§ 9. Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Wales when public finance will 906 be made available to local authorities in Wales in the financial year 1976–77 for purposes of loans to householders seeking to improve their homes; and how this compares with the figure for 1975–76.
§ Mr. Alec JonesPublic finance will be available for local authority lending in Wales in the financial year beginning on 1st April 1976, but the amount has not yet been finally determined. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to make a further announcement shortly.
§ Mr. KinnockIs my hon. Friend aware that without there being an advance in the amount of money available to local authorities to provide loans for topping up home improvements we shall effectively bring a halt to this most important sector of Welsh housing development? May I express the wish that, unlike the situation in England, there will be an enormous increase in the amount of money available for this purpose in Wales?
§ Mr. Alec JonesMy hon. Friend will have to await the announcement of the exact amount that will be allocated for this purpose. We are anxious to strike a balance between continuing to fund this essential service and, at the same time, making economies in public expenditure. Such economies are necessary in the fight against inflation.
§ Mr. HoosonMay I reinforce the plea of the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. Kinnock)? It is clear that the precise amount has not yet been determined, but has a policy decision been taken? Has it been decided that local councils may approve plans submitted for the improvement of property in this way and without any limit, or are they to be restricted until 1st April before deciding what to do?
§ Mr. Alec JonesOnce the allocation has been made it will be for local authorities to decide what proportion of their allocations shall be devoted to loans for house purchase and loans for home improvements. We shall be asking local authorities to give greater weight, in the coming year, to loans for house improvements.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is important to concentrate on priority improvements if the 907 maximum benefit is to be derived from the money?
§ Mr. Alec JonesIt is essential that local authorities concentrate the money on priorities. For that purpose we have held continuing consultations with the Council for the Principality to try to come to an agreement about the priorities on which the money should be used.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that there has been a drastic reduction in the general amount of financial aid available for home improvement in Wales since 1972 and 1973? Does he further agree that high priority should be given to the many old homes that exist in Wales in the use of whatever resources are generally made available for housing in the Principality?
§ Mr. Alec JonesWe are conscious of the need to improve older houses, particularly in the private sector. For that purpose we shall be making the allocation effective from April of the coming year. One of the problems is that the general Welsh housing position has been worsened by the abysmal record of the Conservative Party.