§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if regional development agencies will be required to consider housing demand and need as part of their regeneration strategies. [46013]
§ Angela EagleThe main vehicle for considering regional housing demand, and for planning for its provision, will continue to be Regional Planning Guidance (RPG). Regional Development Agencies will need to have regard to RPG, and to development plans, in formulating their regional economic strategies and in carrying out their regeneration functions.
§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the regional housing statement currently being drawn up by Government offices of the regions and regional offices of the Housing Corporation will be coordinated with the formulated strategy and activities of relevant RDAs. [45955]
§ Angela EagleThe regional housing statements produced by some Government Offices for the first time in 1998, in association with the Housing Corporation and other regional partners, are intended to supplement national guidance to local authorities on Housing Investment Programmes, by highlighting issues specific to individual regions. We are assessing their value and considering whether to extend them to all regions. If they are produced for future years, they will need to take account of the work of RDAs, and where appropriate, of RDA's regional strategies.