§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further initiatives are planned to encourage low-cost housing for sale and for rent.
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§ Mr. StanleyThe Government have introduced a wide range of measures to encourage the provision of low-cost housing for sale and to remove disincentives to making rented accommodation available in the private sector. Most recently, a special £5 million allocation was announced last month for low-cost home ownership schemes in the inner cities in 1982–83, for which authorities have been invited to submit bids. Next month the Department will be publishing a booklet to explain shared ownership in question and answer form. The Housing Corporation's approved development programme for 1982–82 announced yesterday in the answer given to my hon. Friend the member for Reading, North (Mr. Durant) will permit significantly increased spending in real terms by housing associations next year on low-cost home ownership and on fair rent schemes including hostels. As announced by my right hon. Friend on 21 December—[Vol. 15, c. 326–28]—the gross provision for local authority housing investment in 1982–83 shows an increase in real terms over the previous year. Other initiatives are being considered.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many presentations to local authorities to show them how the building industry can be of assistance in the construction of low-cost housing took place in 1981 and where; how many more are planned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyNine presentations were held last year. They were in Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Andover, Northampton, Bury St. Edmunds, Solihull and West Malling.
Two further presentations are planned in Nottingham on 3 February and in London on 5 March.