§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce incentives to strengthen and increase the private rented sector; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungWe are very keen to expand the private rented sector. The package of deregulation measures in the Housing Act 1988, which introduced assured and assured shorthold tenancies at market rents for most new lettings, was designed to encourage landlords to bring their property on to the market. In addition, we have already launched a number of specific initiatives to encourage private landlords to let their property. We are keen to explore all avenues to encourage further growth in the sector.