HC Deb 11 July 1989 vol 156 cc481-2W
Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce the continuation of funding to voluntary agencies in the housing field under section 73 of the Housing Act 1985.

Mr. Trippier

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment hopes to make an announcement soon.

Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on the funding of voluntary organisations by the statutory sector in the field of housing.

Mr. Trippier

Our policy is that voluntary organisations in the shape of housing associations have a major role to play in the future, as providers of housing, and should be supported by Government and local authorities, with important contributions from private funding.

Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on the role that voluntary housing organisations should play in relation to statutory housing services.

Mr. Trippier

Housing associations should in future be the major providers of social rented housing, supported by public and private funds, and co-operating fully with local housing authorities.

Mr. Soley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the service provided by those organisations in receipt of funding under section 16 of the Housing and Planning Act 1986 and under section 73 of the Housing Act 1985; and what are his concerns in each case with which he is not satisfied.

Mr. Trippier

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has been reviewing the section 73 grant regime; we hope to announce conclusions soon. A review of section 16 grants in relation to housing management training is now under way and we shall be consulting interested bodies.