§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent discretion is exercised in the determination of the amount of housing association grant available in each district council area; and what performance criteria are used in the exercise.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 17 February 1993]: My right hon. Friend approves Scottish Homes' total expenditure programme each year. It is for Scottish Homes to decide on the allocation of funds to specific areas and projects. In determining the amount of housing association grant made available to specific areas and consequently to individual housing associations, Scottish Homes will take into account a range of factors. These include detailed background to projects in respect of associations' aims and objectives; ensuring value for money and the effective use of public resources; target client groups and any partnership arrangements, for example with local authorities, the details of which will normally be included in business plans and programme agreements with individual associations.