§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what provision he is making to ensure grant entitlement under the home energy efficiency scheme for those who cannot complete and sign their application forms for reasons of illiteracy, disability, illness or incapacity.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryUnder the Home Energy Efficiency Grants Regulations 1990, the applicant for a grant under the home energy efficiency scheme must be a householder, although the person in receipt of a qualifying benefit may be the householder or the householder's spouse. There is no requirement for the applicant to complete the form him or herself, although the applicant is required to sign.
For the very few cases where the inability to sign an application form causes difficulties, we are examining urgently whether the regulations would permit some form of proxy signature or other alternative. In the event that no satisfactory solution can be found, amending regulations will be introduced at an early opportunity.