Housing in Multiple Occupation

HC Deb 18 January 1995 vol 252 cc510-1W

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many councils in England and Wales have introduced a registration scheme for houses in multiple occupation.

Mr. Robert B. Jones

Since 30 April 1991, when local authorities were given powers to charge for registering houses in multiple occupation, 49 councils in England have introduced registration schemes. Registration schemes do not necessarily cover the whole of an authority's area, but may be for a specified district. Records for the period prior to 30 April 1991 are incomplete, but we believe that there are a further 19 councils in England operating registration schemes.

The figures for Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.