§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to amend the home energy efficiency scheme to allow residents of almshouses to qualify as householders.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesSome people who live in almshouses are at present ineligible for HEES grants because they cannot be tenants and, therefore, fall outside the definition of householder in the regulations. Following representations, I propose to amend the regulations to736W enable people in this position to qualify for HEES grants provided they meet the other eligibility requirements. I also propose to extend HEES eligibility to protected occupiers and statutory tenants under the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976, assured agricultural occupiers and cottars. The necessary statutory instrument to amend the regulations will be laid before the House as soon as possible.