HC Deb 05 November 2002 vol 392 c207W
Mr. Kidney

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to give local authorities greater power to acquire empty homes compulsorily. [78437]

Mr. McNulty

We have no plans to strengthen existing powers of local authorities to acquire empty homes compulsorily. However, we are currently evaluating the recommendation to allow local authorities to compulsorily lease empty homes put forward in the report by the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Select Committee on Empty Homes earlier this year. We will make a statement in due course.

Mr. Hammond

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans the Government have to introduce compulsory letting of empty residential properties. [79039]

Mr. McNulty

We are currently evaluating the recommendation to allow local authorities to compulsorily lease empty homes put forward in the report by the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Select Committee on Empty Homes earlier this year. We will make a statement in due course.