§ Margaret MoranTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he plans to take to enable all local authorities to offer loans for private sector housing improvements. [97752]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance)(England and Wales) Order 2002 gave local authorities new powers to provide a wide range of assistance for private sector housing improvements, including loans. Before using this new power authorities are required to adopt and publish a policy setting out how they intend to use the powers.
Local authorities currently spend about£300 million per annum on private sector housing renewal. The Sustainable Communities Plan announced that we have made available an extra £30 million in both 2004–05 and 2005–06 to help authorities support new ways to fund repairs and improvements to the homes of low income/ vulnerable homeowners/tenants. This will form 326W part of the single regional housing pot. A further announcement will be made shortly about the detailed allocation procedures for this additional funding.