§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much social housing by local authority defined as rural was available to rent in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999, (e) 2000 and (f) 2001; and what proportion of such housing was filled during these years. [15907]
§ Ms KeebleI have been asked to reply.
Estimates of residential housing stock and vacancy levels are reported by local authorities annually on Housing Investment Programme returns. Total social housing stock and derived levels of occupation as at 1 April in each year, distinguishing between stock owned by local authorities and by Registered Social Landlords, in authorities categorised as either "mixed rural" or "deep rural", are as follows:
695W
Social housing stock Thousand As at 1 April Number of which occupied: (percentage) Local authority owned 1996 508.1 98.5 1997 489.0 98.4 1998 472.2 98.3 1999 436.9 98.1 2000 410.7 97.9 2001 374.1 98.0
Social housing stock Thousand As at 1 April Number of which occupied: (percentage) Registered Social Landlord owned 1996 176.4 98.6 1997 193.5 98.5 1998 206.9 98.6 1999 235.1 98.5 2000 254.8 98.5 2001 291.2 98.6 A certain level of vacancy is a usual feature of housing management, reflecting turnover and movement within the stock, including those vacant for very short periods between tenants and those requiring minor repairs before re-letting.