HC Deb 22 March 1996 vol 274 cc338-9W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many socially rented houses have been built in rural areas in each year since 1989. [20979]

Mr. Clappison

Between 1989–90 and the end of December 1995, more than 11,000 new social homes for rent and shared ownership were approved in rural settlements with a population of 3,000 or less through the Housing Corporation's rural programme. Figures for the number of completions arising from these scheme approvals are as follows:

Year Rent Shared ownership Total
1990–91 137 14 151
1991–92 518 4 522
1992–93 1,601 109 1,710
Housing market package 201 201
1993–94 2,129 227 2,356
1994–95 1,503 391 1,894
1995–96, to the end of December 1995 1,270 240 1,510

The completions figures for 1993–94 and earlier years are higher than those previously quoted following improvements in data collection procedures.

In addition, local authorities also provide finance for new social housing in rural and non-rural areas.