Inner Cities

HC Deb 15 July 1987 vol 119 cc523-4W

19. Mr. Fatchett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about his plans to improve the quality of housing in the inner cities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

I receive many representations on this subject. The Government are presently considering two proposals for improving housing in the Chapeltown area of Leeds. I am particularly encouraged at the possibility of private sector involvement in refurbishment work in the Hillcrest area.

27. Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the present scale and allocation of urban programme funds for inner city renewal.

Mr. Trippier

Yes. The resources are subject to the normal annual review in the public expenditure survey.

47. Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to speed up renewal of inner city housing in areas where ownership is split between occupiers, and tenants of housing associations and private landlords.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Government are taking forward a range of housing initiatives which will contribute to the renewal of inner-city housing. These include reform of the improvement grant system to target resources where the needs are greatest; a new power for local authorities to provide assistance for privately rented accommodation; deregulation of new private sector lettings so as to bring new investment into the private rented sector and more private investment into housing associations; and housing action trusts which will take responsibility for run-down housing in designated areas, improve it, and pass it on to different tenures and ownerships. The existing range of inner-city programmes will also be available to play a part in this process of renewal.

50. Mr. Favell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the representations which he has received on his recent proposals for the regeneration of the inner cities.

Mr. Trippier

Our manifesto proposals have been well received.