§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities treat receipt of rent rebates as a qualification for 90 per cent. improvement or insulation grants.
§ Sir George YoungNinety per cent. improvement grants are available for those who would not, without undue hardship, be able to finance the cost of the works not met by grant at the ordinary rate. The definition of hardship in particular cases is a matter for local authorities' discretion. Eligibility for rent rebates is one criterion that authorities might well use. The Department does not collect information on the criteria they adopt.
All local housing authorities are required to regard an applicant as eligible for 90 per cent. grant under the homes insulation scheme who is in receipt of rent rebate and has attained the age of 65, if a man, or the age of 60, if a woman, or who, or one of whose dependents, is severely disabled.
§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many pensioners will lose their qualifying status for 90 per cent. improvement or insulation grants after losing entitlement to housing benefit as a result of changes announced within the Chancellor of the Exchequer's autumn statement.
§ Sir George YoungI shall answer this question shortly.