Introduction
2. On 24 February 2003 the Deputy Prime Minister
and First Secretary of State (the responsible Minister) laid the
draft order before Parliament, together with an explanatory statement
from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (the Department).[1]
We have already reported on the proposal for this order.[2]
3. The draft order would amend section 27 of the
Housing Act 1985 (the 1985 Act) so as to reduce the current burden
on local authorities concerning the circumstances in which they
can delegate their housing management functions. Specifically,
it would allow persons or contractors to whom those functions
are delegated by local housing authorities to sub-delegate those
functions. Such arrangements would allow local authorities more
flexibility in performing their duties in respect of housing management.
4. The House has instructed us to examine the draft
order against such of the criteria specified in Standing Order
No. 141(6) as are relevant. We are also required to consider the
extent to which the responsible Minister has had regard to any
resolution or report of the Committee, or to any other representations
made during the period for Parliamentary consideration.[3]
Our discussion of the matters arising from our examination is
set out below.
1 
