§ Mr. Molyneauxasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the incentives available for improving privately rented accommodation in Northern Ireland; and what plans he has to stimulate further improvement.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeUnder the Housing Act (Northern Ireland) 1971, grants equal to half the cost, within a maximum limit, are available to owners of privately rented houses to enable them to carry out full-scale improvements.
Standard grants equal to half the cost, also within a maximum limit, are available to owners, or with the consent of the owner to tenants, of dwellings to which the Rent Restriction Acts apply, for the provision of basic amenities. An owner may increase the rent of a dwelling to which the Rent Restriction Acts apply by 12½ per cent. of the net cost of any improvements, provided that the tenant has agreed in writing to their being done, 49W and acknowledged that the rent may be thus raised.
There are no plans at present for further incentives.