HC Deb 08 May 2000 vol 349 cc271-2W
Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the operation of the Rent Service Agency in the last 12 months. [121204]

Mr. Mullin

We have received several representations regarding the Rent Service Agency and how rent officers perform their independent statutory functions in connection with housing benefit and registration of fair rents.

Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statutory powers are available to him in respect of the operation of the Rent Service Agency. [121205]

Mr. Mullin

The Rent Act 1977 (as amended) grants the Secretary of State power to appoint, remunerate and provide administrative support for rent officers carrying out their statutory functions. A framework document (which is deposited in the Library of the House) authorises the Chief Executive to carry out these powers.

Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions on rent controls he has had with the Chief Executive of the Rent Service Agency in the last 12 months. [121208]

Mr. Mullin

We have regular discussions with the Chief Executive of the Rent Service Agency at official and ministerial level about how rent officers perform their independent statutory functions in connection with housing benefit and registration of fair rents.