To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reasons the north-east regional capital allocation in private- sector housing stock improvement and regeneration has been reduced; what representations she has received on this reduction; and if she will make a statement.

holding answer 2 March 2007

The north-east regional capital allocation for private-sector housing stock improvement and regeneration was reduced to reflect a shortfall in anticipated funding drawn from right-to-buy receipts. Even after the reduction, the north-east share of the regional housing pot represents an increase of 2 per cent. in comparison with 2006-07.

All regions, except the north-west (which did not receive a year-on-year increase in its regional housing pot allocations for 2006-07 and 2007-08) have had their allocation reduced by comparable amounts. The regional assemblies were informed of the reduced allocations in November 2006. The one representation received on the reductions was a letter from the North East assembly dated 19 February 2007.