§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money has been made available under the estate action programme; how many schemes have been or are being supported; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. YeoThe estate action programme has now passed an important milestone—over £1 billion has been allocated to or earmarked for about 1,000 schemes since the programme began in 1986.
On 11 February 1991, the programme was relaunched with tougher criteria. We are now looking for a strategic approach which promotes comprehensive regeneration, an effective partnership between local authorities, tenants and the private sector, and housing investment which complements other urban policies.
We are backing this with substantially increased resources—in 1992–93, the estate action budget will rise to £364 million. I have been encouraged by the extent to which the approach we are advocating is reflected in the schemes put forward by authorities for inclusion in next year's programme.