Housing Benefit – Parliamentary Written Answer

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State what his policy is on the minimum standard of accommodation offered by landlords to tenants on housing benefit; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Prisk [holding answer 5 September 2012]: Local authorities have powers, under the Housing Act 2004, to assess the risks and hazards in all residential properties using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. If a property is found to contain serious (category 1) hazards, the local authority has a duty to take the most appropriate action. This could range from trying to deal with the problems informally at first to prohibiting the use of the whole or part of the dwelling. This system provides an important safety net, ensuring that homes are safe and decent. This legislation applies to all residential properties, irrespective of whether any tenants claim housing benefit.  In addition, the Localism Act contains provisions to give local authorities the flexibility to choose to offer private rented sector accommodation to homeless households, so increasing the availability of accommodation. The proposed draft Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2012 specifies circumstances in which the private rented sector accommodation is not to be regarded as suitable. It will prevent the use of poor quality accommodation.