§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many homes in each district and islands area of Scotland are ineligible for grant aid towards the cost of repairs and improvements because of the application of the rateable value threshold for that area; and what proportion of the private housing stock that represents for each area.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonRateable value limits were introduced in 1974 with the intention of excluding from grant assistance some 20 per cent. of homes in each housing authority district. The actual numbers excluded may have varied over time. The limits are not an absolute bar on entitlement to grant. They are waived where local authorities take action on houses in the worst condition or where lead plumbing is to be replaced or levels of radon gas reduced. Neither are they applied for works to adapt a house for a disabled person.