§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Treasury on boosting affordable housing investment in the South West in the Comprehensive Spending Review 2004. [183991]
9W
§ Keith HillI refer my hon. Friend to the Deputy Prime Minister's statement to the House on 13 July. By 2008, we will have more than doubled spending on new affordable housing in England since 1997, reaching £2.25 billion in 2008. This will be funded through direct investment, the private finance initiative programme and efficiencies in procurement.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will be looking carefully at how the funds for direct investment, including the additional funding for 2006–07 and 2007–08 for high demand areas, are split between regions. This needs to reflect the pattern of needs between regions and the Government's national priorities and targets. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is looking to complete this work by the end of the year.