§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the advisory service for leaseholders seeking to enfranchise or extend their lease under the provisions of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 to come into operation.
§ Sir George Young[pursuant to his reply, 19 October 1993]: The Government have been ready to provide a contribution to the costs of an advisory service since the Act received Royal Assent on 20 July, through the special grants programme. Normally up to 50 per cent. of the cost can be met by public funds.
A formal bid was received on 7 October. This showed a low level of initial contributions from private sector bodies, many of whom might expect to be closely involved in the enfranchisement procedures. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment has, therefore, written to a number of institutions seeking further support before final decisions are made about the agency's budget.
I remain confident that the service will be in operation very soon. In the meantime, there is a considerable effort being put into disseminating information about the new legislation. My Department has issued 60,000 leaflets so far, and demand remains high. Several books are being published, and a number of solicitors and valuers have published their own guides. Several conferences are also being organised, in which my Department is playing a full part.