§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the London borough of Islington concerning(a) its arm's length management 607W organisation application, (b) the cost of its preparation and (c) the views of the borough's tenants on this policy. [136508]
§ Keith HillThe London borough of Islington was given a provisional allocation of £24.9 million under Round Three of the Arm's Length Management Organisation (ALMO) Programme in July this year. Officials at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have had detailed discussions with council officers while the bid was being assessed. This dialogue will continue as the council draws up its application under section 27 of the Housing Act 1985 to delegate its housing management functions to the ALMO. Approval under section 27 will only be given if we are satisfied that proper consultation has been carried out and that tenants support proposals. The cost of preparing ALMO applications is a matter for the council.