HC Deb 20 December 1982 vol 34 cc661-2
11. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the level of expenditure on house renovation grants in the first six months of the current year; and how this figure compares with the figure for the first six months of last year.

12. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much has been spent on house renovation grants in Wales in the first half of the current financial year; what were the figures for the previous three years; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Wyn Roberts)

Expenditure on house renovation grants, in the first half of 1982–83 was £13.9 million compared with £6.7 million in the first half of the last financial year. Expenditure in the whole of 1981–82 was £17.2 million, in 1980.81 £14.0 million and in 1979–80 £13.7 million. If, as I expect, the present trend continues, total expenditure in this financial year is likely to exceed £30 million. Therefore, it is clear that the 90 per cent. grant rate which now applies to intermediate and repair grants is having a dramatic effect, which is why we recently extended this measure for the whole of the next financial year. We have introduced special arrangements in this and the next financial year which will help all Welsh local authorities to meet the demand for grants, the need for which is amply illustrated in the Welsh house condition survey published last month.

Mr. Knox

I welcome the doubling of expenditure in the first six months of the current year compared with the previous year. May I ask what further steps my hon. Friend intends to take in view of the findings of the latest house condition survey?

Mr. Roberts

Some aspects of the survey, such as the fall in the number of houses lacking basic amenities, are encouraging. However, as my hon. Friend suggests, there is a great deal still to be done. As I said, we have extended the period of the 90 per cent. repair and intermediate grants to 1984. We have also started the enveloping initiative, which should provide local authorities with a fast and direct means of getting to grips with the problem of the decaying housing stock. The poor condition of the houses in which so many old-age pensioners live is causing us a great deal of concern, and we are considering ways of helping them more effectively.

Mr. Grist

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great importance that Cardiff attaches to such renovation grants? Many houses that were built 70 or 90 years ago have reached the point at which if they are not saved they will fall into complete disrepair. What co-operation is my hon. Friend getting from local authorities in the Principality?

Mr. Roberts

I urge all local authorities to meet the demand for grants with all the vigour that they possess. Some councils are refusing to issue the necessary application forms, or are making difficulties about them. I condemn them, as well as those that limit the availability of grants or the percentages available for the various categories of grant. It is vital that all those who apply for grants should be considered.

Mr. Coleman

When making allocations to local authorities for housing improvement grants, does the Minister take into account the number of unfit dwellings and the number of those that lack one or more basic amenities in each local authority area?

Mr. Roberts

Of course such matters are taken into account. In addition, a local authority's allocation of those grants is taken into account when deciding the future allocation.