Mr Edward Davey (Shadow Secretary of State for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Local Government & the Regions; Kingston & Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)

I beg to move amendment No. 288, in

clause 68, page 45, line 39, leave out 'both—'.

Mr Derek Conway (Old Bexley & Sidcup, Conservative)

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following amendment No. 287, in

clause 68, page 45, line 43, at end insert

', and

(c) as regards its homelessness strategy and the provision of advice and assistance to those likely to be affected by the designation.'.

Mr Edward Davey (Shadow Secretary of State for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Local Government & the Regions; Kingston & Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)

I am grateful to Shelter for suggesting the amendment, which would lend the clause an important balance. We want to ensure that tenants' rights and opportunities are not harmed in any way when selective licensing is introduced. There was general agreement throughout the Committee on the need for selective licensing areas, for all the reasons that we debated. However, a new licensing regime could result in some landlords evicting tenants and in an increase in homelessness. I am sure that that is not what the Government intend or want. The question is therefore how we ensure a balance so that we do not get a perverse effect.

Whenever a market is regulated, there is always a danger of unintended consequences. We must therefore ensure that the balance is right. I am generally impressed by how well the Government have done in achieving that, but the amendment would

ensure that the balance was well struck in relation to the potential for creating homelessness. The amendments would ensure that a local authority must have regard to its homelessness strategy, which it must create under other legislation, when it is considering designating an area under clause 67. The local authority must also ensure that it can provide advice and assistance to people who might be made homeless as a result of the designation, because a few individuals and families at the margins may suffer as a result of the landlord selling up or may be evicted for some reason.

I hope that the Under-Secretary has no problem with the amendment, which is not very controversial, but I will be interested to hear what she has to say.

Mr Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire, Conservative)

We are talking about two types of homelessness. The first is the homelessness of people who are evicted but who have not committed antisocial behaviour. Whenever we discuss this issue, however, we must remember the people who are forced to leave their homes because of antisocial behaviour and the intolerable way in which they have to live. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will accept that the local authority should also consider that when designating an area.

It being twenty-five minutes past Eleven o'clock. The Chairman adjourned the Committee without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned till this day at half-past Two o'clock.