§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will extend the powers available to local authorities to deal with empty and unfit privately owned homes. [49731]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Government are looking at the powers available to local authorities to tackle empty and unfit property in the private sector. We are conducting a review of the housing fitness standard and, alongside this, we are looking to see whether the current fitness enforcement procedures can be made more effective. We are also reviewing the efficiency of compulsory purchase and compensation law, including an assessment of the powers available to local authorities for dealing with housing.