§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how many local authorities have transferred the whole or part of their housing stock in each year since 1990; [133768]
(2) how many local councils have transferred (a) all and (b) some of their housing stock to (i) housing associations and (ii) bodies other than housing associations. [133772]
§ Keith HillThe number of local authorities who have transferred whole or part of their housing stock in each year since 1990 are tabled as follows:
Number of Authorities transferring stock 1990 8 1991 5 1992 2 1993 5 1994 12 1995 9 1996 10 1997 5 1998 15 1999 24 2000 18 2001 15 2002 16 2003 110 1 to date A local authority may only transfer its tenanted stock to a Registered Social Landlord.
722W
§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will hold discussions with representatives of local councils wishing to retain control of their housing stock. [133769]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister would welcome discussions with local authorities to discuss the options for delivering the decent homes target.
§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what central government financial inducements are available to local councils when transferring housing stock to(a) housing associations and (b) other outside bodies. [133771]
§ Keith HillThere are no central government financial inducements available to a local authority when transferring its housing stock. A local authority may only transfer its tenanted housing stock to a Registered Social Landlord, a housing organisation registered with the Housing Corporation, of which a housing association is one such organisation.
§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will take steps to ensure that local authorities which retain control of their housing stock receive the same financial assistance as local authorities which transfer their housing stock. [134014]
§ Keith HillThe Sustainable Communities Plan made it clear that local authorities seeking additional investment in their housing stock, in order to meet the decent home standard, are able to choose from three options: stock transfer, the Private Finance Initiative and setting up an Arms Length Management Organisation.
The resources available for social housing, although greatly increased under this Government, are limited. To make best use of those resources the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will only provide additional funding to councils that separate their landlord and strategic functions. This provides a strong incentive to better performance; ensures a sharper focus on the two distinct housing functions; and guarantees that tenants have a greater role in the future management of their homes.
In a number of cases local authorities are able to meet the decent homes standard out of their mainstream funding.