§ Lord Selkirk of Douglasasked Her Majesty's Government:
Within what time they propose to write off the housing debt of Glasgow City Council; and how. [HL441]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office (Lord Sewel)Glasgow City Council is undertaking feasibility work in connection with a possible transfer of the council's housing stock into community ownership. A firm bid for assistance with debt cannot be made until the feasibility work has been completed and the council has decided whether or not to proceed with a transfer. We have indicated that, where transfer proposals represent good value for money and are selected to proceed, we will be prepared to provide assistance with debt in those cases in which the debt exceeds the receipt obtained by the council. Detailed arrangements will need to be agreed in individual cases and be affordable.