HC Deb 03 February 1992 vol 203 cc1-2W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how(a) personal allowances and (b) housing premiums are established within applicable amounts calculated against net weekly income, for the purposes of renovation grant applications; and what account of regional cost variations is made in this process.

Mr. Yeo

The personal allowances and premiums used to calculate the applicable amount in the test of resources for house renovation grants are based on those used for housing benefit. They cover the essential weekly living expenses of the individual grant applicant and the applicant's family and are uprated annually in line with changes to housing benefit. The universal grant premium of £22 per week awarded to all grant applicants is intended to cover other household outgoings, including housing costs. It is also uprated annually in line with inflation. No account is taken of regional cost variations.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how(a) housing premiums and (b) personal allowances take account of individual circumstances; and what influence mortgage rates or rent variations have upon assessments.

Mr. Yeo

The test of resources for house renovation grants largely follows housing benefit rules in taking account of the individual circumstances of grant applicants. Each applicant and relevant person associated with an application is awarded personal allowances to reflect their particular needs. A variety of premiums may also be awarded in respect of special needs such as lone parenthood, old age or disability. These are added together to provide an overall assessment of individual needs. The £22 grant premium which all grant applicants receive to cover other household expenses, including housing costs, is then added to the total. Changes in interest rates are reflected in the calculation of the national loan a grant applicant is deemed able to afford. No account is taken of rent variations.