Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will issue guidance to local authorities on working constructively with firms participating in the Rent Recognition Challenge to help social housing tenants expand their credit performance records by enabling such firms to gain access to payment performance data; and if he will make a statement.

The Government does not currently intend to issue guidance to local authorities on this issue. However, the Government does encourage local authorities to work constructively with firms providing rent recognition services, including those participating in the Rent Recognition Challenge.

It is right that tenants, where they choose to do so, should have the ability to ensure that their history of paying rent is recorded and recognised in their credit files.