with visible and often distressing evidence of housing need. The passing of legislation on homelessness and illegal squatting this Session must go hand in hand with a determined drive by local authorities to ensure that the housing resources of their districts are put to full and proper use.