To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department has allocated to redeem the housing debt of local authorities which have transferred their council housing to housing associations in (a) 2009-10 and (b) each of the next three years; and what arrangements have been made with the Scottish Executive to redeem such debts in respect of local authorities in Scotland.

The Department has an annual voted provision of £616 million for overhanging debt payments which is adjusted as each year unfolds. The amount of debt the Department has paid to the Public Works Loans Boards in respect of completed housing stock transfers so far this financial year is £126,699,339.51, and expects to make a further payment of approximately £149 million for other transfers due to complete by 31 March 2010. For 2010-11 financial year the Department is forecasting debt payments in the region of £250 million. Figures for subsequent years are not available.

The Department is not responsible for any arrangements for overhanging debt in respect of local authorities in Scotland as this responsibility is devolved to the Scottish Executive.