Housing: Lettings

Lord Best Excerpts

Monday 26th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sassoon]

My Lords, I fear that there is more disappointment coming. I had one grandparent who came from the great state of New South Wales and one parent who was educated there, and I thank my noble fellow Australian for her Question. However, the Government have no plans to change the tax or other arrangements for tenancies in the private rented sector. Since the assured shorthold tenancy rules came in in 1988, the private rented sector has grown steadily and responded flexibly to changes in the wider housing market, and some 21 per cent of tenancies now last for five years or more.

[Lord Best]

My Lords, I declare private and social housing interests, and I commend the suggestions of the noble Baroness, Lady Gardner of Parkes. Does the Minister accept the criticisms coming from many sides of the changes to housing benefit, which we fear will mean a rise in arrears, repossessions and homelessness? Does he accept that some new measures are needed if these housing benefit changes are not to discourage private renting at the lower end of the market, where it is most needed?