§ Ms Rosie WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to take forward reform of the private sector housing renewal grants regime. [154541]
§ Mr. RaynsfordMy Department has today published a consultation paper outlining how we propose to proceed with our reforms of the legislation governing housing renewal by local authorities.
27WThe reforms will replace many of the detailed restrictions that govern local authorities' activity, with a general power which will be subject to only limited constraints. In doing so, we aim to enable authorities to take a more strategic approach to housing renewal, respond more effectively to the housing and market conditions in their areas and to reinforce homeowners' own responsibilities towards the upkeep of their homes. Homeowners and disabled people will benefit from a wider choice of support to carry out essential repairs and adaptations to their homes.
Responses are invited by 29 June 2001. Subject to the outcome of the consultation and the approval of the Regulatory Reform Bill now before Parliament, we plan to implement the reforms through a Regulatory Reform Order.