§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what are the minimum and maximum numbers of possible board members of(a) urban development corporations, (b) housing action trusts and (c) the Housing Corporation; what guidelines he has issued concerning the composition of these boards; and what specific guidance has been given on how many board members should be (i) from ethnic minorities, (ii) women, (iii) from the local business sector, (iv) from local authorities and (v) from trade unions;
(2) what are the minimum and maximum numbers of board members of English Partnerships; what guidelines he has issued concerning the composition of these boards; and what specific guidance has been given on how many board members should be (i) from ethnic minorities, (ii) women, (iii) from the local business sector, (iv) from local authorities and (v) from trade unions.
§ Mr. BaldrySchedule 26 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, Schedule 6 of the Housing Associations Act 1985, Schedule 7 of the Housing Act 1988 and Schedule 17 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 set out the statutory requirements for making appointments to urban development corporations, the Housing Corporation, housing action trusts and English Partnerships (Urban Regeneration Agency), respectively.
The minimum number of board members required, by statute, by an urban development corporation is a chairman and deputy chairman and five members, the maximum is a chairman and deputy chairman and 11 members. The minimum number of board members required, by statute, by a housing action trust is a chairman and five members, the maximum is a chairman and 11 members. The maximum number of board members required by the Housing Corporation is 15. The minimum number of board members required, by statute, for English Partnerships is six, including a chairman; no maximum number is specified.
Appointments to my Department's public bodies are made from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. In the light of the founding legislation for urban development corporations and housing action trusts, local business people and local authority members are commonly appointed to these boards.
§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria are used in the selection of the 821W chair and the executive members of (a) the Housing Corporation, (b) English Partnerships and (c) the urban development corporations, in respect of relevant experience and qualifications; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryWhen making appointments to the boards of these bodies my right hon. Friend has regard to the range of skills and expertise necessary for the boards to carry out their functions effectively.