§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average time taken to process a house improvement grant in the city of Liverpool; and what is the current backlog of applications.
§ Sir George YoungOn 10 November my Department was informed by Liverpool city council that it had a backlog of 7,000 home improvement grant cases and that the delay between grant application and approval was about 12 months. Administration of the home improvement grant system is, however, entirely a matter for individual local authorities. I therefore suggest that the hon. Member approaches the council direct for up-to-date information, and to establish what action it is taking to deal with the situation.