§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give consideration to the difficulties caused to housing associations when they are expected to start work on projects based on agreement in principle, but with no guarantee of funding until completion.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI am not aware of any such difficulties. The grant procedures operated by Scottish Homes do not allow housing associations to start site works until the scheme has been approved, and a formal commitment to funding has been given. Grant is paid out, thereafter, in tranches, as the works proceed.