§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to publicise the powers of local authorities, under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, to offer people interest-free loans to assist with the purchase of alternative accommodation where their own property is not suitable for adaptation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonSection 111 of the Local Government Act 1972 contains very wide powers enabling a local authority to do anything to assist in the discharge of its functions. It is a matter for local authorities to decide the way in which it is appropriate to use these provisions.
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§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will list in the Official Report all local authorities in England and Wales which are offering disabled people interest-free loans to assist with the purchase of alternative accommodation where their own property is not suitable for adaptation under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972.
§ Mr. NewtonLocal authorities are not required to seek my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's approval for any action they propose to take under the provisions of section 111 of the Local Government Act, 1972, and information is not available centrally to identify authorities using these powers or the purposes for which they are used.