§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made on the introduction of a new regime for tenant participation grants, as recommended in the review of housing co-operatives; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. ChopeThe then Minister for Housing, the Earl of Caithness, announced on 27 June the Government's acceptance of the recommendation of the report of the committee which reviewed housing co-operatives in England, "Tenants in the Lead".
I have today issued a detailed consultation paper which sets out proposals for a new grant regime under section 16 of the Housing and Planning Act 1986. It proposes that, from April next year, local authority tenants will be able to receive assistance direct from the Department and from their council to develop housing co-operatives and other forms of tenant control considered in the review. The Housing Corporation is already consulting on its new grant arrangements for housing association tenants.
I am pleased to announce that £3.25 million will be available next year for tenant participation grants. Further provision will be made by the Housing Corporation for grants for tenant participation in the housing association sector. This major increase in resources demonstrates the Government's commitment to promote and develop new housing co-operatives and alternative forms of tenant participation.