§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) starts and (b) completions of Housing Association homes there have been in Flintshire in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement. [66418]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesStarts and completions achieved by Housing Associations in the last three financial years are as follows:
1997–98 1996–97 1995–96 Starts Flintshire 145 118 207 Wales 2,468 3,200 3,688 Completions Flintshire 90 213 250 Wales 2,989 3,717 3,799 Over this period Flintshire has received approximately 5 per cent. of the Housing Association programme in Wales. Resources have been made available to Housing Associations in Flintshire to achieve a similar outcome in financial year 1998–99.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales in what ways he plans to assist Flintshire County Council to repair and modernise its housing stock; and if he will make a statement. [66416]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesFlintshire County Council's Basic Credit approval (BCA) for 1999–2000 is £8.833 million. It is for the Council to decide on the capital expenditure that it wishes to support from its BCA, including housing. In addition to the BCA supplementary Credit Approvals (SCAs) of £100 million are also available to local authorities in Wales to support strategic housing projects. All local authorities have been invited to submit proposals by the end of January for the use of those SCAs.