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

To ask His Majesty's Government how Awaab's Law will provide equal protection to Gypsies and Travellers living permanently in caravans on sites with amenity blocks that are rented from social landlords.

We have introduced regulations to bring the first phase of Awaab's Law into effect in the social rented sector. Awaab's Law will protect tenants with relevant social housing leases by imposing obligations on the landlord to address dangerous damp and mould and emergency hazards quickly.

As caravans are not buildings according to the definitions set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 or the Housing Act 2004, it is the government’s position that Awaab’s Law will not extend to Gypsies and Travellers living permanently in caravans on sites with amenity blocks that are rented from social landlords.

We expect local councils to ensure amenity blocks provided on local authority managed GRT sites are safe and healthy. We will continue to engage with Parliamentarians and stakeholders on the issues affecting those in non-traditional tenures.