Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 21 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 March 2005. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Thursday, 24 March 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to the Answer of 21st February, Official Report, column 332W, when the Civil Justice Council and Department for Constitutional Affairs will issue a pre-action protocol for possessions cases; and when the cross-Whitehall group on possessions and evictions will issue good practice guidance.

Answer: Simon Hughes: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 21 February 2005, Official Report, column 332W, when the Civil Justice Council and Department for Constitutional Affairs will issue a pre-action protocol for possessions cases; and when the cross-Whitehall group on possessions and evictions will issue good practice guidance. [223780] Keith Hill: A consultation exercise on the pre-action protocol for possession cases is planned to take place this summer. The cross-Whitehall group aim to issue their good practice guidance on possessions and evictions in summer 2005. This group has been working closely with the Civil Justice Council and the Department for Constitutional Affairs to ensure that the pre-action protocol and the guidance are complementary. This will be a practical guide on the management of rent arrears, which make up 93 per cent. of possessions cases; and is aimed at all social housing organisations and specifically cabinet and board members, housing practitioners and stakeholders. It will set out the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's policy position that possession action should only be taken where strictly necessary.

Secondary information