Housing

Baroness Hollis of Heigham Excerpts

Thursday 21st October 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hanham]

My Lords, I happily endorse what the noble Lord has said about the actions of tenants’ and residents’ associations. The improvements in estates are a result of such interest being taken.

The new tenancy arrangements will of course be available to housing associations for the variation in tenure. That will not be a diktat. The tenure and affordable rents will be governed by what is required by those obtaining that accommodation. If their situation subsequently changes, discussions will take place as to whether it is correct for them to continue to use social housing, or whether they should be housed in other ways.

[Baroness Hollis of Heigham]

My Lords, on social housing, is it not the case that if you cannot find a job your HB is cut after 12 months, your rent arrears mount up, you are evicted and you become homeless? Equally, however, if you find a job with an adequate income, you are also likely to lose your home and be encouraged to move into a different form of tenure. So, fail to get a job and you are out; get a job and you are out. Is that decent?

[Baroness Hanham]

My Lords, I think it is.

--- Later in debate ---

[A noble Lord]

Too bad.

[Baroness Hollis of Heigham]

It was in the Statement.