I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.
Funding for the affordable housing and shared ownership schemes in 2006 is partly included in the Abridged Estimates Volume published last week and partly included in the public capital programme, details of which will be published on 7 December, budget day. The total 2006 provision for both schemes will reflect the outcome of a review of the loan and income limits and levels of subsidy recently conducted by my Department. Details will be announced next month. While the setting of a maximum house value under the shared ownership scheme is a matter for local authorities, terms and conditions of both schemes are kept under continuous review.
In accordance with their scheme of letting priorities, local authorities have regard to the household income when assessing an application for social housing. However, the application of an income limit and the manner of its operation is a matter for individual local authorities but they must be satisfied that applicants have a long-term need for housing and are unable to provide it from their own resources.