HC Deb 15 May 1996 vol 277 cc487-8W
Mr. Patrick Thompson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish the Government's response to the Environment Select Committee's second report of Session 1995–96 on Housing Need (HC 22); and if he will make a statement. [29613]

Mr. Curry

The Government remain committed to responding to housing need and to an open public debate on the issue. I am pleased that the Environment Select Committee has welcomed our publication of estimates of housing need and recognised the importance of a full and open debate. I welcome the Committee's endorsement of the steps we are taking to improve the forecasting and estimates of future housing need.

The response that I am publishing today makes clear the Government's view that our estimate of the number of social lettings required each year is correct. Latest evidence of continued growth in private rented housing and home ownership shows that we are right to provide social housing at the lower end of our range of estimates of 60,000 to 100,000 social housing outputs a year.

Housing is improving and evidence shows that the numbers of people with severe housing problems is falling.

  1. (a) the number of people sleeping rough in central London has fallen from over 1.000 in 1990 to around 270 in 1995;
  2. (b) the number of households living in bed-and-breakfast accommodation has fallen by 66 per cent. since its peak in 1991 to 4,450 in 1995;
  3. (c) the number of households in overcrowded conditions is around 3 per cent. of all households, compared with 5 per cent. in 1981.

We are getting ahead, not falling behind, in meeting the need for new homes. We will continue to take a balanced approach, promoting sustainable home ownership, encouraging growth in the private rented sector, and investing in social housing. Provisions in the housing Bill currently before Parliament will help us meet need more effectively—for example by ensuring that social housing is allocated fairly.

The private sector has a significant role to play in meeting housing need and can offer a variety of housing options, especially to meet the needs and preferences of older people. The quality of housing in this sector is improving and the Committee should be reassured that provisions in the housing Bill will substantially improve standards in houses in multiple occupation.

I fully share the Committee's concern that some people who bought homes under the right to buy cannot sell them because potential buyers cannot get mortgages, and my Department has taken measures within the housing Bill to resolve the situation, including reducing leaseholders' charges for major works, and further encouragement to local authorities to guarantee loans. Discussions also continue to be held with lenders to encourage a more flexible approach.

I am encouraged that the Committee's report also recognises the contribution of the planning system in assisting the delivery of affordable housing. The Government will continue to consider ways to improve planning guidance.