HL Deb 13 December 1988 vol 502 cc931-2WA
Baroness Cox

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their policy to allow local authorities to opt out of direct housing provision.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Caithness)

We have made it clear that we support the idea of councils opting out of direct housing provision, if they do so on the right terms. We have today announced that we have given consent to Chiltern District Council to transfer its housing to the Chiltern Hundreds Housing Association. This is the first such transfer to obtain consent.

Chiltern Council has shown considerable vision and enterprise in preparing for this transfer. It has also demonstrated that the needs and aspirations of both the tenants and the council can be met and furthered by such a scheme. We are sure that other councils who are considering following the same route will be encouraged.