§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress with the implementation of the Communities Plan. [106014]
§ Mr. McNultyThe investment set out in the Communities Plan comes on stream at the start of financial year 2003–04. Work is proceeding across the whole agenda of the Plan and milestones have been achieved in a number of areas.
Most of the market renewal pathfinders have now been established with early action proceeding in these areas alongside finalisation of strategic schemes.
In the growth areas the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is in discussion with local partners about strengthened local delivery arrangements.
The Housing Corporation's 2003–04 programme for investment in affordable housing has been announced. The challenge fund element will deliver some 8000 homes, of which about half will be for key workers, and some 2,500 will be built using modern methods of construction.
On 31 March we published our Housing Bill. This includes proposals for licensing of landlords and changes to the rules relating to the Right to Buy.
The home ownership task force has been launched, and regional housing boards have been set up in the regions.