§ Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) from what groups representing(a) leaseholders and (b) managing agents and landlords he sought advice during the formulation of the code of conduct for retirement housing;
(2) when he expects to be able to publish the code of conduct for retirement housing; and if it will be compulsory.
§ Sir George YoungSection 87 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 gives the Secretary of State for the Environment powers to endorse codes of good management practice submitted to him for approval. The Act prevents the Secretary of State from approving any code unless he is satisfied that arrangements have been made to ensure that it has been brought to the notice of those likely to be affected by it.
The Act also provides that any code which is approved will be admissible evidence and where relevant may be taken into account in any court proceedings relating to the management of residential property.
So far, no such codes have been submitted for approval, but I understand that the Royal Institution of Chartered 800W Surveyors and the Association of Retirement Housing Managers have published draft codes of practice and are consulting on them widely.