§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the reasons for the change in housing waiting lists in the South West Region in the last year; and how he intends to reduce the waiting lists. [185184]
§ Keith HillSocial housing waiting lists and the reasons for changes in them are a key part of the evidence considered by local housing authorities while carrying out assessments of local housing need. These assessments are used by the authorities in developing their housing strategies and should also influence local planning policies for the provision of affordable housing.
The provision of new affordable housing is the number one priority of the South West Housing Body who will be investing £188 million in the financial years 2004–05 and 2005–06 to deliver approximately 6,000 affordable homes within the South West.
10W
§ Keith HillPlanning Policy Guidance Note 3: "Housing" sets a national target that by 2008, 60 per cent. of additional housing should be provided on previously-developed land and through conversions of existing, buildings. In the Spending Review statement published in the House on 12 July 2004, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the 60 per cent. target. The provisional estimate for 2003 is 66 per cent.
§ Mr. Tony ClarkeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many lettings have been made by(a) local authorities and (b) housing associations in Northampton in each of the last five years, broken down by category. [184843]
§ Keith HillInformation on the number of lettings to new tenants made by local authorities and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in the Northampton area, broken down by category excluding any transfers and mutual exchanges, is tabled as follows: