§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to permit local authorities to raise the grant levels from £5,000 to £7,000 in housing action areas, full improvement grant areas, and general improvement grant areas.
§ Mr. StanleyUnder present legislation the eligible expense limits for improvement grants are set on a national basis by the Secretary of State. There are no present plans for a general increase but we recognise the problem of high costs in some areas, particularly housing action areas, and are considering changes to the present rigid system of national limits.