Localism Bill

My Lords, I thank all noble Lords who contributed to this debate and the noble Baroness, Lady Hanham for her response. As I said at the start, the Opposition have considerable concerns about this section of the Bill as presently drafted. That has been reflected in the contributions we have had in the debate this afternoon from across the Chamber. I agree very much with the comments of the noble Lord, Lord Shipley, about vulnerable people in need of housing and also his comments about the environment and the suitability of accommodation. The comments of the noble Lord, Lord Rix, in moving his amendment to change the ““reasonable preference”” category, were absolutely right and very welcome. I pay tribute to the work he has done on behalf of Mencap over many years. The noble Baroness, Lady Doocey, was absolutely right to highlight the problems of the 12-month tenancy. The noble Baroness, Lady Hollins, supporting the amendment in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Rix, brought her professional expertise and her experience as a carer to the debate. The noble Lord, Lord Palmer, was able to share his experience of 25 years as a local councillor and the problems of people falling between the cracks. The noble Lord, Lord Best, was right when he said that we have enjoyed important contributions today from your Lordships. I agreed with his comments about the private rented sector and the need for regulation. My noble friend Lady Wilkins was right in her comments and the noble Lords, Lord Newton of Braintree and Lord Cormack, and the noble Baroness, Lady Gardner of Parkes, reflected the concerns felt right across the House today. I hope that the Government will take due note of that. The Opposition and, I am sure, many other noble Lords, will look carefully at what comes back from the Government and, if necessary, bring these issues back on Report. With that, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 170CM withdrawn. Amendment 170CN not moved. Clause 127 agreed. Clause 128 : Allocation schemes Clause 128 : Allocation schemes Amendments 170D to 171ZA not moved. Clause 128 agreed. Clause 129 : Duties to homeless persons Clause 129 : Duties to homeless persons Amendments 171A to 173 not moved. Clause 129 agreed. Clause 130 : Duties to homeless persons: further amendments Clause 130 : Duties to homeless persons: further amendments Amendments 173ZA to 173ZF not moved. Clause 130 agreed. Amendments 173A to 173AB not moved. Amendment 173B Moved by