§ Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any proposals which would help council tenants exchange their homes.
§ Mr. GowMy Department issued today a consultation letter containing proposals for giving a right of exchange to secure tenants of local authorities, new town development corporations and housing associations. Public sector tenants do not enjoy the same ease of movement as owner-occupiers. The national mobility scheme and the Government's own tenants exchange scheme are making valuable contributions to increased housing mobility, but public sector tenants who want to exchange still encounter unnecessary difficulty from landlords who refuse to allow exchanges. Subject to the response to the consultation letter, the Government will introduce an amendment to the Housing and Building Control Bill. Copies of the consultation letter have been placed in the Library of the House.