Schedule 22: Removal of consultation requirements Housing Act 1988: designation of Housing Action Trust Areas
862.Paragraph 9 removes, for England, the requirement under section 61(1) of the Housing Act 1988 which requires the Secretary of State to consult local housing authorities before designating any part of their area as a housing action trust area.
863.By way of background, Housing Action Trusts are formed under Part 3 of the Housing Act 1988. A HAT is a corporation that takes over the housing and planning functions of the local authority in the designated area. Their purpose is to improve the area’s services and facilities and the condition of local authority and other housing stock in the area. Once this work is complete the HAT is wound up.
864.Section 61 forms part of the law of England and Wales. The amendment affects England only. It comes into force at the end of the period of 2 months beginning with the day on which the Act is passed.