Housing: Underoccupancy Charge

Debate between Lord Richard and Lord Freud

Tuesday 24th June 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Freud]

We have a general look at the level of arrears through the Homes and Communities Agency, whose statistics show that arrears have fallen—not risen—for the past two quarters in a row. The average rent collection rate for associations remains at 99%, a very high figure, which is very much at variance with some of the stories that we hear and the data that the right reverend Prelate referred to.

[Lord Richard (Lab)]

The noble Lord was asked by my noble friend Lady Quin when the Government expect to publish the interim report. I may have missed it but I did not detect any Answer from the Minister as to when the Government expect to publish the report. Can he tell us why it is so delayed?

[Lord Freud]

My Lords, I must learn how to enunciate better. I will repeat my Answer: we expect to publish the interim report by the Summer Recess.

Pensions: Deepwater Horizon

Debate between Lord Richard and Lord Freud

Wednesday 9th June 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Freud]

My Lords, I understand that the Government are in touch with both the US Administration and BP senior management on a regular basis. Clearly, BP is a private company and one would not want to make public any discussions in that area, whether they were or were not happening.

[Lord Richard]

My Lords, do the Government feel that BP is being fairly or unfairly treated by the Americans?

[Lord Freud]

My Lords, that is a deeply political question. Clearly, the emotions raised in the US by this tragedy are enormous. There will be repercussions in the US and in the world as a whole with regard to attitudes towards oil companies. The best that I can say is that we will be watching this space for months to come.