HC Deb 24 February 2004 vol 418 cc390-1W
Mr. Lilley

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what(a) estimate and (b) provision he has made for expenditure by local authorities on opening sites for temporary accommondation by Travellers in the coming financial year. 155549]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has made £8 million available for 2004–05 via the Gypsy Sites Refurbishment Grant. Bids for 2004–05 are currently being evaluated.

It is for local authorities to determine, based on an assessment of need, whether they will bid for funding from this grant, or make provision from their own resources.