Crown Tenancies Bill [Bill 23 of 2015-16]

Mark Pawsey secured ninth place in the ballot for Commons Private Members’ Bills for the 2015-16 session on
4 June 2015. His Crown Tenancies Bill was presented on 24 June 2015 and the Second Reading debate is scheduled to take place on 22 January 2016 (initially scheduled for 11 September 2015).

Purpose of the Bill

The Bill, which has attracted Government support, is seeking to bring most Crown tenancies created after it comes into force within the assured tenancy regime governed by the 1988 Housing Act. It is felt that this regime will offer the departments sufficient flexibility 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 extends to England and Wales.