§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many new rented housing starts he estimates will be made by(a) local authorities and (b) housing associations in 1997–98. [19214]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansHousing associations are the main providers of new subsidised housing. Housing for Wales expects to start 1,850 dwellings in its 1997–98 programme, of which up to 1,300 will be for rent. The remainder will be for low-cost home ownership. The number of starts will be increased by transfers to housing associations by those local authorities which will have bids approved under the £5.5 million home ownership, efficiency and rural housing challenge fund. No estimate is available for new rented housing starts by local authorities in 1997–98.