§ Mr. HayesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how many private sector housing initiatives have been launched in each of the last 10 years; and what local authority funds have been committed to private sector housing initiatives(a) in each of the last 10 years and (b) since April 2002; [141019]
(2) how many private sector housing initiatives have been launched since April 2002. [141020]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and its predecessor departments have launched many private sector housing initiatives over the last 10 years to improve the condition and management of the stock, and the rights and responsibilities of those who occupy it. These include
measures enabling local authorities to adopt schemes to register houses in multiple occupation, and improve their condition, in 1996. These will be succeeded by licensing provisions in the forthcoming Housing Bill;the sustainable home ownership initiative, in partnership with the lending and insurance industries, to improve the quality and take up of mortgage protection payment insurance, in 1999;new, wider powers for local authorities to provide assistance to owners and tenants to repair, improve and adapt their homes, in 2002;589Wimproved rights for leaseholders, including a new right to manage, improved enfranchisement and lease extension procedures and greater rights against unreasonable service charges, from 2002;pilot projects in five areas of low demand to help local authorities make best use of existing powers to improve the condition and management of the private rented sector, in 2003.In addition, a number of initiatives have been piloted during this period, including Home Information Packs and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also been involved in other initiatives launched, such as the National Approved Letting Scheme.
Other measures will be included in the forthcoming Housing Bill.
The condition of the private sector housing stock will also be improved as a result of initiatives including:
neighbourhood renewal, through key mechanisms such as the Neighbourhood Renewal Funds and New Deal for Communities Programme, which can contribute to regenerating private sector housing;the nine market renewal pathfinders, which will help to tackle low demand and abandonment, including in private sector stock.Detailed information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost in respect of all local authority funding for private sector housing. However, information for expenditure on private sector renewal assistance is tabled as follows:
Amount (£000) 1993–94 461,914 1994–95 436,382 1995–96 401,981 1996–97 381,094 1997–98 310,300 1998–99 313,943 1999–2000 319,562 2000–01 296,831 2001–02 288,458 2002–03 259,102