The Viscount of Falklandasked Her Majesty's Government:
What proposals they have to encourage the granting of joint tenancies to couples not covered by Section 113 of the Housing Act 1985 (including same sex couples); and, where a joint tenancy does not exist, whether they will in the event of the death of a tenant encourage local authorities to grant new tenancies to any surviving partner (including same sex partners).
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Strathclyde)The Government intend shortly to issue guidance to all local housing authorities in England reminding them that the statutory provisions governing joint tenancies provide a flexible mechanism for allocating properties to groups of adults wishing to share a home. The guidance will encourage local authorities to consider granting joint secure tenancies in situations where,inter alia, the provision of a sole tenancy may prejudice the ability of other adult members of a household to remain in the accommodation on the death of a partner.
It will also confirm that the Government do not consider that discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability is acceptable in deciding whether or not to grant a tenancy. Where existing households do not enjoy a joint tenancy, authorities will be encouraged to offer joint tenancies and, where they are refused, the Government consider that the local authority should give their reasons in writing.