§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce the allocation of resources to local authorities under his Department's housing partnership fund for 1996–97. [23057]
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§ Mr. CurrySome 238 schemes in 181 housing authorities will benefit from the £30 million housing partnership fund for 1996–97.
The scheme, which brings together the combined skills of the private sector, housing associations and other local organisations, continues to prove a popular and successful one. It demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting imaginative, high-quality housing projects which will be of long-lasting benefit to local communities.
The successful bids involve a wide range of innovative and valuable housing projects, which address local housing needs. This year, we have particularly focused on schemes to bring empty properties back into use.
The combination of public sector money means that up to £135 million will be invested to meet local housing need, help stimulate local economic growth and create jobs.
A list of the resources being allocated to local authorities under the housing partnership fund for 1996–97 has been placed in the Library.