Part 6Other provisions about housing

Chapter 1Secure tenancies

Right to buy: when exercisable

I1181Exceptions to the right to buy: determination whether exception for dwelling-house suitable for elderly persons applies

1

In Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985 (exceptions to the right to buy) paragraph 11 (single dwelling-house particularly suitable for elderly persons) is amended as follows.

2

In sub-paragraph (4) (questions arising under paragraph 11 to be determined by the Secretary of State), for “the Secretary of State” (in both places) substitute “ the appropriate tribunal or authority ”.

3

After sub-paragraph (5) insert—

5A

In this paragraph “the appropriate tribunal or authority” means—

a

in relation to England, a residential property tribunal; and

b

in relation to Wales, the Secretary of State.

5B

Section 231 of the Housing Act 2004 (appeals to F1Upper Tribunal) does not apply to any decision of a residential property tribunal under this paragraph.

4

Subsections (5) and (6) apply to any application under paragraph 11(4) in respect of a dwelling-house in England which—

a

has been made to the Secretary of State before the day on which this section comes into force, and

b

has not been determined by him before that day.

5

If the application was made more than 28 days before that day, it is to be determined by the Secretary of State as if the amendments made by this section had not come into force.

6

Otherwise—

a

the application is to be determined by F2the appropriate tribunal, and

b

the Secretary of State must make all such arrangements as he considers necessary for the purpose of, or in connection with, enabling it to be so determined.