§ Dr. TwinnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to publish for consultation the regulations governing the operation of the new right to compensation for tenants' improvements in the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, have today published for consultation the regulations governing the operation of the compensation for tenants' improvement scheme. The views of local government, housing organisations and other interested parties are being sought on the detailed operation of a new mandatory scheme whereby local authority tenants can receive compensation for carrying out worthwhile home improvements, once their tenancy ends. The scheme will apply to improvements begun after 1 April next year. In line with the citizens charter this new right will benefit all council tenants, and provide them with a valuable incentive to improve their homes.
The powers to establish this new scheme in England and Wales are contained in section 122 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will be consulting on a similar scheme in Scotland. Copies of the draft regulations will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.