Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew George Excerpts

Monday 31st October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I had been advised that the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George) had withdrawn his question, but a simple nod of the head will suffice to reinstate him. We are grateful.

[Andrew George (St Ives) (LD)]

17. What contribution he expects the private rented sector to make towards future housing need.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Minister, who I am sure has come fully briefed.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell)]

The private rented sector has already responded flexibly to housing need over the past few years. By 2010 it had expanded to house some 3.4 million households in England, an increase of 1 million since 2005.

[Andrew George]

I am grateful to the Minister for his response and apologise for any delay, which was caused by my train. In view of his response, what assessment and modelling has his Department undertaken on the impact of the change to the thirtieth percentile for housing allowance and the extension of the single-room rent to those under 35 years of age? Many private landlords are extremely concerned about the impact on their viability.

[Andrew Stunell]

I thank my hon. Friend and am grateful that his train got him here on time. The Department for Work and Pensions has published a full assessment of the number of residents projected to be affected by the changes that have been brought forward and has presented to the House the facts of the situation.