§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of section 16 and section 87 funding for tenant participation initiatives.
§ Sir George YoungSupport in the form of grants is available both directly and indirectly to tenants to encourage and develop greater tenant participation in the management of local authority and housing association housing. The powers to pay grant derive from section 429A of the Housing Act 1985—as inserted by section 16 of the Housing and Planning Act 1986—and from section 87 of the Housing Associations Act 1985 respectively.
With the introduction of the right to manage on 1 April 1994, section 16 grant will be focused increasingly on the development of tenant management organisations. Grant provision of £6.4 million is available during 1994–95.
Housing association tenant participation is sponsored by the Housing Corporation. In 1994–95 the corporation expects to spend £2.4 million in providing grants under section 87. The emphasis of this programme is on the establishment of tenants groups and for aid to housing associations wishing to involve tenants in the management of their homes.