Part VConduct of tenants
Chapter IIntroductory tenancies
Provision of information and consultation
137Consultation on matters of housing management
1
This section applies in relation to every local housing authority and housing action trust which lets dwelling-houses under introductory tenancies and which is a landlord authority for the purposes of Part IV of the [1985 c. 68.] Housing Act 1985 (secure tenancies).
2
The authority or trust shall maintain such arrangements as it considers appropriate to enable those of its introductory tenants who are likely to be substantially affected by a relevant matter of housing management—
a
to be informed of the proposals of the authority or trust in respect of the matter, and
b
to make their views known to the authority or trust within a specified period;
and the authority or trust shall, before making a decision on the matter, consider any representations made to it in accordance with those arrangements.
3
A matter is one of housing management if, in the opinion of the authority or trust concerned, it relates to—
a
the management, improvement, maintenance or demolition of dwelling-houses let by the authority or trust under introductory or secure tenancies, or
b
the provision of services or amenities in connection with such dwelling-houses;
but not so far as it relates to the rent payable under an introductory or secure tenancy or to charges for services or facilities provided by the authority or trust.
4
A matter is relevant if, in the opinion of the authority or trust concerned, it represents—
a
a new programme of maintenance, improvement or demolition, or
b
a change in the practice or policy of the authority or trust,
and is likely substantially to affect either its introductory tenants as a whole or a group of them who form a distinct social group or occupy dwelling-houses which constitute a distinct class (whether by reference to the kind of dwelling-house, or the housing estate or other larger area in which they are situated).
5
In the case of a local housing authority, the reference in subsection (3) to the provision of services or amenities is a reference only to the provision of services or amenities by the authority acting in its capacity as landlord of the dwelling-houses concerned.
6
The authority or trust shall publish details of the arrangements which it makes under this section, and a copy of the documents published under this subsection shall—
a
be made available at its principal office for inspection at all reasonable hours, without charge, by members of the public, and
b
be given, on payment of a reasonable fee, to any member of the public who asks for one.