§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information is available on the recent right-to-buy performance of London authorities.
§ Mr. BaldryThe right-to-buy performance of London authorities has been monitored by my Department for a number of years. Annual monitoring is carried out of each authority's performance at the end of September, with poor performers submitting additional reports on a monthly basis. Data from the latest survey is given in the table.
I am pleased to report that data for September 1992 show that the number of tenants whose applications are being unduly delayed continues to decline. Across London as a whole delays beyond statutory deadlines have fallen by 60 per cent. from 2,192 to 884. This compares with more than 15,000 delayed cases in March 1989 when the Government's "tenants sanctions" procedures came into effect.
Only two authorities—Hackney and Lambeth—were monitored on a monthly basis in 1992. I am glad to say that the performance of both authorities is now very much better and it has been possible for me to agree that monthly monitoring of Lambeth should cease. Monthly monitoring of Hackney continues, but will also cease if Hackney's improved performance is maintained.
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Monthly monitored boroughs (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) RTB2 delays S.125 delays RTB2 and S.125 delays September 1992 September 1992 September 1991 September 1992 Difference between column 3 and 4 Total sales figures 1991–92 Average 6 20 33 26 — 325 Totals 212 672 2,192 884 — 11,591 London Average 6 20 66 27 — 351 Note:
Brent, Camden, Haringey, Hounslow, Islington, Lewisham, Newham, Richmond, Southwark and Tower Hamlets were monitored up to September 1991.
1Incomplete Data. Annual estimates based on available quarterly figures.
2Data from 1990–91 returns as figures for 1991–92 not available.
Source: LRH7 monitoring exercise and Cartwright Tables produced by HDS.