Social Tenancies: Home-working

Lord Howarth of Newport Excerpts

Thursday 13th March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, the matter we are discussing is a restriction in the lease which can appear to discourage tenants from carrying on their business. Some leases are drafted in a way that makes it clear that the landlord is likely to agree to sensible variations, while other leases appear not to be so helpful. A properly educated person will realise that there is a distinct possibility, whereas others could be discouraged. I think that that is one of the issues that my noble friend Lady Grender raised with me.

[Lord Howarth of Newport (Lab)]

My Lords, further to the question put by the noble Baroness, Lady Gardner, can the Minister advise the House whether it is now the case that planning regulations no longer constrain the scope for people to nurture fledgling businesses—and, indeed, more substantial businesses—in their own home, because that used not to be the case?

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, that is a detailed question about the planning rules and I shall have to write to the noble Lord.