§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to review the terms of reference of rent assessment officers; and when the existing terms of reference were introduced and last reviewed.
§ Sir George YoungWhen determining fair rents for regulated tenancies, rent officers and rent assessment panels follow the provisions of section 70 of the Rent Act 1977. When determining market rents for assured tenancies, rent assessment committees follow the provisions for sections 13 and 22 of the Housing Act 1988. When exercising their functions as regards housing benefit or home renovation grants, rent officers follow the provisions of the Rent Officer (Additional Functions) Order 1990, as amended, and section 110 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
The provisions are reviewed and amended from time to time as necessary.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the composition of rent assessment review bodies was last reviewed.
§ Sir George YoungThe composition of rent assessment panels, from which rent assessment committees are drawn, is reviewed regularly. Members of the 13 panels in England, who currently number 480, are normally appointed for a three-year term, and a number of reappointments and new appointments therefore fall to be made each year.