§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much discretion will be given to local authorities under the Housing Green Paper proposals to change the way in which allocations are made to social housing, to take account of housing problems in their own area; and if he will make a statement. [129257]
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§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Government consider that choice for those seeking social housing should be as wide as possible. However, the Housing Green Paper proposals recognise the wide variations in demand for housing in different parts of the country. Local authorities are responsible for local housing strategies and developing lettings policies which reflect local housing needs. We will wish to ensure that the framework for lettings schemes is flexible enough to deal with these local circumstances. We intend to consider responses to the Housing Green Paper and to consult with local government, Shelter and others before finalising our proposals.