HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc836-7
3. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate how much of the housing investment programmes will be funded by the proceeds of sales of council houses over the next three years.

The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow)

For 1984–85, we estimate that receipts from the sale of council houses will comprise 42 per cent. of local authority gross capital provision for housing. No decisions have yet been taken about provision for later years.

Mr. Pike

I recognise the Minister's difficulty in forecasting figures for capital receipts in future years, but will he ensure that sufficient housing investment programme allocations are made to councils such as Burnley and many others which are facing severe difficulties in dealing with house building and improvements in both the private and public sectors? If money is not forthcoming to enable those important jobs to be tackled, the Government will be faced with a much more costly option, because the option of improvement will no longer exist, and clearance, demolition and rebuilding will result.

Mr. Gow

I am looking forward to my visit to the hon. Gentleman's constituency on the 19th of next month. I hope that we will be able to discuss those matters then. As for future resources, we shall do our best within the constraints available.

Mr. Heddle

What advice would my hon. Friend give to all those local authorities which have been identified in a recent report by the Audit Commission as being owed £250 million in rent arrears? If collected, that money could go towards improving, modernising and building homes for those in need.

Mr. Gow

My hon. Friend draws attention to a serious matter and one about which the Department has issued advice and guidance. It should be possible for local authorities to make renewed and special efforts to diminish the growing burden of rent arrears. I agree with my hon. Friend.