§ Mr. Chris DaviesI beg to move amendment No. 2, in page 47, line 2, at end insert:—
'(e) the period from its receipt within which an application for a home repair assistance grant shall be determined; the giving of written notice of determination; and the provision of reasons for any adverse determination.'Amendment No. 2 ensures that the regulations provide a fair and open method of handling grant applications. The amendment requires local authorities to determine applications promptly, to give written notice of their decisions and, in particular, to give reasons in writing if they refuse assistance. The Bill already requires the Secretary of State to provide for the manner of making an application for home repair assistance, the content of such an application, the procedure for dealing with applications and the method of determining the amount of payment. The procedures have been laid down so definitively that it seems entirely reasonable and modest to me that provision be made for applicants to be given the courtesy of prompt attention and written responses from local authorities. I look forward to hearing the Minister's response to my simple plea.
§ Mr. ClappisonI have some sympathy for the point that the hon. Gentleman has made. The amendment has worthy aims in that it seeks to ensure that the applicant for home repair assistance has his application determined in good time by a local authority and is given any reasons for decisions reached on the application. These circumstances are already provided for in relation to mainstream grants, and we believe that local authorities should operate in a similar manner for home repair assistance. However, we do not believe that an extension to the scope of the Secretary of State's regulation-making powers—as proposed in the hon. Gentleman's amendment—is necessary.
Clause 79(1)(b) already provides for the Secretary of State to make regulations in relation to the procedure for dealing with applications. We intend that this will be used to provide that an authority shall inform an applicant in writing and within six months of the receipt of an 66 application whether it proposes to give assistance and the reasons for a refusal. I hope that this meets the concerns of the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. DaviesI am almost shocked to hear that relatively pleasing response from the Minister, and I thank him.
I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Amendment made: No. 123, in page 47, line 6, at end insert—
§ '( ) Regulations under subsection (2) may proceed wholly or in part by reference to the provisions relating to entitlement to housing benefit. or any other form of assistance, as they have effect from time to time.'.—[Mr. Brandreth.]