§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any evidence of a change in the level of private rented accommodation arising from the implementation of the Housing Act 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeIt is too early to assess the overall impact of deregulation on the supply of rented accommodation, but there are clear signs of increased activity in the residential lettings market. In particular, we estimate that about £480 million has so far been invested in business expansion scheme companies letting on assured tenancies, which will provide some 8,000 additional homes for letting.
§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to promote the provisions of the Housing Act 1988 to potential landlords to encourage private rented accommodation.
§ Mr. ChopeMy Department has published 11 booklets for both landlords and tenants since part I of the Housing Act 1988 came into force on 15 January 1989. Nearly 2 million of these free booklets have been sent out. Our latest booklet, "Want to Rent a Room", was launched this week.