HC Deb 02 July 1996 vol 280 cc391-2W
17. Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many large-scale voluntary transfers of housing stock have been completed; and if he will make a statement. [33950]

Mr. Clappison

Fifty-one local authorities have transferred over 223,000 dwellings, generating over £3.6 billion in private finance. The 1996–97 disposals programme includes a further six authorities and 25,000 dwellings.

Additionally, we are encouraging transfers in urban areas through the estates renewal challenge fund. We recently announced that 11 authorities will receive a total of £174 million to improve 19,000 homes on 29 of the most run-down and needy estates through transfers over the next three years. This will bring in a further £250 million in private investment.