There is a huge problem with landlords putting out tenants who are in receipt of rental supplement. This is resulting in many people being made homeless. It is mainly because the landlords are looking for higher rents. A housing Bill to transfer responsibility for dealing with the rent supplement to local authorities is due. Could this be speeded up given the crisis?

I discussed this matter yesterday with a number of interested political groups, Cabinet sub-committees and so on. It will be early next year. The heads of the Bill have not been formulated yet but they will shortly and the Bill will be published early next year.