Housing and Planning Bill

Debate between Natascha Engel and Clive Betts

Tuesday 12th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Betts]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I had an exchange with the Minister at the end of the previous debate about a secure tenant making an application to move to a new property. His response may have inadvertently misled the House or at least confused the House—it certainly confused me—about whether a tenant has that right. Proposed new section 81B(2)(B) seems to suggest that where tenants—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Natascha Engel)]

Order. The hon. Gentleman is aware that that is almost certainly more a point of annoyance than a point of order. The Minister has heard what he has said and he has put his point on the record, but it is not a point of order and we are really pressed for time. I am therefore going to call the Minister on the next group, who may or may not wish to respond on this matter.

New Clause 62

Offence of contravening an overcrowding notice: level of fine

‘(1) Section 139 of the Housing Act 2004 (overcrowding notices) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (7), omit “and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale”.

(3) After subsection (7) insert—

“(7A) A person who commits an offence under subsection (7) in relation to premises in England is liable on summary conviction to a fine.

(7B) A person who commits an offence under subsection (7) in relation to premises in Wales is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.” —(Mr Marcus Jones.)

The maximum fine for contravening an overcrowding notice under section 139 of the Housing Act 2004 is currently a level 4 fine. This new clause would remove the restriction on the level of fine that may be imposed where a conviction relates to premises in England. Where a conviction relates to premises in Wales the maximum fine is unchanged.

Brought up, and read the First time.