§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What proportion of the 230,000 "difficult-to-let" council houses and flats they consider to be suitable for occupation by single people, whether individually or sharing, and whether they will issue guidance to local authorities on the best uses of this major asset.
§ Lord BellwinLocal authorities have reported that the number of difficult-to-let dwellings on 1st April 1980 was 263,000, most of which were occupied. How many are suitable for renting to single people is for each authority to assess as part of the management of its stock. No central estimates are available.
The Government are concerned that the best use is made of council housing and have already issued a paper (Reducing the Number of Empty Dwellings) setting out possible steps an authority can take to reduce the number of vacant dwellings. Copies are available in the Library and I will send one to the noble Lord.