Crown Tenancies Bill [Bill 32 of 2016-17]
This Commons Library briefing paper provides background information on a Private Member's Bill which is seeking to bring most Crown tenancies within the assured tenancy regime under the Housing Act 1988.
Wendy Morton presented the Crown Tenancies Bill on 4 July 2016. The debate on Second Reading was initially scheduled to take place on 16 December 2016. The Bill passed its Second Reading without debate on 3 February 2017. It was considered in Public Bill Committee on 1 March 2017. The Bill was not amended in Committee. Report and Third Reading are scheduled to take place on 12 May 2017.
Purpose of the Bill
The Bill is seeking to bring most Crown tenancies created after it comes into force within the assured tenancy regime governed by the Housing Act 1988. It is felt that this regime will offer sufficient flexibility to government departments while at the same time improving the statutory protection offered to Crown tenants. Crown tenants are generally tenants of the Secretary of State or government departments. Some exclusions from the 1988 Act will remain in place.
Prior consultation
The Coalition Government announced its intention to legislate in this area in July 2013 but consultation on the proposals did not take place until July 2015: Giving Crown Tenants Greater Protection. A summary of responses to this consultation process has not yet been published – the proposals appear to be relatively uncontroversial.
The Bill replicates provisions in a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Mark Pawsey during the 2015-16 parliamentary session: Crown Tenancies Bill 2015-16. This Bill did not progress beyond its First Reading despite attracting Government support.
The Bill extends to England and Wales.