The results of the statutory assessment of local authority housing need, which was undertaken by local authorities in March 1999, indicated that a total of 39,176 households were in need of housing, of which 28,027 consisted of two or more persons. The results of the statutory assessment of local authority housing need, which was undertaken by local authorities in March 2002, indicated that a total of 48,413 households were in need of housing, of which 32,891 were households consisting of two or more persons.
The total social housing output for the years 1999 to 2003 taking account of new local authority housing, vacancies arising in existing houses and output under other social housing measures met the needs of 9,200 households in 1999, over 8,600 households in 2000, 11,500 households in 2001, 12,700 households in 2002 and 13,600 households in 2003. It is anticipated that in 2004 the housing needs of around 13,000 households will be met.
Local authorities completed or acquired 3,713 units in 1999, 3,207 units in 2000, 5,022 units in 2001, 5,074 units in 2002 and 4,972 units in 2003. It is expected that local authorities will complete or acquire in the region of 5,000 units in 2004, including completions under regeneration programmes.