HL Deb 24 July 1996 vol 574 c138WA
Baroness O'Cathain

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they propose to commence the provisions on housing allocations and homelessness contained in the Housing Bill.

Earl Ferrers

We intend that the new legislation should have full effect from early January 1997. During the summer and autumn of this year my officials will be preparing the draft secondary legislation and preliminary guidance associated with these provisions, in liaison with the local authority associations, other housing providers, the housing profession and the voluntary sector. We intend to have all the essential provisions in place well before full commencement, so that local authorities will have the proper opportunity to establish the arrangements necessary to ensure the smooth implementation of this important new legislation.