To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was awarded in disabled facilities grants in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2006-07; and what the average size of grant was in that period. (187423)

In 2006-07 the Department awarded £693,000 to Newcastle upon Tyne city council to contribute to its disabled facilities grant (DFG) programme.

Authorities submit data to the Department on DFG expenditure and the number of grants through the annual housing strategy statistical appendix (HSSA). The 2006-07 return is due to be published shortly. The latest available data are for 2005-06, where the average grant was £,500.