§ Mr. Nicholas Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement regarding the 291W administration of home improvement grants for unmodernised property, in (a) England and Wales and (b) the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
§ Sir George YoungThe Government are committed to the improvement and repair of the substandard housing stock and home improvement grants are an important feature of this policy. The operation of the grant system is currently under review.
Local authorities administer grants in their areas and Newcastle upon Tyne city council is responsible for determining grant applications in Newcastle, in accordance with its local housing investment policies and priorities.
The grant system in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the number of applications for house renovation grants received before 1 April 1984 which did not qualify for the higher rates of grant because they did not contain particulars of the proposed works, with a plan and an estimate of the cost of the work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungLocal authorities administer the home improvement grant system and are responsible for deciding whether grant applications have been submitted in accordance with the requirements of section 57 of the Housing Act 1974, as amended.
The information requested is not available to my Department.