§ 26. Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on his proposals for rent restructuring. [5595]
§ Ms KeebleWe are committed to the reforms to social rents that are set out in the December 2000 policy statement, "Quality and Choice: A decent home for all—the way forward for housing".
Unlike the current structure of social rents, which is confusing and unfair to tenants, the reforms will lead to all social tenants facing rents that reflect size, location and condition. Tenants will have a choice between paying a lower rent on a less attractive property or a higher rent on a more attractive property. Rents will be based upon a coherent approach and remain affordable, at well below market levels.
Social landlords should aim to begin reforming their rents in 2002–03 and to complete the process over a 10-year period. Landlords are expected to ensure that the changes in rents as a result of the reforms are no more than £2 per week in any one year above the normal inflation-linked increase.