§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 21 June,Official Report, column 100, what plans he has, apart from large-scale voluntary transfers, to introduce new initiatives or schemes designed to pass local authority housing stock to private sector interests; how many members of his or other Departments or offices are engaged in preparing policy papers on this matter; which of these options involve public subsidy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungBesides large scale voluntary transfer—LSVT—there are several ways in which local authority housing may be trasnferred to alternative landlords. Tenants are able to choose a new landlord under tenant's choice. Local authorities can transfer properties as they become vacant through trickle transfer; or with tenant agreement they can undertake a partial LSVT.
I am always keen to encourage local authorities to consider ways of increasing private investment in social housing. I answered the hon. Gentleman's question about staff numbers in my Department in my answer of 21 June. Officials in other Departments are involved as necessary. And, as I also said in my answer on 21 June, the Department is jointly funding a study with five urban authorities and the Housing Corporation to look into alternatives for the ownership and management of housing in urban and inner city areas. The study will consider the subsidy implications of these options, among other issues. It is due to report in the autumn.