§ Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy towards the role of local housing 617W authorities in providing new accommodation for categories other than special needs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonI shall continue to encourage local authorities to put their main effort into the repair and renovation of the existing housing stock. Outside the private sector, we are looking to the housing association movement to provide the bulk of new build or renovated rented housing required, using private finance wherever possible, thus seeking to achieve greater diversity of provision than exists today. Local authorities remain free to undertake new build within the resources available in accordance with their own assessment of local needs and priorities.