HC Deb 19 December 1986 vol 107 cc749-51W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the average increase in rents if disposals of the former Greater London Council's seaside and country homes took place at the price being asked of Anchor Housing Association by the London residuary body.

Mr. Tracey

None.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it a condition of the disposal of the former Greater London Council's seaside and country homes that standards of maintenance, management and rent levels do not vary from one estate to another.

Mr. Tracey

My right hon. Friend will consider this when a detailed proposal for disposal of these homes is submitted by the London residuary body.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that London boroughs are consulted over the terms of disposal of the former Greater London Council's seaside and country homes before disposal takes place.

Mr. Tracey

This is a matter for the London residuary body.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the extra monitoring and lettings staff which will be required within the London area mobility scheme if the former Greater London Council's seaside and country homes are transferred to several housing associations rather than one.

Mr. Tracey

None.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will use his powers under section 65 of the Local Government Act 1985 to direct the London residuary body to dispose of the former Greater London Council's seaside and country homes to Anchor Housing Association; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tracey

No.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many housing associations are being approached by the London residuary body in respect of the disposal of the former Greater London Council's seaside and country homes.

Mr. Tracey

This is a matter for the London residuary body.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department was consulted over the decision by the London residuary body to dispose of the former Greater London Council's 3,500 seaside and country homes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tracey

The Department has been kept informed of developments.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has concerning the possible date by which disposal of the Greater London Council's seaside and country homes will he effected.

Mr. Tracey

None.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to ensure that tenants of the former Greater London Council's seaside and country homes are consulted before any transfers take place; and on what conditions he will give consent to the disposals.

Mr. Tracey

The LRB was advised in a letter of 1 December that the Secretary of State would expect tenants to have been consulted prior to the transfer of seaside and country homes and would wish to be informed of their views in considering any application for consent to a disposal.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what factors have led him to change his policy in respect of the former Greater London Council's seaside and country homes as stated in the reply to the hon. Member for Havant (Sir I. Lloyd) on 20 February, Official Report, columns 334–5, regarding the issue of whether the homes should be owned and managed by a single housing association; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tracey

There has never been any objection to more than one housing association being involved if that seemed appropriate.

Mr. Evennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on the date for transfer of assets from the London residuary body to Thamesmead Town Limited.

Mr. Chope

We hope that the London residuary body and Thamesmead Town will shortly be able to agree a new transfer date now that 1 January 1987 has not proved practicable.

Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to (a) the number of vacant properties formerly owned by West Yorkshire metropolitan county council and (b) their annual rental value; and if he will direct the West Yorkshire residuary body to ensure that these properties are occupied.

Mr. Chope

I have no information on this matter as this is an issue for the residuary body. Accordingly I have no plans to issue a direction.

Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how, when giving guidance to residuary bodies about the disposal of properties owned by former metropolitan county councils, he takes into consideration the needs of the successor authorities and joint bodies concerned; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

The Department published guidance to residuary bodies in August 1986 on their property role. A copy was placed in the Library in August. This guidance had been produced after consultation with interested bodies, including metropolitan district councils and joint authorities.