To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the policy of the Newcastle Gateshead Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder to achieve 25 per cent. affordable housing to rent or buy in its new, replacement or regenerated housing developments was set (a) with Government approval and (b) after Government guidance. (140190)

All the housing market renewal pathfinders have developed evidence based strategies to address the housing needs and aspirations of all their residents and deliver a mix of dwelling types appropriate to their markets. As part of these strategies, pathfinders are expected to use their market intelligence and the views gathered in their engagement with communities to address the question of affordability in their intervention areas. The overall strategies have been approved by Government.