§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's policy towards the building by local authorities of rental accommodation.
§ Sir George YoungIt is for local authorities to determine their own priorities for housing capital expenditure within the resources available. However, we have encouraged them to concentrate on the improvement of their own stock and on assistance to private owners with grants. The Government's policy is that housing associations should be the main providers of new subsidised homes for rent, with local authorities fulfilling a mainly enabling role.