16. To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the current timetable is for the revision of regional spatial strategies. (295536)

Good progress has been made in completing the first round of revisions to the eight Regional Spatial Strategies which cover England.

To date six regions have published their final revisions as follows:

12 May 2008: East of England

21 May 2008: Yorkshire and Humber

15 July 2008: North East

30 September 2008: North West

12 March 2009: East Midlands

6 April 2009: South East.

The west midlands is taking a phased approach to the revision of its RSS:

Phase 1 covering the black country was finalised on 15 January 2008.

Phase 2 which covers wider housing issues among other things has been through an examination in public and I am currently considering the panel’s report published in September. I expect to consult on any proposed changes in the new year and publish the final plan later in 2010.

The south west RSS was due to be published last summer. However in the light of a legal judgment on sustainability appraisal we have agreed to do some further work and consultation and aim to publish it in 2010.

19. To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what changes to housing targets in Solihull are to be proposed in the phase 2 revision of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the West Midlands as a result of the report by Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners. (295539)

The independent panel examining the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy has recommended that the housing targets for Solihull should be increased from 7,600 to 10,500. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is now considering his Proposed Changes, which will be published for consultation following completion of sustainability appraisal and habitats regulation assessments.