§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his policy is on public housing investment in(a) the south east and (b) the south-west; how many homes were built in the south-west in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the reasons underlying the trend. [126932]
§ Keith HillThe policy of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on public housing investment is set out in "Sustainable Communities in the South East and Sustainable Communities in the South West", which made clear the actions that will be taken on a regional basis to deliver a step change in addressing the balance between supply and demand of housing.
Funding for the provision of affordable housing in the south-west has increased to £81 million for 2003–04, compared to just under £62 million for 2002–03. The programme is expected to deliver around 2,000 new affordable homes for the region in 2003–04. Funding for the provision of affordable housing in the south-east has increased to £146 million, compared to just under £114 million for 2002–03. The programme is expected to deliver around 3,000 new affordable homes for the region in 2003–04.
The table shows the supply of new dwellings built in the south-west in each of the last 10 years.