§ Mr. John Browneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his criteria for approval of bodies under the assured tenancy scheme; and what bodies have so far been approved.
§ Mr. StanleyBodies seeking approval under the assured tenancy scheme must satisfy my right hon. Friend that the applicants are reputable bodies which will manage homes for renting efficiently, responsibly and with proper regard for the welfare of their tenants and will also carry out satisfactorily their statutory and contractual obligations as landlords. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet these criteria by providing information and references in respect of any existing lettings, and of their future plans for letting under the assured tenancy scheme. There are two application forms, available from the Department, for bodies seeking approval—one for use by housing associations and the other for use by all other bodies.
The following bodies have already been approved:
- Abbey Housing Association Ltd
- Water Ltd
- Rushey Development Co Ltd
- Prudential Assurance Co Ltd
- Prudential Pensions Ltd
- Prudential Nominees Ltd
- Edger Investments Ltd
- Vanbrugh Life Assurance Ltd
Additionally the Secretary of State has decided to approve the following bodies:
- J & D Davies Ltd
- Barratt Developments PLC
- Snowmountain Investments Ltd
- L J Developments Ltd
- Pearce Homes Ltd
- Oakmead Estates Ltd
- Tay Developments (Airedale) Ltd
- Seddon Properties Ltd
- Eaton Square Properties Ltd
234 - Sorrec Ltd
- Pattinson Estates Ltd
- Pattinson (Windermere) Ltd
- Pullwoods Estates Company
An order for approval of J & D Davies Ltd has been laid before the House. Orders for the approval of the other bodies will be laid shortly.
A further 10 applications for approved status are currently under consideration.