Housing Expenditure (Cuts)

HC Deb 11 May 1981 vol 4 cc476-7

11. Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of the State for Wales what information he has on the practice of Welsh local authorities in respect of improvement grants as a result of the Government's cuts in expenditure for housing.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

Apart from certain mandatory grants governed by statute, local housing authorities have discretionary powers to award grants. I am aware that some authorities have said that they intend to suspend or restrict discretionary grants, though they are aware of the importance the Government attach to the improvement of our housing stock.

Mr. Anderton

Is the Minister aware that many local authorities are not now giving discretionary grants and that that has put the clock back a decade in Wales? Is he aware that unfit homes which have the standard amenities are not now able to receive grants and that the housing action areas which he has declared are of no use because no money is available in many authorities to give residents the cash to improve their homes?

Mr. Roberts

I have visited housing authorities in Wales and I have stressed to them the simple point that they can increase their housing allocations by the sale of council houses and increase their net receipts. That is why we want them to sell council houses, so that they can increase their allocations. They are free to apply that increase to improvement grants.