§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement on the new role of local authorities as housing enabling authorities under the Housing Act 1988;
(2) how local authorities will fulfil their statutory responsibilities under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 in their enabling role under the Housing Act 1988.
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§ Mr. YeoLocal authorities have been acting as enablers for many years-although often in a small way. The new emphasis on local authorities acting as enablers rather than direct providers of subsidised housing parallels the expansion of the housing association movement. Housing associations are becoming the principal providers of new subsidised housing. Local authorities can fulfil their duties under the homelessness legislation by placing those they accept as homeless in their own dwellings; by using nomination arrangements to place them in dwellings owned by housing associations; or through similar arrangements made with other providers.
§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest evidence he has on changes in the level of private rented accommodation arising from the implementation of the Housing Act 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoThere is a significant anecdotal evidence of an increase in the amount of property available for new lettings in the private rented sector. We have a survey in hand which will provide firmer evidence, the results of which should be available within the next two to three months.