Section 79 — Interpretation of Chapter

(1) In this Chapter—“becomes vacant”: housing in which a local housing authority has an interest “ becomes vacant ” when a tenancy granted by the authority comes to an end and is not renewed expressly or by operation of law (but see subsection (2)); “financial year” means a period of 12 months beginning with 1 April; “higher value”, in relation to housing, has the meaning given by regulations under section 69; “housing” means a building, or part of a building, which is occupied or intended to be occupied as a dwelling or as more than one dwelling; “Housing Revenue Account” has the meaning given by section 74 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989; “interest” means a freehold or leasehold interest; “local housing authority” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Housing Act 1985; “tenancy” includes a licence to occupy.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations specify circumstances in which housing is to be treated as not having become vacant for the purposes of this Part even if it otherwise would be.