§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those measures taken by the Government since 1979 to encourage a greater availability of general accommodation for rent and sheltered accommodation in the private sector; and if he will estimate the increase in both.
§ Sir George YoungThe Housing Act 1980 contained several provisions designed to stimulate the provision of private rented accommodation, including the introduction of shorthold and assured tenancies; a reduction from two to three years in the periods between reviews of fair rents and over which increases in such rents are phased; and simpler and quicker repossession procedures for resident landlords and for absent owner-occupiers letting their homes. My right hon. Friend is at presentconsidering what further steps might be taken to build on these initiatives.
The Government are supporting a wide range of private sector initiatives to encourage greater provision of elderly persons' accommodation, and has launched a film on "Housing the Elderly" to highlight forward thinking in both the private and public sectors.
No comprehensive information is available on recent changes in the supply of private rented accommodation either for general needs or for the elderly.