HC Deb 04 December 2001 vol 376 cc282-3W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reasons the stock of social housing in England has changed since 1997. [20120]

Ms Keeble

The stock of social housing in England since 1997, based on figures from local authorities and the Housing Corporation are in the table:

Year Social stock (million)
1 April 1997 4.390
1 April 1998 4.358
1 April 1999 4.340
1 April 2000 4.290

The main reason for the decrease in the social housing over the period from 1 April 1997 to 1 April 2000 was that more dwellings were being sold under Right-to-Buy legislation than were being added to the stock by new building and other acquisitions of dwellings. As well as buying dwellings in good condition, other acquisitions include refurbishment and conversions of existing dwellings or other buildings such as offices.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many new social housing properties have been built in England in each of the past 10 years. [20121]

Ms Keeble

The number of new social dwellings, both for registered social landlords and local authorities, built in England in each of the past 10 years is in the table:

Year New social build (thousand)
1991–92 23.1
1992–93 26.5
1993–94 31.7
1994–95 32.2
1995–96 31.0
1996–97 25.0
1997–98 21.7
1998–99 19.1
1999–2000 17.5
2000–01 18.0

As well as building new dwellings, registered social landlords increase their stock by buying existing dwellings, converting and rehabilitating existing dwellings and other buildings such as offices.

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