§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what restrictions have been imposed on housing association maintenance budgets; what steps have been taken to assess the impact of such restrictions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNo restrictions are placed on housing association maintenance budgets. However, for the purposes of establishing associations' eligibility for deficit grants and their liability to surrender rental surpluses, the reasonableness of maintenance expenditure is assessed by reference to prescribed maximum levels known as maintenance allowances. 'These allowance levels are reviewed annually to take account of price movements, and in addition a survey of maintenance expenditure is planned this year.