§ Ms. Janet AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice his Department issues to local authorities to ensure that housing waiting list criteria reflect social need.
§ Mr. BaldryThe allocation of local authority accommodation is entirely the responsibility of individual local authorities. Section 22 of the Housing Act 1985 requires authorities to give reasonable preference to people in housing need, such as those living in unsatisfactory conditions. It is for each authority to consider whether an applicant is in housing need.