HC Deb 30 November 1994 vol 250 cc732-3W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce targets for the reduction of Government Departments' empty residential property; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robert B. Jones

In response to the report of the task force on Government Departments' empty houses, the Government undertook to monitor empty residential property owned by Departments and to set annual targets. Targets for reduction in 1994–95 are set out in the table.

We will monitor performance and publish achievement against these targets at the end of the financial year.

My Department will shortly issue revised guidance for Government Departments on how to secure better use of their empty residential property. This will reflect the recommendations made by the task force. The Welsh Office will issue similar guidance separately.

Notes

  1. 1. Includes properties to be sold, leased or reoccupied.
  2. 2. Excludes figures for the provincial police authorities.
  3. 3. Targets relate to stock figures at 1 April 1994. More properties will become empty during the year as others are occupied or disposed of.
  4. 4. Most up-to-date figures available are as at 31 December 1992.
  5. 5. Excludes bed-spaces in hostels.
  6. 6. NHS figures included in the stock are as at 1 April 1993.
  7. 7. Excludes properties awaiting demolition or conversion to non-residential use.