§ Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether it is his policy that public sector tenants should be given a statutory right of repair; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyI have today tabled an amendment to the Housing and Building Control Bill which would enable my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Wales to introduce by means of regulations a scheme giving secure tenants of local authorities, new towns and housing associations the right, if they so wish, to carry out their own repairs and be reimbursed by their landlord up to an amount not exceeding what it would have cost their landlord to carry out the repair himself. The Government's proposed right of repair scheme would be subject to a number of limitations and conditions to ensure cost-effectiveness and practicability, and introduction will be preceded by full and detailed consultation.