HC Deb 16 January 1974 vol 867 cc537-9
25. Mr. Conlan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will authorise local authorities to receive and consider applications for upward revision of improvement grants previously approved where estimates are increased because of higher costs of materials.

Mr. Eyre

This is a matter of interpretation of the Housing Act 1969 and is the responsibility of individual local authorities in relation to particular cases. My right hon. and learned Friend takes the view, on advice, that once a grant has been approved it cannot be subsequently increased to take account of rising prices. He is, however, considering the matter in connection with the forthcoming legislation arising from the Government's review of policy on older housing.

Mr. Conlan

Will the hon. Gentleman understand that that will not meet the immediate problems? People have already received approvals, and because of rising costs they want upward revisions. If this decision is not changed very quickly it will mean either that the owner will have to bear an unfair proportion of the cost or that the improvement will not be carried out. Furthermore, will the hon. Gentleman consider changing the date of June of this year, when improvements have to be completed for grant purposes?

Mr. Eyre

As the hon. Gentleman knows, when it comes to a matter of law one cannot make exceptions to meet hard cases, however deserving they may be. It is sad that the interpretation of the 1969 Act should have produced that result. I cannot anticipate the contents of the Bill, but it will be presented to the House as soon as possible.

Dame Irene Ward

I thank my hon. Friend for saying that the Government are considering the position with regard to older houses, but I am a little puzzled by that in view of the fact that most improvement grants go to older houses. In a way we are getting what is required, but because of rising prices people who have an agreement for improvement grants should have the increased costs taken into consideration. I want a clearer statement than has been made so far.

Mr. Eyre

My hon. Friend knows that there has been a great concentration of resources on improving older houses. The programme has been very successful and has produced great social advantages in towns such as that represented by my hon. Friend.

As I have said, I cannot anticipate the precise contents of the Bill, but my right hon. and learned Friend is most anxious that this measure, which will improve the machinery for dealing with a continuing programme for improving elder houses, is introduced at the earliest possible opportunity.

Mr. Blenkinsop

May we have a clear assurance that the Bill will be introduced before the next election?

Mr. Eyre

I have said that it will be introduced into the House as soon as possible in the coming Session.