§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his policy concerning the modernisation of housing estates, with particular reference to Flintshire. [47422]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsWe aim to tackle the worst problems on local authority housing estates by co-ordinating efforts to raise the quality of the housing stock, along with social and environmental improvements. In this context, it is for councils to determine their own spending priorities in the light of local needs within the resources available to them. For 1998–we were able to increase local authority housing capital provision to £214.2 million, an increase of 11 per cent. on inherited spending plans. Provision for future years is being considered in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
For 1998–99 Flintshire County Council received –1.331 million as the housing element of its Basic Credit Approval; an additional £1.881 million under the Capital Receipts Initiative for housing and housing related works; 390W and an allowance within the housing subsidy calculation of £6.874 million for the management and maintenance of council housing. The Council also received £6.151 million for the renovation of private housing and disabled facilities grants. The Council did not submit a bid under the Estates Partnership Programme.