§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the relationship between capital and renovation grant programmes in relation to(a) local authority housing and (b) community care.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesLocal housing authorities are expected to formulate strategies and capital programmes to meet the housing needs of their areas, including those arising from community care, in conjunction with other interested parties locally. These plans cover expenditure on the authorities' own housing stock and on renovation grants to the private sector. The Government provide support for capital programmes through credit approvals and grants, including specified capital grants towards renovation grant costs. Authorities also finance expenditure from their own resources.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that training in housing management includes specific provision relating to(a) housing needs and (b) community care.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThe Department encourages local housing authorities to formulate comprehensive training strategies capable of developing the skill necessary to deliver an effective housing service. We would expect training provision to address issues such as housing needs and community care.