HC Deb 10 May 1978 vol 949 cc1176-8
14. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what Government funds were taken up by local authorities last year for the modernisation of council houses.

Mr. Armstrong

The final figures for 1977–78 are not yet available. In the first three quarters of that year it is estimated that expenditure by local authorities in England totalled about £242 million: judged by previous years the final quarter is likely to show a significantly higher rate of expenditure than that of the earlier quarters.

Mr. Atkins

Although those funds are very welcome, is my hon. Friend aware that the wholesale introduction of central heating, sometimes without the tenant's consent, has in a minority of cases certain disadvantages—such as persistent condensation and fungus on walls, inability to pay bills through lack of control, and the lack of choice of alternative fuel?

Mr. Armstrong

That is a very important matter, which has given us some difficulty in different areas. We have set up a working party and published our first bulletin. We are trying to deal with this problem.

Sir Anthony Royle

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is increasing concern among residents in council houses alongside the South Circular Road? Will he give immediate consideration to the possibility of providing grants for double glazing, as provided for relief from aircraft noise, for residents in council accommodation alongside this very noisy arterial road?

Mr. Armstrong

The general matter of council housing is one for local authorities and their use of resources. The hon. Gentleman should write to me about any special measures of the kind that he outlines.

Mr. Madden

Does the Minister share my concern about mean councils, such as the Tory-controlled Calderdale council, which modernise properties but then give very little to tenants, including the elderly, to redecorate and carry out consequential repairs? Will he insist on a standard rate for redecoration allowances for tenants when modernisation takes place against their will, or, indeed, with their agreement?

Mr. Armstrong

The relationship between central Government and local authorities is a difficult matter, but improvement grants leave a great deal of jurisdiction to local authorities. That is in accordance with general policy.

Mr. Rossi

Will the Minister confirm whether percentage approval of local authority-planned expenditure under block 2 of the housing investment programme, which relates to improvements, compares very unfavourably with the percentage approval under block 1? Is this not contrary to the housing strategy laid down in the Government Green Paper?

Mr. Armstrong

I do not think so. We are allowing as much flexibility as we can in respect of transfers within the blocks. We are also expanding the resources to be spent in these blocks next year. I think that the hon. Gentleman will find that local authorities will be able to cope.