§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at what date the present qualifying value limits for house improvement grants were first announced; what has been the percentage increase since that date in house prices in Northern Ireland; and whether he will make an order adjusting the limits by at least that percentage.
§ Mr. CarterHouse renovation grants are based on "the appropriate percentage" of "the eligible expense". In addition, for improvement and repairs—though not intermediate—grants certain "net annual value limits" apply in the case of owner-occupied dwellings.
Prior to 1 October 1978 the appropriate percentage was generally 75 per cent. but up to 90 per cent. in cases of special hardship, for dwellings in housing action areas. From that date a rate 77W of 100 per cent. has applied to all grants towards dwellings of net annual value below £60.
The current limits of eligible expense were fixed on 1 September 1977. There are no plans at present for increasing these limits which are the same as those which apply in England and Wales.
The current net annual value limits of £225 and £130 which, with certain exceptions, apply respectively in the case of improvement and repairs grants for owner-occupied dwellings, were fixed on 1 September 1977. These limits were not determined by reference to increases in the cost of housing and there are no plans at present for increasing them generally.
Between 1 September 1977 and the last quarter of 1978 it is estimated that the average price of houses in Northern Ireland has risen by about 25 per cent.