§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each NHS trust, the value of land504W and buildings disposed of in the last three years; what targets he has set for the next three years; and what proposals he has to amend the guidance on disposals so that more affordable housing can be provided for low paid employees in the NHS. [76389]
§ Ms BlearsA list of National Health Service trust disposals by value during the last three years has been placed in the Library.
The Department does not set targets for NHS trust disposals of land and buildings. Guidance on the disposals of surplus NHS property is contained in Estatecode which is continually kept under review.
All NHS trusts have to prepare an estates strategy. As part of that strategy the need for residential accommodation for NHS staff has to be assessed before any assets are declared surplus. However, in some instances it may be more appropriate for the land or asset to be developed in a wider context of sustainable communities of which a component could be housing for NHS staff.
The Department is keen to ensure that an adequate provision of affordable housing for NHS employees is available. Since publication of the NHS Plan agreements have been reached and/or accommodation made available for over 2,000 additional residential units in London. Fifty per cent, of the £250 million starter homes initiative has been allocated to nurses and health care workers.