§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new homes were started in the west midlands in 1995 in(a) the private sector and (b) the housing association sector; and what percentage changes these figures represent from 1994. [20914]
§ Mr. ClappisonIt is estimated that in the west midlands region in 1995 there were 10,800 new private enterprise dwellings started, a decrease of 19 per cent. from the total started in 1994, and there were 2,200 housing association dwellings started, a fall of 43 per cent. compared with 1994.
209WThese figures are as reported to the Department by local authorities and the National House-Building Council. They include estimates for those local authorities that have not sent in statistical returns for their districts.
While these figures cover newly built accommodation, housing associations have also provided additional social lettings by the rehabilitation of existing properties and the various home incentive schemes, whose relative importance has been growing with the greater emphasis being placed on making more effective use of existing stock.