§ Lord HYLTONasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the factors that in their view housing authorities should take into account when compiling their four-yearly housing investment programmes (bearing in mind the widely differing needs and circumstances of the various areas); and whether the factors will be the same ones as housing authorities already have a statutory duty to consider when inspecting their districts and assessing their housing needs.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)Guidance to local authorities on the preparation of local housing strategies and investment programmes (HIPs), including factors which might be taken into account and data to be supplied, is given in Circular 38/78Housing Strategies and Investment Programmes for Local Authorities in England: Arrangements for 1979/80, which was issued on 24th May. I am sending the noble Lord a copy. The HIP system provides authorities with 1378WA the opportunity to develop policies and expenditure proposals tailored to the particular requirements of their area. In preparing HIPs authorities are asked to make a comprehensive assessment of housing requirements covering both the public and private sectors and to draw up their own investment programme having regard to the likely contribution of other public agencies and the private sector.