My Lords, I am pleased that we have had attention drawn to social housing and housing benefit, because they provide a critical underpinning at the lower end of the residential housing market. Housing benefit will continue at a very substantial level and is a vital part of what comprises the broad housing market that we need in this country.
My Lords, does the Minister agree that changes in taxation for private landlords could incentivise them to refurbish and modernise their properties, increase capital gains tax revenues and increase the provision of housing at a time when it is very much needed?
My Lords, we never rule out any suggestions for changes and developments of the tax system, but we have no plans to review taxation in the way that my noble friend has suggested.