Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what safeguards are in place to prevent individuals running social housing from abusing the system for personal gain.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Registered providers must meet the Regulator of Social Housing’s economic standards, including the Governance and Financial Viability and Value for Money standards, which require robust governance, internal controls, and management of conflicts of interest to protect social housing assets and prevent misuse for personal gain. All landlords must also meet strengthened consumer standards, notably Transparency, Influence and Accountability, which require openness, fair treatment, and effective complaints handling. The Regulator regulates providers of social housing through monitoring data returns, proactive inspections, and publishing regulatory judgements. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Regulator of Social Housing about the Eldonian Housing Association case; and what steps they intend to take in response.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Regulator of Social Housing operates independently of Government. The department does not routinely discuss ongoing investigations or operational matters with the Regulator.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to make representations to the South Yorkshire Police Federation concerning its response to the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s report The Hillsborough Disaster, published on 2 December.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

I firmly reject the statement issued by the South Yorkshire Police Federation.

The unlawful killing of 97 people at Hillsborough 36 years ago remains a stain on our nation’s history, and publication of the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) report serves as a stark reminder of one of the most significant failings in policing the country has ever seen.

The conduct and criminal investigations were undertaken with the best of intentions and in the wider public interest.

It is extremely frustrating that none of these officers will face disciplinary action, as all of them had retired before the legislation that is now in place. This legislation means that police officers cannot evade misconduct proceedings by retiring or resigning, so these failings can never be repeated.

The IOPC’s report is clear there was a lack of candour from the officers involved. Thanks to the tireless campaigning of the families and survivors of Hillsborough, this Government is introducing the Hillsborough Law [Public Office (Accountability) Bill] which will place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities.