HC Deb 19 July 1989 vol 157 cc212-4W
Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) over what period of time any ballot on the proposed creation of a housing action trust in Southwark will be open to those eligible to vote;

(2) to whom spoilt ballot papers will be referred during the count of votes cast after any ballot on the proposed formation of a housing action trust in Southwark;

(3) what provisions will be made for those, such as the elderly, infirm and disabled unable to take part in any ballot on the proposed creation of a housing action trust in Southwark;

(4)what steps will be taken to ensure the maximum participation by residents in any ballot on the creation of a housing action trust in Southwark;

(5)whether any vote on the proposed creation of a housing action trust in Southwark will take the form of (a) a postal vote, (b) a ballot box vote or (c) both;

(6) whether he will ask the Electoral Reform Society to encourage residents to vote in any ballot on the proposed formation of a housing action trust in Southwark;

(7) which individuals are entitled to attend and observe the count of the votes cast after any ballot on the proposed formation of a housing action trust in Southwark;

(8) who will have the responsibility for conducting the count of the votes cast after any ballot on the proposed formation of a housing action trust in Southwark.

Mr. Trippier

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave her yesterday.

We shall certainly encourage the Electoral Reform Society to take all reasonable steps to ensure that eligible tenants have an opportunity to vote in a housing action trust ballot.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when the new terms of the tenancy agreement will be finalised in relation to the proposed creation of a housing action trust in Southwark;

(2) if he will now publish a draft tenancy agreement that would operate in the event of the establishment of the proposed housing action trust in Southwark.

Mr. Trippier

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to her questions yesterday.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether tenants leaving the Gloucester Grove and North Peckham estates in Southwark after the compilation of the register of those entitled to vote in any ballot on the creation of a housing action trust will retain voting rights.

Mr. Trippier

I refer the hon. Member to the answers that I gave her yesterday.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many members of the proposed Southwark housing action trust would be nominated by the council.

Mr. Trippier

When I met Southwark council and tenants' representatives on 24 May I said that a trust for Southwark could consist of a chairman and up to 10 other members. Half these other members could be tenants and council representatives. Tenants and the council are welcome to suggest candidates. The Secretary of State is required to consult the local authority before appointing such members.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discretion would be given to the proposed housing action trust in Southwark over individual rent arrears cases.

Mr. Trippier

A trust's statutory position as a landlord would be exactly the same as that of a local authority as regards the discretion it could exercise over individual rent arrears cases. Trusts would be sensible managers which would follow the best practices of local authorities in trying to avoid the accumulation of rent arrears. My Department has issued a circular (18/87) on best practice, which trusts would be encouraged to follow.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what powers he would have to intervene in the running of the proposed housing action trust in Southwark;

(2) what powers he would possess in relation to decisions made by the proposed housing action trust in Southwark.

Mr. Trippier

Day-to-day decisions would be for the trust itself. Section 72 of the Housing Act 1988 enables the Secretary of State to give an established trust directions in the exercise of its functions. Other provisions in part III of the Act set out the basis on which the Secretary of State may determine a trust's financial duties; and the circumstances in which he has to authorise, oppose or consent to its actions.

Ms. Harman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what would be the powers of the proposed housing action trust board in Southwark; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

The powers of a trust are set out in part III of the Housing Act 1988. Its objects and general powers are covered in section 63. The Secretary of State may by order under sections 65, 67 and 68 confer various housing, planning and public health functions on the trust. Wherever possible our intention is to leave powers with the local authority.