§ Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new housing associations have been accepted for registration by the Housing Corporation in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and what is the shortest, longest and average period between receipt of the initial application and notification of acceptance or refusal for registration.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe number of associations registered in the last 3 years is as follows:
1976–77 782 1977–78 287 1978–79 162 Analysis of 1978–79 registrations shows that the periods between application for registration and notification of decision were:
- Shortest—18 days.
- Longest—3 years.
- Average—3 months.
The longer periods are often due in part to circumstances beyond the control of the housing corporation, such as the need for applicant associations to amend their rules.