§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assistance he can give to areas with high house prices and low incomes to increase housing affordability; and if he will make a statement. [129156]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published the "Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future" on 5 February. This set out a range of measures to create conditions in which private house builders can increase supply and to make the best use of the existing housing stock.
In addition funding for the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme in 2003–04 has been increased to around £1.5 billion—an increase of £500 million on last year—to enable housing associations to provide homes for both rent and low cost home ownership. In all the Government will be providing around £5 billion for investment in affordable housing by 2005–06. Decisions on the allocation of these funds will be based on recommendations from the regional housing boards based on priorities identified in regional housing strategies.
The Sustainable Communities Plan announced that the Home Ownership Task Force would be examining all the various home ownership programmes and the scope for better targeting and design. The task force is due to report in the autumn.