§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to(a) increase supply and (b) improve standards in the private rented sector, and to enable it to play a bigger role in meeting housing need. [88549]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Government actively encourage a private rented sector that provides a decent standard of accommodation throughout. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will regulate where needed and the Housing Bill, to be published in draft shortly, will provide for the compulsory licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation and the selective licensing of landlords in areas of low demand. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is consulting on tenancy deposits and is encouraging voluntary measures such as local accreditation schemes as well as streamlining Housing Benefit to improve delivery and to give tenants greater choice. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister continues to consider the scope for measures that could make long-term investment in private rented housing a more attractive proposition.