BUILDING COUNCIL HOUSES

That this House welcomes the proposals by the Housing Minister to allow councils to control their own housing finances, formulate long-term financial plans and start building again; warns that the pent-up demand for council housing is enormous and growing and the need for a big building programme to stimulate the economy is urgent; therefore urges the Government to consult quickly on its proposals, so as to put legislation forward in the Queen's Speech; and suggests that the Government provides interim measures, funding and increased allowances to councils in the October subsidy determination to get a big council house building programme underway with maximum speed and scale and to fulfil the pledge to fully fund Decent Homes improvements.