§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidelines his Department gives in respect of the construction standards for sheltered housing; what funding his Department provides for the refurbishment of sheltered housing; and if he will make a statement. [98867]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Government are committed to the provision of social housing including sheltered accommodation and have substantially increased resources provided to local authorities and the Housing Corporation for housing investment. The Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme (ADP) may be used to refurbish sheltered housing in the ownership of a Registered Social Landlord (RSL). Since 1999 the Housing Corporation has approved some £22 million of ADP for sheltered housing accommodation schemes in respect of elderly people with warden support, and frail elderly people, improving 2,363 dwellings.
No specific guidelines are given by the Department in respect of construction standards for sheltered housing. All building work must comply with the current Building Regulations 2000. New build sheltered housing schemes funded by the Housing Corporation must comply with their Scheme Development Standards.