HC Deb 05 April 1989 vol 150 cc205-6W
Mr. Patnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will give council tenants the opportunity to choose a new landlord.

Mr. Trippier

The provisions of part IV of the Housing Act 1988, and their associated secondary legislation, come into force today. They will broaden the choices open to secure tenants of local housing authorities and other public sector landlords by giving them an effective right to seek an alternative landlord of their choosing for their existing homes. They will offer tenants better services, whether through a change in landlord or through the effect of competition on existing public sector landlords. They will open up the stocks of rented housing held by local housing authorities and others to diversity, competition and the influence of the best housing management practices. In England, the Housing Corporation, through its network of regional offices, is available to provide advice, information and assistance to tenants wishing to know more about how they can exercise choice under the scheme. Any tenant (or potential landlord) wishing to know more about these opportunities should contact the Housing Corporation. They can do this either by returning one of the coupons currently appearing in the press, or by contacting the corporation direct by telephone at its headquarters or one of its regional offices.