Homelessness
Debate between Grant Shapps and John Robertson(12 years, 4 months ago)
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Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Grant Shapps and John Robertson
Grant Shapps
The hon. Gentleman need not be too concerned. We believe that the best way of getting homes built—and the most built—is proper free competition between different providers, different developers and different organisations, which would range from co-ops to registered social landlords and commercial developers. We see no problem with that, and we have gained some sense that it is working. After all, more affordable homes for rent were built in the first year of this Government than at any time since John Major was in power.
John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab)
3. What the monetary value was of (a) council tax relief for second homeowners and (b) discounts on council tax for empty properties in England in the latest period for which figures are available.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Grant Shapps and John Robertson
Grant Shapps
I would be happy to receive a delegation from the council on the issue. It is absolutely the case that it is not fair. I think that there is cross-party agreement that the housing revenue account has become increasingly unfair over the years. That must be fixed, in the interests not only of transparency and of the tenants within those authorities that are paying in, but of efficiency. I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend and his colleagues.
John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab)
12. What steps he plans to take to improve the standard of social housing; and if he will make a statement.