What isn’t in the Queen’s Speech tomorrow could well be more interesting than what is in it.
The stripped down, pre-election legislative programme is expected to include measures on anti-social behaviour and support for the elderly in their own homes – both of which were previewed in Gordon Brown’s party conference speech.
But which of the many initiatives announced by Labour in recent months will receive less support than those with prime ministerial backing?
According to the Mirror today, one such casualty may be housing minister John Healey’s pledge to allow private tenants to stay in their homes for two months if their landlord defaults on mortgage payments.
Under the current system, tenants can be thrown out with little or no notice. Both Labour and the Conservatives have said they will address the problem, but the issue could well be left out of a legislative programme more concerned with delivering votes than promises.
Another issue that seems likely to be put on the ‘too difficult’ pile is reform of the housing revenue account subsidy system. Mr Healey has said this could be achieved voluntarily if councils agree to take on historic debt, but with little visible progress on this any government that wants to make headway may have to go down the legislative route.
The Council Housing Group of MPs recently called for proposals for reform of the HRA to be included in the Queen’s Speech, so that a framework could be put in place before a general election. But it remains to be seen if the government will have heeded its demands.
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment