Plans to introduce a protected rent deposit scheme for private tenants are unlikely to be implemented before the next election, the Minister for Infrastructure has confirmed.
A public consultation on the draft Landlord Registration Bill in 2020 showed 66% of respondents supported the principle of such a scheme.
However, Dr Michelle Haywood told the House that detailed design work and further public consultation are still required.
“The specific details of a rent deposit scheme will be subject to further consultation in due course,” Dr Haywood said. “It is unlikely that this will be concluded before the end of this administration.”
Scheme
Responding to questions from MHKs Jason Moorhouse and Chris Thomas, Dr Haywood stated the Housing Agency Board would consider the initiative in spring, but “implementing a scheme won’t be within this administration”.
Mr Thomas highlighted that a legal duty to create an “occupational deposit scheme” has been on the statute book since 2021, following a Treasury backbench amendment.
He urged the minister to review past work, noting previous boards had taken proposals to the Council of Ministers.
Rebutting Mr Thomas’ criticism, Dr Haywood suggested he should “ask previous ministers about why they didn’t move it on”.
She also added that while the deposit scheme “could be done in parts,” the DoI currently lacks the capacity to deliver it.