§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the shortfall of provision of sheltered housing to meet known needs in Renfrew district; how long it will take at current expenditure levels to match provision to need; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonA comparison between the actual number of sheltered housing units in Renfrew district notified by the district council and the guideline figure of need estimated in accordance with the Scottish Office Environment Department circular 8191 "Housing and Community Care" suggests that there may be a shortfall of 466 units in the district. It is, however, for the local authority to make its own estimate of the level of need and set targets for meeting that need based on its knowledge of local circumstances and other competing priorities for investment.
Local Housing authorities are not expected to provide all sheltered housing in their district, but to work with other housing agencies, including Scottish Homes, to meet local needs. Renfrew District Council should take into account the contribution of Scottish Homes and other housing providers when setting targets for meeting their estimated need for sheltered housing.