Clause 49 - Duration, review and revocation of designations
Housing Bill
2:30 pm
Mr Matthew Green (Shadow Minister, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Local Government & the Regions; Ludlow, Liberal Democrat)
I beg to move amendment No. 232, in
clause 49, page 32, line 4, at end insert
'but must be within six months.'.
This is a teaser amendment. I noticed a slight oddity, which I am sure the Minister did not intend when the Bill was drafted. The designations last for five years, but if one is to be revoked, it
''ceases to have effect at the time that is specified''
by the authority ''for this purpose.'' An authority could specify that the time was 25 years hence, although it is unlikely that that would happen. Although there will be a period of five years after which the measure can be revoked, the authority could set an unspecified time for it to be revoked, saying, ''Yes, we have had five years and the revocation comes into effect in 100 years.'' I realise that I am being slightly flippant, but it could be left open for a considerable length of time. I am sure that that is not what the Minister meant. The amendment seeks to clarify matters by saying that if local authorities are going to revoke licenses, the designation ceases to have effect at the time specified by the authority for this purpose and the period is not more than six months.