§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police houses are empty; and if he will make a statement; [35806]
(2) how many police houses, other than right-to-buy houses, were sold in 2000–01. [35807]
§ Mr. DenhamInformation on the number of empty police houses is not held centrally.
The number of police houses sold in 2000–01 was 620. No information is available on the terms under which the houses were sold.
In its report entitled "Action Stations—Improving the Management of the Police Estate" (published March 1999), the Audit Commission recommended that police forces identify and dispose of buildings that were unsuitable or had maintenance liabilities which were beyond the forces' means. Further it recommended that the remaining residential estate was rationalised. In some cases, for example, it may be appropriate to sell off some vacant accommodation in order to refurbish and bring back into use other accommodation.
156WIn those areas where high housing costs are hindering recruitment and retention of police officers, allocations from the starter home initiative (SHI) will help about 1,100 police staff to buy first homes over the next three years. In Surrey about 40 police staff are expected to benefit from rounds one and two of the SHI.
We have also recently agreed with the Department of Health that the role of the National Health Housing Co-ordinator will be extended to cover the police service.