§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional financial resources will be allocated to the provision of sufficient social housing units to meet housing demand in Northern Ireland. [89600]
§ Mr. BrowneFunding of £66 million is being allocated in 2003–04 for the provision of social housing units in Northern Ireland. In addition to this some £24 million will be levered in by private finance through housing associations bringing the total budget to £90 million.
The requirement for social housing units to meet housing demand is measured by an independently assessed Net Stock Model. This Net Stock Model is currently being reviewed as recommended in the recent Needs and Effectiveness Evaluation studies into housing in Northern Ireland.
I will consider whatever additional financial resources may be necessary, when the results of the net stock model review have been received (early autumn 2003).