HC Deb 19 December 1983 vol 51 cc33-4W
Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish part II of the English house condition survey.

Mr. Gow

The report is being published today and copies have been placed in the Library of both Houses.

The results of the survey can be summarised as follows:

  1. (i) Compared with those living in satisfactory housing, households in unsatisfactory conditions (regardless of tenure) were more likely to be elderly, single or 34 couples living alone, to be on low incomes or not in full time employment and to be long term residents. Since 1976 there has been an increase in the proportion of low income and relatively long term residents in the unsatisfactory stock.
  2. (ii) Households often under-rated the extent of defects. Where they did recognise problems and were motivated to tackle them the majority of those living in the very worst housing could not afford to finance the necessary remedial works without grants. Where problems were less severe many households could afford to carry out the work from income, savings and loans.
  3. (iii) The survey estimates that during 1981 works to a total value of over £10 billion were carried out on the stock, Do-it-yourself made an important contribution to the overall level of renovation. Satisfaction with contracted work was high.
  4. (iv) The survey identified considerable further scope for area action, clearance and compulsory renovation by local authorities. Where statutory improvement areas had been declared there had been a reduction in the number of dwellings which lacked basic amenities and unfitness, and disrepair had been held. Where the potential for such areas existed but they had not been declared the housing showed serious deterioration.

The Government are at present reviewing the operation of the grant system to improve the efficiency with which we tackle the problems which the house condition survey highlights.

Since the survey took place in 1981 there has been a major increase in take-up of home improvement grants. In 1981–82, 72,000 grants were paid, for 1982–83 the number was 132,000 and in 1983–84 over 200,000 grants are expected to be given. I expect spending on grants next year to continue at historically high levels.