Private Sector Leases (Hansard, 13 July 1992)

HC Deb 13 July 1992 vol 211 c400W 400W

§ Mr. Austin-Walker
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to assist local authorities in tackling homelessness by reducing the cost of private sector leases.

§ Mr. Baldry
No. It is for local authorities to negotiate the cost of leases with landlords on an individual basis. My Department is, however, providing assistance of £20 million this year to the local authorities most affected by the recent change to finance short-term leases from outside the housing revenue account.