§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how the Government will increase the supply of affordable houses as recommended in the Barker Report. [144196]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister welcomes the interim report by the Barker Review and look forward to seeing what policy recommendations emerge in the Kate Barker's final report.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has already taken significant steps to tackle the shortage of affordable housing. In all around £5 billion is being allocated over the next two years—2004–05 and 2005–06 to support housing investment in the English regions.
In addition we have consulted on a proposed update to Planning Policy Guidance note 3: Housing. The aim of the update is to provide a framework that will secure more affordable housing without affecting the overall supply of housing, deliver a better mix of housing in new developments in terms of size, type and affordability, and ensure that the needs of the whole community are addressed, including for particular groups such as key workers. Affordable housing can be secured through planning obligations and we consulted on 6 November on our proposed new policy to improve negotiated planning obligations and legislation for an optional planning charge.