19. Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress made in giving council tenants a greater role in running their own estates. [112191]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe introduction of best value and tenant participation compacts from 1 April 2000 will ensure that tenants can influence the way their homes are managed. Tenants can choose how and in what they are involved and this will be set out in the compact with their authority. Our new tenant empowerment grant programme, which I will launch on 31 March also helps tenants to get independent advice on options for involvement, including tenant management if they wish.