§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to amend the Land Compensation Act 1973 to allow tenants to claim compensation for disturbance to carpets and curtains, without being relocated to another property. [16042]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI have been asked to reply.
Under the 1973 Act, tenants are entitled to certain categories of compensation, such as a fixed amount of £1,500 as a home loss payment. Tenants may claim some disturbance compensation for incidental losses such as removal expenses, the cost of altering soft furnishings and moveable fixtures and fittings. Tenants who need professional help in preparing and negotiating a claim may also claim for the fee of a surveyor or solicitor, but there is no power, and there are no plans to introduce a power, to pay compensation to tenants where they do not have to move.