§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses are kept vacant for their occupiers while the occupiers are in prison; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent this happening in the future.
§ Sir George YoungThis information is not available. The management and allocation of council housing is a matter for the local authorities to which it belongs. It is a condition of a secure tenancy under section 28 of the Housing Act 1980 that the tenant occupies the dwelling as his only or principal home. It is for the courts to interpret the meaning of this provision.