§ Martin LintonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what powers the Housing Corporation has to investigate the actions of shareholder-tenants of a housing association. [168857]
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§ Keith HillThe Housing Corporation does not have any powers, which are directed specifically towards the shareholder-tenants of a housing association. Shareholding groups may, but often do not, include tenants. In the case of some associations, shareholders have specific constitutional duties, and as such they are part of the overall structure of accountability. In such cases they bear some responsibility for the overall governance and management of an association.
The Housing Corporation has a statutory duty to regulate those housing associations that are registered with it. Under paragraph 20 of schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996, the corporation also has a specific power to direct a statutory inquiry into the affairs of a registered housing association where it appears that there may have been misconduct or mismanagement. This could be limited to certain specific matters or could extend across the whole range of activities, including the duties and actions of shareholders.
§ Martin LintonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Housing Corporation's duties of disclosure to hon. Members under the Housing Act 1996, Part 1, Chapter 4(33)(2). [168858]
§ Keith HillUnder section 33 of the Housing Act 1996, the Housing Corporation has the power to disclose information to the bodies and persons specified. This is a discretionary power, rather than a duty.