§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to ensure that the increased funding announced in the Spending Review 2002 is used to provide good quality social housing for rent. [88543]
§ Mr. McNultyThe 2002 Spending Review settlement provided £1.4 billion extra for housing, taking the total housing spend to over £4.5 billion (rising to £5.9 billion when the Major Repair Allowance is taken into account) by 2005–06.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has channelled £365 million from the Spending Review to the Housing Corporation's approved development programme for 2003–04 to provide housing for rent and low cost home ownership. It must, as a minimum, comply with the corporation's scheme development standards.
The remainder of the funding from the Spending Review will be allocated when my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister reports to the House with a comprehensive long term programme of action to tackle a number of housing and planning issues in order to deliver a step change in the Government's policies for building successful, thriving and inclusive communities in all regions. The statement, which will be made shortly, will set out how the additional funding announced in the 2002 spending review will be used and what it will buy over the three years up to 2005–06.