§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement on his policy towards urban renewal programmes based upon area schemes;
(2) how many renewal areas have been designated each year under the provisions of Local Government and Housing Act 1989
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesWe encourage local authorities to declare renewal areas where the appropriate circumstances exist. The number that have been notified to the Department each year since introduction of the 1989 Act is:
Number 1990 9 1991 27 1992 18 1993 21 1994 15 Total 80 1 To date.
§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he expects to announce the result of his consultation on private housing renewal programmes;
(2) What study he has made of the adverse effect on area renewal programmes in urban areas by a shift towards pepper potting of individual properties.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesWe are considering the responses to the consultation paper, many of which addressed the effect of the demand-led arrangements that we have at the moment on the ability of local authorities to develop renewal strategies for their areas. An announcement on the outcome of this review will be made in due course.