HC Deb 05 March 1980 vol 980 c257W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on insulation grants for private dwellings; what central Government expenditure for this purpose has been authorised in the current financial year; and what is the estimated expenditure in 1980–81 for this purpose.

Mr. Stanley

The purpose of the homes insulation scheme is to conserve energy by encouraging the installation of loft insulation. For 1979–80 the self-contained allocation for private sector insulation grants was £23.5 million; the estimated outturn is about £12 million: for 1980–81 the allocation is £9 million (all figures at 1979 survey prices).

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what directives, instructions or guidance have been given to local authorities concerning the application of local government expenditure to the purpose of insulation of private dwellings.

Mr. Stanley

Local authorities have been given directions and advice on the administration of the homes insulation scheme in Department of Environment circulars 60 /78 and 27/79. Under the scheme authorities receive a self-contained allocation for insulation grants. They are fully reimbursed for the grants which are made for loft insulation and they are paid fixed fees to cover their administrative expenses.