HC Deb 28 May 2004 vol 422 c252W
Simon Hughes

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's projections are for the demand for affordable housing in Greater London for each of the next five years; and what estimate he has made of the public subsidy which will be required to meet that demand in each year. [177049]

Keith Hill

The Mayor of London's Plan states that an additional 22,400 households a year of all types will need to be accommodated in London over the next 15 years. In addition there is a backlog of unmet need of 112,000 households. The London Housing Board has begun the preparation of the next long-term housing strategy for the capital to cover the period up to 2016. This will take account of the detailed housing requirements study the Greater London Authority is currently carrying out. On 21 October last year my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced £2.1 billion for investment in housing in London for the next two years. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister also made an announcement on 24 March 2004 about the Housing Corporation's Annual Development Programme for affordable housing in the capital for 2004–05 and 2005–06.

Mr. Oaten

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to provide additional resources for affordable housing in those parts of the South East where housing is least affordable. [177487]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has set out in the Sustainable Communities Plan proposals to tackle the supply of affordable housing.

£5 billion is being invested in housing over the next two years (2004–06) and of this over £730 million is targeted at the South East region. The role of the regions has been strengthened to ensure this investment is more effectively targeted towards local and regional investment priorities with Regional Housing Boards advising Ministers on the priorities for investment within the region through their Regional Housing Strategies.

The Government have accepted that there is a case for increased investment in social housing and has said it will begin to address this in the 2004 Spending Review.