§ Ms HewittTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will issue guidelines to local authorities on how they should handle applications for local authority tenancies from individuals who have been convicted of sex offences against children; [4815]
(2) if he will review the responsibilities and powers of local authorities where an individual who has been convicted of sex offences against children (a) moves into the authority's area and (b) applies for a local authority tenancy; and if he will make a statement. [4814]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe recognise that this is a matter of great concern. It is being actively considered by my Department in close co-operation with other relevant Government Departments and the representatives of local authorities and housing professionals. Local housing authorities already have the power to decide which classes of person qualify or do not qualify to be included in their housing registers and whether to allocate tenancies to such persons. The Home Office is consulting other Government Departments, the police and other practitioners about guidance to be issued to the police on the management of the information acquired under the Sex Offenders Act 1997. The guidance will cover the disclosure of information to third parties. The representatives of local authorities and the housing profession are considering whether to issue separate advice on this matter to local authorities and will discuss this with my Department.