Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the rules and financial arrangements of the large-scale voluntary transfer scheme for council houses; and if he will make a statement. [100096]
§ Mr. Mullin[holding answer 29 November 1999]: We have recently proposed several changes to the rules and financial arrangements of the large-scale voluntary transfer programme. Details are set out below:
proposals to help authorities whose capital receipt after transfer would be insufficient to cover all of their housing debt;moving away from the current system of running an annualprogramme to one which gives authorities greater flexibility; changes to the way in which the LSVT levy is calculated.In addition, we recently announced that authorities may capitalise the cost of higher rent expenditure for up to three years after transfer, thereby reducing the cost to their general fund.
Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on large-scale voluntary transfer of council houses; what assistance his Department gives to councils considering such a scheme; and if he will make a statement. [100094]
§ Mr. Mullin[holding answer 29 November 1999]: We are keen for local authorities to pursue transfer where it is clearly part of their housing strategy and will improve the living conditions of tenants and the service they receive. However, authorities are under no compulsion to transfer their stock. My Department publishes guidance for local authorities which are considering transferring their stock.