HC Deb 22 December 1988 vol 144 c430W
Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when tenants in proposed housing action trust areas will be balloted.

Mr. Trippier

When we have had an opportunity to consider the findings of the consultants studying the proposed housing action trust areas, the Secretary of State will decide next steps.

Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of the repairs which will be undertaken in housing action trust areas.

Mr. Trippier

Housing action trusts will draw up their proposals for each area in consultation with local residents.

Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has made any estimate of how long it will take to establish housing action trusts; and how long they will stay in existence.

Mr. Trippier

Under the Housing Act 1988, housing action trusts can be established only after a ballot of tenants has been held in each area and after both Houses of Parliament have approved the necessary orders. The length of time each trust remains in existence will depend on the programme of works it decides to carry out in consultation with local residents and the speed with which this can be completed. The trusts will be under a statutory duty to use their best endeavours to achieve their objects as soon as practicable.

Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the date of publication of the three consultants' reports on housing action trusts.

Mr. Trippier

We have not yet received all the reports from the consultants studying the six areas proposed for housing action trusts.