§ Mrs. LaingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what extra funding he plans to provide to assist local authorities to repay housing debt. [70320]
§ Mr. MacdonaldWe have indicated that, in certain circumstances, we will be prepared to provide assistance with housing debt to councils which tranfers their housing stock into community ownership. This assistance will be available where the transfer represents good value for money and is selected to proceed under the New Housing Partnerships initiative. Detailed arrangements will need to644W be agreed in individual cases and be affordable. The resources necessary will be found from within the funding available under the New Housing Partnerships initiative.
From 1 July this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.