HC Deb 15 April 1993 vol 222 cc674-5W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many homes have been provided each year under the housing associations managing agents scheme; and how much central Government grant has been involved.

Sir George Young

The housing associations as managing agents scheme was set up to encourage private owners to rent out their property. HAMA has been running with five pilot housing associations operating in Oxford and the south-east since 1992.

During the first year of the scheme, up to 31 March 1993, 308 homes were brought into management. An additional 515 homes have been provided by one of the pilot housing associations which found leasing arrangements, as opposed to management agreements, more attractive to private landlords operating in their area. During 1992–93 a total of £300,000 was made available to run the HAMA pilot scheme.

On 6 January, I was pleased to announce that HAMA will be extended to provide national coverage with another 22 housing associations managing schemes. These housing associations will be working with 140 local authorities throughout England. A further £1.25 million has been allocated to these associations which will allow for two staff plus running costs during 1993–94.

I now hope to see 5,000 private sector homes brought into management and used to house families in need within the next year or so; this will take us a long way towards the target of 10,000 homes under HAMA by 1996.

There are housing associations not in receipt of grant aid under HAMA which have set up their own projects based on the principles of HAMA. We do not, however, hold information on these projects.

Mr. Fraser

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue guidance clarifying the extent to which housing associations assisted with public funds apply the provisions of the public procurement directive.

Mr. Baldry

The relevant provisions apply to contracting authorities carrying out civil engineering works or building works for hospitals, facilities intended for sports, recreation and ledisure, school and university buildings or buildings for administrative purposes. I would therefore not expect housing activities which housing associations carry out with public subsidy to be affected.