§ 32. Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many additional dwellings for rent he estimates will be provided during 1991–92 by private landlords.
§ Sir George YoungIt is impossible to give an exact figure. We are, however, confident that the measures that we have introduced to encourage the private rented sector are having the desired effect and there is significant anecdotal evidence of increased activity in the market. In particular, business expansion scheme companies have so far raised over £700 million, sufficient to provide about 12,000 additional homes to rent.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are being taken to deal with the shortage of rented accommodation at affordable rents.
§ Sir George YoungWe have substantially increased the public resources available through the Housing Corporation for the development of new subsidised housing by housing associations from £1.1 billion last year to over £2 billion by 1993–94. Together with their increased ability to draw in private investment, this will permit an increase in output by associations from 27,000 last year to around 40,000 by 1993–94. Deregulation of the private rented sector is also making more properties available to rent. Housing benefit is available up to reasonable market rents for people who cannot afford their full housing costs.