We have enhanced the strategic planning role of local authorities by giving them responsibility for producing local housing strategies which will lead to a better analysis of the need for the provision and improvement of social housing across Scotland. Delivery against those needs will be assisted by the development programme of Communities Scotland (including resources which may transfer, in due course, to local authorities), the New Housing Partnership and Community Ownership programme and the housing programmes of local authorities operating, from 2004-05, within the prudential framework for capital expenditure.