§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many householders have to date applied for, or obtained financial assistance for, domestic thermal insulation; what has been the average assistance per applicant; how much of such financial assistance has been financed by local government; and how much by his department.
§ Mr. ArmstrongLocal authorities may pay an improvement grant for loft insulation to meet the special needs of elderly or disabled persons who cannot reasonably meet the whole cost themselves. Prior to the issue of DOE Circular 38/77, the consent of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State was required to the approval of such applications and this was given in three cases covering 10 dwellings. For nine of these dwellings the average grant paid was £19; the amount paid on the other dwelling is not known. Since then local authorities have had discretion to decide such cases themselves, and I have no information about the number or value of grants approved for this purpose.
The normal rate of grant is 50 per cent. of the cost and this attracts a Government contribution of 75 per cent. of the notional loan charges. In housing action areas and general improvement areas where higher rates of grant apply, the Government contribution is 90 per cent.