HC Deb 07 July 1980 vol 988 cc52-3W
Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to increase the provision of housing for persons with physical and mental disabilities.

Mr. Stanley

In announcing the HIP allocations for 1980–81, my right hon. Friend said that he believed the emphasis of public sector housing policy should now be on meeting particular needs such as those of the elderly and the handicapped. Provision for the elderly and the disabled is one of the Housing Corporation's main priorities this year.

In addition, the new and more flexible improvement grant system provided for in the Housing Bill will give local authorities discretion to waive rateable value limits for cases where works are for making a dwelling suitable for a disabled person. In conjunction with DHSS, we propose to undertake a study to monitor the operation of Circular 59/78 "Adaptations of Housing for People who are Physically Handicapped".

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that there is at present adequate monitoring of the provision of special housing for the disabled and elderly; and what monitoring will take place in the event of the Housing Bill becoming law.

Mr. Stanley

Information about housing authorities needs and plans are obtained from the local housing strategies and investment programmes. In addition, the Department regularly collects information about local authority and housing association provision of new dwellings specially designed for the chronically sick and disabled, sheltered accommodation for the elderly, and improvement grants for dwellings occupied by disabled people.

These arrangements will continue following enactment of the Housing Bill.