§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what financial help the Government propose to give to councils to build new public sector rented accommodation in areas where there is a shortage of such accommodation.
§ Mr. RifkindThe housing capital allocations which the Government make available to local authorities may be used to fund the building of new council housing if this is seen by local authorities as a priority in their areas. It is for local authorities to determine their own policies and priorities, based on their assessment of housing needs in their districts, and to programme capital expenditure accordingly within the resources made available. If councils consider that additional council housing is necessary, they should in the first instance include proposals in the housing capital programmes they are due to submit to my Department by 2 November. Capital allocations for 1991–92 will be determined, as in previous years, in the light of the aggregate resources available and the competing requirements of all 56 housing authorities.