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16 Oct 2003 : Column 350W—continued
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
Building Regulations (Disabled People)
Mr. Kidney: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the levels of knowledge among builders of the housing design needs of disabled people. [130979]
Phil Hope: No direct assessment is made. However, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister undertakes extensive contacts with builders' organisations such as the House Builders Federation and the National House-Building Council. Officials of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister discussed with builders from time to time their understanding of the Building Regulations, including Part M, 'Access and Facilities for Disabled People'.
Mr. Kidney: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received on the adequacy of Part M of the Building Regulations in securing liveable accommodation for disabled people. [130980]
Phil Hope: The Requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations relating to housing were introduced in 1999, and are intended to make it reasonably safe and convenient for disabled people to visit new dwellings and to use the principal storey. The provisions are expected to enable occupants to cope better with reducing mobility and to 'stay put' longer in their own homes. Such representations as the Office of
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the Deputy Prime Minister receive range from those who feel Part M should not apply to dwellings to those who would like to see it extended in different ways.
Buildmark
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the nature of representations received in the last 12 months in respect of the Buildmark warranty scheme; and what major areas of concern were expressed in these representations. [132514]
Phil Hope: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 6 October 2003, Official Report, column 1025W.
The matters raised included instances where defects in homes were not detected, where claims fell outside the terms of the cover and where the resolution service offered under the scheme was unable to settle a dispute between the owner and the builder, or did so only after some delay. The number of cases brought to the attention of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is small, bearing in mind that, at any one time, there are approximately 1.5 million homes covered by the scheme. However, any instance where defects come to light in a new home after hand over, or where appropriate remedial work is not carried out promptly, is regrettable. The house building industry must work for continuous improvement in quality of construction. The Buildmark scheme is helping them to do this.
High Hedges
Lynne Jones: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many representations his Department has received in support of legislation on high hedges from (a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public since the fall of the Private Member's Bill on High Hedges on 20 June 2003. [131914]
Yvette Cooper: Since 20 June 2003, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received (a) 402 representations from hon. Members and (b) 182 representations from members of the public, concerning high hedges, almost all in favour of the legislation.
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Official Residences
Mr. Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the (a) maintenance, (b) running and (c) capital costs associated with each of his official residences in each year since 1997. [91630]
Yvette Cooper: The cost of my right. hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's accommodation including rent, security and maintenance costs, which include capital works, in Admiralty House is tabled as follows:
| £ | |
|---|---|
| 1998–99 | 172,572 |
| 1999–2000 | 301,615 |
| 2000–01 | 224,677 |
| 2001–02 | 211,082 |
| 2002–03 | 260,916 |
The costs are based on an apportionment of the costs of running Admiralty House and are charged to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister by the Cabinet Office who manage the building.
In addition my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has the use of Dorneywood which is not owned by the Government, and therefore there is no cost to public funds
South East Housing Growth (Water Supply)
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effect of the projected housing numbers forecast for the South East on the level of water supply; and if he will make a statement. [131514]
Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to ensuring that projected growth in housing numbers across the South East has the necessary water and sewerage services. In the growth areas, proposals for increased housing are based on studies which assess infrastructure requirements including water, and as more specific locations for growth are defined in local studies and plans, the requirements can be considered in terms of specific capacity increases required.
Together with regional and local partners, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has held and will continue discussions with the respective water undertakers and environmental regulators over the level of water supplies needed to meet the projected housing growth across the South East.