To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar of 10 December 2007, Official Report, column 116W, on council tax: empty property, which organisation has been commissioned to undertake the research; and if she will place in the Library a copy of the tender notice or terms of reference for the research; (182888)

Roger Tym and Partners in association with Three Dragons have been appointed to undertake the research. We expect to publish the report in the spring. I have placed a copy of the specification of work on which the contract is let in the Library of the House.