§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many extra-care sheltered housing places were available in(a) 1997 and (b) 2001; how many are expected to be available in 2005; and what information he has collated on the waiting times for places in such schemes. [87776]
§ Mr. McNultyInformation on sheltered, or extra care housing was collected for Housing Investment Programme purposes until 2000. The number of very sheltered housing places was 18,041 in 1997 and 20,269 in 2000. Up to date figures will shortly be available from the supply mapping exercise undertaken by local authorities as part of the preparations for supporting people.
My right hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) has announced a target of increasing the levels of extra care provision by 50 per cent. on 1997 levels by 2006. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will work o ensure that the number of places available in 2005 is at least in line with this target.
No information is collected centrally on waiting times for places in extra care schemes and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.