§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister for what reasons rural allocations have been made by the Housing Corporation to individual local authorities without specifying site location. [140279]
§ Keith HillThe Housing Corporation normally seeks to allocate funds to registered social landlords for the development of schemes on identified sites. However, experience has shown that some of the rural schemes may not proceed as anticipated due to difficulties in obtaining planning permission and other development matters. To ensure continued delivery of affordable1300W homes in rural areas, the Housing Corporation issues additional rural allocations to enable registered social landlords to bring forward schemes on sites which are identified during the year.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many allocations were made to rural housing providers in(a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04 to date. [140318]
§ Keith HillIn 2002–03 the Housing Corporation approved through its Approved Development Programme 1,579 homes provided by registered social landlords in small rural settlements of 3,000 people or less. In 2003–04, approval has been given for 647 homes in small settlements up to the end of October 2003.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many allocations to rural housing schemes were made under transitional arrangements to replace local authority social housing grant in 2002–03. [140268]
§ Keith HillThe Housing Corporation is currently collating the information requested. I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy in the Library of the House.