§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he received from Bassetlaw district council in 1977 for extra cash for council house building; what money was allocated and how much of this has been spent.
§ Mr. ArmstrongIn the financial year 1977.78 Bassetlaw district council asked for an allocation of £2.832 million for council house building, including land purchase. £2.491 million was allocated. In November 1977 the council feared its allocation would be inadequate and was assured that any overspend on the approved programme would be authorised. In the event, the year's expenditure totalled £1.707 million.
This was the first year of cash allocations but as a transitional measure the 238W earlier system for council house buliding whereby authorities were allocated a fixed number of houses for which they could accept tenders also operated. For the period 1st January 1977 to 31st March 1978 Bassetlaw was allocated 337 dwellings. In May 1977, following representations by the district council, in which it was supported by my hon. Friend, and the surrender of part of their allocations by other authorities, Bassetlaw's allocation was increased to 616 units. In the 15 month period the council accepted tenders in respect of 315 dwellings.