§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to replace the housing fitness standard with a health and safety based rating system. [102881]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Government remain committed to developing a rating system as a replacement for the current housing fitness standard. The basic principles of the system are now well established and have received widespread support. Additional piloting with local authorities is being carried out and the consultants' report is now expected in February or March. If we are satisfied that the system will be both robust and practical we will aim to roll it out from next Spring. This would allow time for a training programme for environmental health officers to be set up and enable local authorities to adopt the principles of the new system in parallel with the existing fitness regime. Enforcement action based on the new system would require primary legislation. I hope to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity.