§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements are being made to support care and repair initiatives by local authorities not currently in receipt of support. [102823]
§ Mr. MullinThe Department currently provides £6.7 million annually to support 184 home improvement agencies under a three year matched funding scheme which began in April 1999. Seven agencies have been established outside the scheme, in partnership with local authorities and other funders, and a further seven are in the process of being established on that basis. The national co-ordinating body, Care and Repair England Ltd, works to expand the home improvement agency movement and to assist the assembly of funding arrangements.