§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to extend competitive tendering to the management of council housing in the light of the representations received following the publication of the "Competing for Quality in Housing" consultation paper.
§ Mr. David HuntI have given very careful consideration to all the representations received. Two key issues emerged: timing relative to the proposed local government reorganisation in Wales and the apprenhension that the consultation rights of tenants were not being improved.
With regard to local government reorganisation, I recognise the arguments that have been put forward for delaying the introduction of competitive tendering in housing management until reorganisation has taken place. I have therefore decided that the first contracts will be let from 1 April 1997. Nevertheless, it is my intention to charge the "shadow" unitary authorities in Wales with the task of preparing for the introduction of competitive tendering when they are established. I propose to issue further advice on timetabling, core housing management functions, contract size and the question of banding in due course.
As regards tenants' rights, over the last few years the Government have strongly promoted tenant consultation and participation. Provisions included in the Housing and Urban Development Bill would give tenants enhanced powers to influence the ways in which their homes are managed practically and continuously. The introduction of contractual and tendering arrangements will also dramatically increase the scope for tenant consultation 314W and involvement. I look forward to responses on these issues in the light of the further consultation paper, "Tenant Involvement and the Right to Manage", shortly to be in circulation.
The issue of the client and contractor roles is a very important one. In resolving it, we shall in effect define what for many years to come may be the "core" housing functions of local authorities in respect of the homes they own. In due course, I shall publish a guidance note defining the core functions of local authority housing management not suitable for competitive tendering.