§ Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the answer of 26 January, Official Report, c. 670, in what ways the need for expenditure by local authorities on defective housing is currently being taken into account in determining housing investment programme allocations; and what changes in method are proposed in the light of the Government's proposed legislation.
§ Sir George YoungFor 1984–85, the need for expenditure by local authorities on defective housing was taken into account in determining housing investment programme allocations within the local discretionary element. In order to allow adequate account to be taken of this need the proportion of authorities' allocations determined on a discretionary basis in regions outside London was increased from 40 per cent. for 1983–84 to 50 per cent. for 1984–85. We intend again to consult the local authority associations about arrangements for future years, including the scope for taking account of this need within the generalised needs index. Those consultations will take account of the proposed legislation to which the hon. Member refers.