§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he will take to ensure sustained investment in housing in Northern Ireland(a) to tackle disrepair and (b) to reduce unfitness in the residential sector. [89602]
§ Mr. BrowneI fully recognise the need for sustained investment in housing in Northern Ireland. I will continue to argue the strongest case possible for the resources necessary to tackle disrepair and reduce unfitness.
Gross funding for housing has increased from £621 million in 2001–02 to £655 million in the current financial year, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of housing conditions, both in the public and private sectors. Included in the overall housing resources is some £43 million per annum allocated for grants to tackle unfitness in the private sector.