§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the performance of NHS trusts and resigistered social landlords partnerships; if he will list the locations where such partnership schemes have been initiated; and what plans he has to further extend the partnership scheme. [137230]
§ Mr. Mullin[holding answer 7 November 2000]We are keen to encourage partnerships between NHS trusts and registered social landlords for the development of affordable accommodation for health service employees. I understand that the Department of Health is currently collecting information of the partnerships which have been formed but I am unable to list their locations at this stage. It will not be possible to carry out any assessments of their performance until information on the partnerships has been collected.
I expect partnerships to be encouraged further through the Starter Home Initiative the details of which will be announced in the new Session of Parliament. This initiative will provide assistance to key workers in high cost areas to purchase their own home. I expect employees of NHS trusts to be among those who will benefit from this scheme.