HC Deb 23 July 1982 vol 28 c341W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, as a result of Government measures so far introduced, there is any evidence of an expansion in the private rented sector.

Mr. Stanley

The Government have introduced several important measures designed to promote the supply of privately rented accommodation. These include:

  1. 1. Shorthold tenancies. For the number of these I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick (Mr. Kaufman) on 24 February.—[Vol. 18, c. 428–30.] Detailed information about the number of shorthold lettings created after the end of November 1981 is not available because of the lifting of the compulsory rent registration requirement for new short holds outside London;
  2. 2. Assured tenancies. There has been a material increase in the interest in the assured tenancy scheme since my right hon. and learned Friend's announcement in the Budget Statement on 9 March of the introduction of capital allowances for approved landlords buildng to let on assured tenancies. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Winchester (Mr. Browne) on 9 July.—[Vol. 27, c. 233–234.];
  3. 3. Simpler and quicker repossession rules for new resident landlord lettings;
  4. 4. Measures to make it easier for owners of retirement homes and temporarily absent owner occupiers to regain possession;
  5. 5. The shortening of the minimum period between rent registrations from three years to two.

All these measures are aimed at helping those who want to let. It is not, however, possible to estimate their total impact without a major and costly statistical survey specially designed for the purpose.