§ Sir G. Sinclairasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what special financial help he is making available to housing associations dealing with the special problems of housing in the twilight areas of the main city centres.
§ Mr. MellishThe Housing Subsidies Bill at present before Parliament includes new provision for grants towards the cost incurred by housing associations in acquiring older property for conversion, in addition to the grants at present payable towards the cost of conversion and improvement. The grant will be three-eighths of the loan charges for a period of 20 years on the cost of acquisition, conversion and improvement.
§ Sir G. Sinclairasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what grants he proposes to authorise for the conversion into flats of acceptable standards of structurally sound houses in the twilight areas of the main city centres compulsorily acquired by local authorities.
§ Mr. MellishLocal authorities already receive Exchequer assistance when they provide flats by converting older properties. Payment is made over 20 years equivalent to three-eighths of the authority's loan charges on the cost of the works, subject to a normal maximum cost of £1,000. The existing provisions governing these payments are included in the Government's review of legislation affecting older houses.