§ 17. Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received concerning the extension of grants for rewiring older property.
§ Sir George YoungI have recently received representations from hon. Members, local authorities and members of the public about the extension of home improvement grants for rewiring older property.
§ Mr. BowdenWill my hon. Friend consider allowing a separate grant for rewiring, so that many people, particularly the elderly, can live in comfort and safety?
§ Sir George YoungWhere an improved electrical installation is required to meet the approved standard, such work is eligible on its own for an improvement grant at the local authority's discretion. In other circumstances, rewiring may be grant-aided as a repair associated with improvement works with either an improvement or intermediate grant. We have no plans at the moment to change this arrangement.