To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much money has been allocated for (a) housing improvements and (b) urban renewal areas in the Portsmouth area in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [104944]

The housing capital allocations made to Portsmouth in the years since 1997–98 are as follows:

	£ million
1997–98	7.3
1998–99	8.7
1999–2000	8.9
2000–01	12.9
2001–02	16.6
2002–03	16.7
2003–04	15.4

The figures cover housing annual capital guidelines (which include an element to be financed from authorities' capital receipts); the major repairs allowance; the Capital Receipts Initiative; and support for private sector renewal, disabled facilities and Cash Incentive Scheme grants. Estate Action scheme funding is excluded. There is no separate ring-fenced funding to support renewal areas. The reduction in 2003–04 mainly reflects a change in the local government capital finance system, which means the housing annual capital guidelines allocation no longer include an element assumed to be financed from authorities capital receipts.