Examination of Witnesses (Question Numbers
80-84)
JOHN HEALEY
MP, PETER RUBACK
AND KEN
SWAN
13 JULY 2009
Q80 Chairman: But some councils will
have a backlog of major repairs that they have not yet done—not
to do with the Decent Homes standard but to do with other aspects
of their particular housing stock.
Mr Ruback: Very briefly, in the
consultation document we are expecting to set out proposals around
the level of funding needed for major repairs to maintain the
stock at the Decent Homes standard; secondly around types of work
including lifts and common parts which were excluded from the
standard. Then in the written Statement the Government said there
will be a continuing need capital grant funding to deal with backlogs.
John Healey: Just to be clear,
in other words it was very clear in my statement. Our commitment
to complete the Decent Homes Programme is absolute.
Chairman: Yes, we understand that.
Q81 John Cummings: What implications
do your new proposals have for housing associations, Minister?
John Healey: I am not sure. Am
I missing something? The proposal for the dismantling of the Housing
Revenue Account system is principally to deal with the constraints
on councils being able to finance and manage their own housing
and housing services. That is its purpose. To the extent it puts
councils more on an even footing with housing associations, I
guess there may be some collateral competition between the two
sectors. I think that is probably a good thing in the long run
and likely to be a benefit to the tenants.
Q82 John Cummings: Do you have an
open mind, Minister?
John Healey: I have always got
an open mind ...
Q83 Chairman: Have you examined whether
the TSA can apply common standards across housing associations
and councils, whether any decisions you are proposing to take
in relation to council housing would have implications for housing
associations?
John Healey: That general question
is part of the consideration about extending TSAs' remit to council
tenants and council housing services as well as housing associations.
To pick up Mr Cummings's point, if there are points that come
back through the consultation, points of concern or arguments
to suggest we should do this in a particular way or go further,
then I have an open mind about this, including the comments the
Committee might have.
Q84 Chairman: Thank you very much,
Minister. I am sorry for the interruptions earlier on, but I think
we have had a very useful discussion and we look forward to even
greater clarification when the housing document comes out.
John Healey: I will make sure
that the Committee gets the first copy.
Chairman: Thank you very much.
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