Written question asked by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2000. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will give additional powers to local authorities to enable them to more fully investigate complaints from private rented sector tenants about harassment and unlawful eviction by landlords.

Answer: Ms Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give additional powers to local authorities to enable them to more fully investigate complaints from private rented sector tenants about harassment and unlawful eviction by landlords. [143311] Mr. Mullin: Local authorities already have powers under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 to investigate and prosecute in complaints of harassment and illegal eviction. My Department has recently published a research report on harassment and unlawful eviction, and accompanying best practice guidance for local authorities on dealing with harassment and illegal eviction, including advice on overcoming barriers to effective action. We have discussed the position with representatives of Tenancy Relations Officers, but have no current plans to change the law.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 360 c9W; 143311
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Complaints Harassment Evictions Local government Private sector Powers Tenants Rented housing
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk