§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many grant applications were received in each Northern Ireland Housing Executive grants office since the commencement of the provision in the Housing Order 1992; and how many applications were (i) approved, (ii) refused and (iii) under consideration.
§ Mr. AtkinsThis is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but the chief executive has advised me that the information requested is as follows:—
The test sets income and capital returns against appropriate allowances. Any resultant excess of income over allowances is translated into a borrowing power, to determine the amount which individual grant applicants are deemed to be able to contribute towards the cost of the works. The treatment of income and capital, the various allowances and the formula for arriving at the borrowing power, are contained in the House Renovation etc. Grants (Reduction of Grant) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992—statutory rule 1992 No. 412—copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library. There is no income bar on applications for housing grant.