HC Deb 18 December 2003 vol 415 cc1073-4W
Ms Oona King

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of whether the number of disputes requiring adjudication under a tenancy deposit scheme would differ from the current rate of alleged unreasonable withholding of deposits; and if he will make a statement. [144858]

Keith Hill

No reliable assessment has been made of the number of disputes requiring adjudication under a tenancy deposit scheme. But it is expected that the number of disputes will fall as and when well thought out arrangements for tenancy deposit protection are introduced. The Government are currently exploring with the key stakeholders how best that might be achieved.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the outcome of the Government's consultation on a possible tenancy deposit scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement. [145272]

Keith Hill

Following a consultation the Government will in the new year be considering options for legislative proposals for the safeguarding of tenancy deposits. We will then announce the outcome of our consultations and our legislative proposals.