HC Deb 12 May 1976 vol 911 cc193-4W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what the total sum of Government grants for house improvements was in each of the most recent five years for which figures are available; and what is the estimated expenditure in the current year.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Exchequer contributions towards loan charges on expenditure by local authorities, new towns and the SSHA on house improvement amount to1971–72, £0.3 million; 1972–73, £0.5 million; 1973–74, £1.0 million; 1974–75, £4.5 million; 1975–76, £8.3 million; 1976–77, £9.8 million (estimated). In addition, further amounts, which it is not possible to identify separately, are paid to local authorities in respect of these loan charges through housing expenditure subsidy.

Mr. Harry Ewing

Population figures, so far as they are available, are given in the table below. Intercensal estimates cannot readily be made for areas other than recognised local government areas or those with defined boundaries.

Exchequer contributions towards loan charges arising from local authorities' expenditure on house improvement grants to the private sector and on grants or loans to housing associations for house improvement amount to 1971–72, £1.2 million; 1972–73, £1.5 million; 1973–74, £2.1 million; 1974–75, £4.8 million; 1975–76, £11.9 million; 1976–77, £9.1 million (estimated).