To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to the answer of 25 November 2008, Official Report, column 1274W, on multiple occupation, which key stakeholders have been consulted in connection with the Building Research Establishment review of the licensing regime for houses in multiple occupation. (241513)

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has consulted all local authorities in England. The BRE has also conducted a series of focus groups with local community organisations and residents groups, including local landlords and tenants. These views will be reflected in the final report on a non-attributable basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to the answer of 25 November 2008, Official Report, column 1274W, on multiple occupation: coastal areas, if she will make it her policy to collect data on the take-up rate of mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation in seaside towns. (241514)

Communities and Local Government collects data from local authorities in England on the processing of applications for licenses for houses in multiple occupation under the provisions of the 2004 Housing Act. These provide total numbers of applications for, approvals and refusals of licenses. No statistics have been produced specifically for seaside towns but statistics for the local authority areas that approximate to seaside towns are shown in the following table.

It is not possible to calculate take-up rates as there is no source for data on the number of licensable properties at local level.