HC Deb 19 October 1999 vol 336 c526W
Mr. Linton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made with the establishment of the Rent Service as a Next Steps executive agency. [94817]

Mr. Mullin

The Rent Service was established as a Next Steps Executive Agency on 1 October 1999. Copies of the Agency's Framework Document have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

The aim of the Agency is to provide for rental valuations which are impartial and fair to tenants, landlords and taxpayers.

I have set the following targets for the Agency for the remainder of 1999–2000:

  1. 1. Achieve targets for service delivery set out in table below.
  2. 2. Manage the Service within financial allocation.
  3. 3. Implement new and streamlined management structure by end November 1999, including appointment of Area Managers, posts in the Quality Inspectorate and regional redetermination teams.
  4. 4. Develop and implement effective Agency systems for finance, personnel, training and development, internal and external communication, and the quality control of valuation by 31 March 2000.
  5. 5. Put in place by the end of October 1999 a detailed plan for the implementation of the new IT system and abide by that plan.
  6. 6. Produce detailed action plan for phased rationalisation of the office structure in London by 31 October 1999 and implement first phase by 31 March 2000. Produce detailed action plan for reorganisation of the office structure outside London by 31 December 1999.
  7. 7. Negotiate and conclude 1999 pay settlement for rent officers. Develop plan to negotiate harmonised terms and conditions for Agency staff by 31 March 2000.