Tameside

HC Deb 30 April 1980 vol 983 cc1374-5

22. Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will increase the housing investment programme for Tameside.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

We do not propose to make increases in the housing investment programme allocations of any authorities, since the resources available for this purpose in 1980–81 have all been distributed.

Mr. Marks

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the resources of the housing investment programme have been cut by 50 per cent. and that that will mean disaster for home improvements, home loans and repairs, and for those young people who are seeking accommodation? Is he further aware that, together with an increased mortgage rate, that spells a very difficult future?

Mr. Finsberg

If Tameside takes advantage of the opportunity to sell council houses in 1980–81 it will be able to increase its expenditure. As it is, the reduction is not 50 per cent. but 26.5 per cent.