§ Mr. Jim Spicerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he considers it necessary that his approval should be given for improvement grant applications in respect of owner-occupied conversions of two or more properties into a lesser number where the rateable value exceeds £225 and is below £350.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe rateable value limits for applications for improvement grants by owner-occupiers are designed to direct resources to those most in need.
The increase in the rateable value limits for conversions, which came into effect in April 1976, was designed to facilitate conversions which result in housing gain. Only in very limited circumstances would it be appropriate to apply the increased limits where a proposed conversion results in a decrease in the number of dwellings.