§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards the voting method to be used for the transfer of council tenancies to private landlords, as proposed in the Housing Bill.
§ Mr. TrippierArrangements for voting on tenants' choice are set out in clauses 101 and 102 of the Housing Bill. Our policy, which will be given effect by the Bill itself, by regulations governing tenant consultation and through conditions which the Housing Corporation will impose when approving prospective new landlords, is as follows. Tenants should have all the information they need to register a considered view on a proposal for transfer. The proposal will include an offer which is contractually binding on the prospective new landlord, which covers tenancy terms, including rent levels and arrangements for reviewing it. The ballot itself should be run fairly and effectively by an independent teller. Appropriate safeguards are proposed for tenants whether or not they wish to transfer so that no secure tenant who does not wish to transfer need do so against his or her will. In addition, my noble Friend the Minister for Housing, Environment and Countryside has just tabled an amendment for debate in another place to make the prospective new landlord's ability to proceed following a vote dependent on achieving a minimum turnout by 50 per cent. of eligible tenants.