The funding will also go a long way in helping councils increase the proportion of vulnerable people living in private sector homes in a decent condition. In November last year Communities and Local Government (CLG) for the first time asked the East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) to advise how these resources should be divided up amongst their local authorities (LAs). Confirmation of the grants will be made during the next few days.
While the majority of support will go towards the LAs general housing investment programmes some of the money will support specific schemes, such as:
- Decent Homes for Vulnerable Households in the Private Sector. EMRA estimates that in order to meet the Public Service Agreement 7 (PSA7) target in the region a total of 14,693 homes would have to be made decent between now and 2010. EMRA has estimated that £17m is needed in 2007/08 to work towards achieving this.
- Housing Market Renewal Pilots. EMRA recommends £9m in 2007/08 to fund the three Derby and Mansfield pilots.
- Research / Sub-Regional Working. EMRA recommends £700k to support research and sub-regional working.
