Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Colvile and Lord Pickles

Monday 25th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Pickles]

I will write to the right hon. Gentleman with the numbers, because they are constantly changing. As he is aware, this issue relates to four or five specific London boroughs, and in conjunction with the Home Office we have taken enforcement action. It is important to emphasise that the people occupying such places are often very vulnerable, are often being abused by employers and often have dubious immigration status. Part of the process is to offer some help and assistance to them. As I say, on the numbers, I hope the right hon. Gentleman will allow me to write to him separately.

[Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) (Con)]

13. How many people in Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport constituency have been accepted to be considered in principle for a Help to Buy mortgage to date.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Pickles]

The hon. Gentleman sounds like a shareholder in the Co-operative society.

[Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) (Con)]

T10. Given that large numbers of local authorities, such as Plymouth city council, have transferred their housing stock to housing associations, how does my hon. Friend the Minister propose to make those housing associations more accountable to their tenants rather than just being answerable to their board and to the Homes and Communities Agency?