Written question asked by Matthew Green (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 17 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 June 2004. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 June 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what estimate he has made of (a) newly-arising need for social housing and (b) the backlog of need for social housing.

Answer: Matthew Green: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of (a) newly-arising need for social housing and (b) the backlog of need for social housing. [179886] Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not make national or regional estimates of housing need, as such estimates are unable to reflect adequately the diversity of needs and priorities at the local level. In the past, such estimates have led to the provision of new housing in areas where this did not represent the best use of resources. However, we have accepted in principle the case made by Kate Barker in her Review of Housing Supply in the UK that a significant increase in social housing is needed and will be working through the detailed implications over the next 18 months. Regional Housing Boards in drawing up Regional Housing Strategies, Regional Planning Bodies and local authorities are the main bodies charged with making assessments of housing need in order to carry out their housing functions. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does collect and publish data from local authorities on decisions made on applications for assistance under the homelessness legislation and the number of households in temporary accommodation.

Secondary information