TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME

Early day motion 297, tabled 16 December 2003 by Desmond Turner (Labour). Signed by 109 members.

That this House regrets that the planned Housing Bill does not include legislation for a nationwide mandatory Tenancy Deposit Scheme despite the fact that the private rented sector accommodates about 10 per cent. of households in England, that 70 per cent. of the 2.21 million tenants in the sector have paid a deposit, that the average deposit is around ú510, that although most tenancies end without dispute, around 20 per cent. of households say that part or all of the deposit from their most recent tenancy was unreasonably withheld and that few private landlords have participated in the voluntary tenancy deposit schemes being piloted; and believes that a nationwide mandatory scheme administered by the Independent Housing Ombudsman is the only way to safeguard deposits and guarantee prompt settlement of disputes.

Signatures by party: Labour 75, Liberal Democrat 21, Labour/Co-operative 7, Conservative 4, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Plaid Cymru 1.