§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department has any information, or has commissioned any research, on practices of local authorities in carrying forward rent arrear debts on a dwelling where the tenant has left and the former partner, as husband, wife, or cohabitee, has taken on the tenancy; and whether he issues any guidance to local authorities on this matter.
§ Sir George YoungMy Department's housing services advisory unit has made informal inquiries about these practices. They appear not to be widespread. The Department has not thought it necessary to commission research or issue guidance on the subject.