Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Grahame Morris and Kris Hopkins

Monday 8th September 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

I reassure my hon. Friend that tied tenants will be able to report breaches in the statutory code to a new independent adjudicator, who will be able to arbitrate and bring penalties against individuals or organisations that fail to act appropriately.

[Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab)]

15. In August 2011, the Government consulted on ending the use of restrictive covenants by pub companies to prevent new owners from reopening valued pubs. Three years on, the Government are yet to announce the outcome of the consultation. Will the Minister commit to ending the disgraceful practice of using restrictive covenants to prevent closed pubs from being reopened?

[Kris Hopkins]

The Government pledged to release the consultation relating to covenants by the end of this year. I hope to release the information in the coming weeks.