§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to give financial assistance to local authorities wishing to provide a communication link to elderly people's housing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungThe installation of alarm systems in local authority housing is already an admissible cost for housing subsidy. We have also recently advised authorities—in DOE circular 6/83—that the installation of certain alarm systems which are not readily removable can be eligible for home improvement grants when installed as a work of adaptation for the disabled. Exchequer subsidy is paid at the rate of 90 per cent. on such grants.402W Social services authorities also have powers to install alarms for elderly people in private houses, where they deem it necessary.