HC Deb 06 March 1987 vol 111 cc726-7W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the income other than rent income, which will be available to the Basildon district council following transfer of current housing assets of the Commission for New Towns in Basildon to the council; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

No decision has been taken to transfer any Commission for the New Towns housing at Basildon to the district council. If, following consultation with the tenants and others, the council were to take over some or all of the new town housing, under the transfer scheme procedure provided for in part III of the New Towns Act 1981, it would receive, in addition to the rent income, an increased level of housing subsidy. The exact amount of the increase would have to be settled in discussion with the council before any decision was taken to direct the preparation of a transfer scheme.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of the Commission for New Towns housing assets in Basildon.

Mr. John Patten

No decision has been taken about the future ownership of the new town housing at Basildon, and none will be made until tenants and others have been consulted. I want there to be a choice between transfer to the council and disposal of the houses to alternative landlords.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the rent income per year from the houses and flats owned by the Commission for New Towns in Basildon; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The estimated rent income due to the Commission for the new Towns in 1986–87 in respect of the houses and flats which it owns in Basildon is £15,371,000. This disregards voids arrears and rent rebates.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what number of dwellings are currently owned by the Commission for New Towns in Basildon; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The total number of dwellings for rent owned by the Commission for the New Towns in Basildon was 14,907 on 31 December 1986, the latest date for which figures are available.