§ Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider offering financial incentives to elderly people who wish to move into smaller accommodation.
§ Mr. FreesonLocal authorities have power to assist their tenants who move to another dwelling, whether privately or publicly owned, with removal and associated expenses. Under Circular 64/75 applications for the purchase of large houses owned by elderly people, which produce a useful housing gain, will be considered sympathetically.
§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider issuing firmer guidelines to local authorities on the number of sheltered housing units for the elderly, set as a norm or target.
§ Mr. ArmstrongI think it would be more useful to relate guidance to the 221W scale and range of the housing needed by old people, rather than to try to set targets for just sheltered units. I have this in mind.
§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will commission a survey measuring the quantity of sheltered housing units already available for the elderly.
§ Mr. ArmstrongI am considering the scope for obtaining information on the amount of sheltered housing which exists and is planned.