§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what types of structural and exterior repair of a dwelling will qualify for the mandatory 90 per cent. grant announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer during the debate on the Address; and where detailed explanations of qualifying conditions are available to the public.
§ Mr. StanleyRepairs grants are mandatory only in respect of works specified in a notice served by a local authority under section 9 of the Housing Act 1957. In all other circumstances repairs grants are discretionary and it is for local authorities to decide whether or not to give a grant. It also falls to an authority to decide what substantial and structural repair works shall be eligible for grant. Advice on repairs grants is given in appendix B to DOE circular 21/80—of which paragraph 76 deals with mandatory grants—and in housing booklet No. 14 "Home Improvement Grants" where anyone who is considering applying for a grant is advised to inquire first of his local authority.