To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what assessment she has made of the likely effect on energy efficiency standards of proposed changes to grant levels for private sector housing renewal; and what discussions she has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on this matter; (167884)

There are no new proposals for private-sector housing renewal policy. ODPM circular 05/2003 “Housing Renewal” includes advice on how local authorities should link their housing renewal policies with social care, health, fuel poverty and energy efficiency strategies. My Department has allocated £10.2 billion for regional housing funding for 2008-11 for housing capital programmes, including those which address the condition of private- sector housing stock.

No final decisions have been made on funding for private-sector housing renewal. We are currently considering advice from the regional assemblies on funding priorities for their areas.