§ 41. Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any proposals to increase the supply of low-cost rented accommodation for skilled and semi-skilled workers in south-east England.
§ Mrs. RoeAn overall increase in the supply of rented accommodation is the central objective of our proposals in the Housing Bill. This will increase job mobility.
For 1988–89 we have provided an additional £50 million for Housing Corporation support for housing association schemes for rent and for sale and plan further increases to take the total programme to £850 million by 1990–91. Some 45 per cent. of the corporation's rented programmes are allocated to London and the home counties and the proposals in the Housing Bill will help housing associations attract private finance to provide more homes for rent within the reach of low income groups.
The Local Government Act 1988 includes an explicit power for local authorities to assist in the provision of privately let accommodation, subject to my right hon. Friend's consent. This power could be used to help provide accommodation such as that described by the hon. Member.