How is the backlog of repairs to be addressed if funds are moving from capital to revenue?
Resources to fund the MRA allocations will be transferred from the capital line to the revenue account. Capital resources will continue to be allocated through the Housing Investment Programme in 2001/2. These resources will enable local authorities to reduce the backlog of repairs, as well as undertake improvement work to the stock, providing support to the private sector and on building of new social housing units. All authorities which own stock will receive an MRA to cover future arising need to spend on maintaining the condition of the stock which is based on an estimate of the expenditure required to replace building elements when they fall due. However, authorities can use these resources in whatever way they think most effective to meet the priorities identified in their Business Plans and investment strategies. This might be to deal with the most serious disrepair or finance improvements.
