HC Deb 17 December 1980 vol 996 c184W
10. Mr. Stallard

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that the elderly and disabled are aware of the provisions in the Housing Act 1980 with regard to improvement and repair to property.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

As my right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction announced last week, all the provisions in the Housing Act 1980 relating to improvement and repair have now taken legal effect; eligible expense limits have also been increased, and higher rates of grant will be available in priority cases. All the changes, including those of particular relevance to the elderly and disabled, are set out in a new DOE/Welsh Office booklet, "Home Improvement Grants" copies of which are in the Library. We have published advertisements in the press to inform the public that this booklet, like the others in the series of Housing Booklets, is available from local authorities, housing aid centres, citizens' advice bureaux and rent officers. or direct from the Department.