HC Deb 29 April 1980 vol 983 cc482-3W
Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what spending functions the Housing Corporation's funds are allocated for 1980.

Mr. Stanley

£420 million has been allocated to the Housing Corporation in 1980–81 to fund schemes by housing associations. The corporation's own administration budget, which is being put on to a cash limited grant-in-aid basis in 1980–81 for the first time is under discussion with the corporation.

Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what the staff allocation costs for the Housing Corporation for 1980 compared with 1979.

Mr. Stanley

Housing Corporation staff costs in 1979–80 were £4.37 million including salaries, travel and subsistence. The allocation for the 1980–-81 budget is under discussion with the corporation.

Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what number of staff who were employed in 1979 by the Housing Corporation are employed in the current year and are likely to be employed in 1981.

Mr. Stanley

In April 1979 the Housing Corporation employed 550 staff and in February 1980, 643. The staff turnover rate in 1979–80 was 17.9 per cent. The corporation's manpower for 1980–81 is under discussion.

Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Housing Corporation is receiving increased financial allocations; and whether the same treatment is being accorded to housing associations.

Mr. Stanley

The capital allocation made to the Housing Corporation for 1980–81 is for the funding of housing association schemes. The allocation made to the corporation is 18 per cent. below the allocation made for 1979–80, and 5 per cent. below the latest expected outturn for 1979–80, expressed at 1979 survey prices.