§ 17. Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to increase the availability of low-cost rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungThe Government have taken a variety of measures to increase the supply of low-cost rented housing. Public resources through the Housing Corporation for the development of new housing by housing associations will increase from £1.2 billion this year to over £2 billion by 1993–94. Together with associations' new ability to draw in private investment, that will permit an increase in output from 21,000 last year to about 40,000 by 1993–94. Deregulation of the private rented sector, the business expansion scheme, the exceptions planning policy for low-cost housing in rural areas and the estate action programme are also helping to make more properties available for rent.
§ Mr. KirkwoodNotwithstanding the increase in housing association and Housing Corporation cash that the Minister has just announced, does he accept that funding does not begin to match the demand and need identified by the Housing Corporation and the housing associations for long-term provision of housing? Will he think again about the possibility of increasing that budget?
Provided that the standards of provision are adequate, will the Minister consider making it easier to give financial incentives to those who have spare rooms to make them available and so bring people off the streets as a transitional stage towards the provision of longer-term accommodation?
§ Sir George YoungI have sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's point, which is also constantly pressed on me by my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mrs. Gorman)—the concept of the friendly landlady. However, it is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer because it involves tax incentives. Of course, I shall ensure that the hon. Gentleman's suggestion is brought to his attention.