Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will grant local authorities the power to insist that landlords or home owners maintain their properties to an acceptable standard where that condition is having a negative impact upon the local community.

Local authorities already have strong powers to tackle poor property conditions.

We encourage local authorities to take action where properties are neglected and their condition adversely affects the amenity of an area. There are already extensive powers available to authorities which range from notices under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which can deal with derelict land and buildings to section 29 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 for works on unoccupied buildings.

Council and housing association landlords are responsible for most repairs to their housing stock. Social landlords are obliged, by law, to maintain the structure and exterior of their properties.

All properties in the social and private sectors must comply with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Where a property has serious hazards that present a risk to health and safety, local authorities can carry out an assessment under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. If they are aware of a serious hazard, they are under a duty to take appropriate action to address it.